UTERCobia fishing in Tampa Bay
In Tampa Bay, cobia peak April–May and October and are around March–November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Peak spring on the markers, nearshore wrecks and following manta rays off the beach.
Fall run back south — markers and wrecks.
Cobia in Tampa Bay, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchArrivingSpring migrants on the channel markers and under rays in the bay.
- AprilPeakPeak spring on the markers, nearshore wrecks and following manta rays off the beach.
- MayPeakStill good nearshore.
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeakFall run back south — markers and wrecks.
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish cobia near Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa
Florida's biggest open-water estuary, ringed with grass flats, mangrove islands, oyster bars and the Skyway's endless pilings, then the barrier-island passes — Johns, Pass-a-Grille, Longboat, New Pass, Big Sarasota, Venice — and a dense field of artificial reefs a few miles off the beach.
Fish Scouter charts 521 artificial reef, 267 marker / buoy, 191 wreck, 34 beach / surf spots in the Tampa Bay & Sarasota map area — the kinds cobia hold on.
What to use for cobia
- Live eelsHooked through the lips on a 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook and sight-cast to a cobia or dropped to a cobia on a ray — the eel is the cobia bait.
- PinfishHooked through the back ahead of the dorsal on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook; the small ones free-lined, the big ones on a fish-finder rig.
- Blue crabsWhole and small for permit and tarpon; halved or quartered on the bottom for black drum, redfish and cobia.
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Finger mulletLip-hooked on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and free-lined, or on a fish-finder rig in the surf. Cut mullet on the bottom for redfish and drum.
- Leader50–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook5/0–7/0
- Jig head1–1 1/4 oz
- Braid30–50 lb
Feeds in 66–84°F water, best at 68–78°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch cobia in Tampa Bay?
Peak season is April–May and October. Cobia are in Tampa Bay March–November. April: Peak spring on the markers, nearshore wrecks and following manta rays off the beach.
Where do cobia hold in Tampa Bay?
Look on wreck, artificial reef, beach / surf — around Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice.
What is the best bait for cobia in Tampa Bay?
Live bait: live eels, pinfish, blue crabs, blue runners (hardtails). Live eels: Hooked through the lips on a 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook and sight-cast to a cobia or dropped to a cobia on a ray — the eel is the cobia bait. Tackle: leader 50–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 5/0–7/0, jig head 1–1 1/4 oz, braid 30–50 lb.
What are the rules for cobia in Tampa Bay?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
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All about cobia · Tampa Bay & Sarasota, the whole year