Characteristics of Cobia

Cobia are always on the move, as they search for food along the beach. Try these tips to intercept cobia on the go.

Many cobia remain along the upper Gulf Coast throughout the winter months, when the South has a warm or a mild winter. A cold winter means that more cobia will migrate to warmer climates and will return to the Gulf of Mexico starting the end of March.

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Cobia are most active in water temperatures above 62 degrees. Northeast, east or southeast winds and clear days will provide fishermen with ideal sight-fishing conditions.

Cobia prefer clear water with a slight roll. A 2- to 3-foot-high sea enables anglers to see cobia better than a flat, calm sea.

Cobia will respond to the weather, which dictates migration patterns along coastal areas. If the area has had considerable north wind, expect to pinpoint the cobia further away from the beach. If the wind has blown more from the south or southwest, generally more cobia will be close in to the beach.

Cobia will hold close to the beach the first day or two after a strong southeast wind. But, as wave action stirs up the water inshore for 2 or 3 days, the cobia will move further away from the shore.