Cobia fishing in Florida: the spring run, baits and charters
Sight fish for cobia on Florida’s Panhandle and Atlantic coast with local captains.
Cobia are big, strong and curious, and every spring they migrate along Florida’s beaches. Here’s when the run happens, how to catch cobia, and where to book a trip.
When is cobia season in Florida?
Cobia can be caught all year in Florida, but the best time is the spring migration: about February to April on the Atlantic coast and March to May along the Panhandle beaches, when cobia cruise the surface and can be sight fished. Size and bag limits differ by coast, so check the FWC cobia regulations.
Rachycentron canadumMeet the cobia
Also called: Ling, lemonfish, crabeater, brown bomber
- Typical size
- 20–50 lb and 3–5 ft; 60 lb+ fish are trophies
- World record
- 135 lb 9 oz (IGFA all-tackle, Australia, 1985)
- Where it lives
- Nearshore waters, wrecks, reefs, buoys and markers; follows rays, turtles and sharks
- How to spot it
- Long dark-brown body, flat wide head, white belly and a dark side stripe; looks like a shark in the water
- What it eats
- Crabs (hence “crabeater”), eels, squid and small fish
- Can you keep it?
- Yes, above the minimum size and within the bag limit; rules differ by coast (FWC cobia regulations)
Cobia are curious: they often swim right up to the boat to check it out.
Sight fishing vs bottom fishing for cobia
Two ways to catch a cobia:
| Sight fishing | Bottom fishing / wrecks | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Spring run, calm sunny days | Summer and fall |
| Where | Beaches, rays, buoys, markers | Wrecks, reefs, artificial reefs |
| Bait | Bucktail jigs, live eels, pinfish | Live pinfish, menhaden, cut bait |
| Why choose it | Exciting: you see the fish eat | Steady action with snapper and grouper |
Cobia fishing charters
Trips where cobia are a spring and summer target:
Cobia fishing: what to know
Tips from our captains:
The spring run
Cobia migrate along both coasts in spring. In the Panhandle, Destin captains run dedicated fishing Cobia trips from tower boats.
Where else
Find cobia in South Florida, across Florida Fishing, and on most nearshore fishing trips. Compare every fishing charter by town.
How to hook one
Cast ahead of a cruising cobia and keep the bait moving. Once hooked, cobia fight hard and often go wild at the boat, so wait for the mate to gaff or net.
Rules
Check size and bag limits in the FWC cobia regulations before keeping a fish.
Before you go
Read our sea sickness tips and find spots on Fishidy.com.
Book Destin
See all Destin FL Cobia Fishing Charters, or call or text (407) 392-4593.
Best places to go cobia fishing in Florida
Pick a port (lowest deep sea trip price on its page, or call to book):
Northeast Florida
Treasure Coast & Palm Beaches
Fort Lauderdale & Miami
Fish you catch on a cobia trip
Nearshore trips also catch:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Cobia fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Keys and South Florida
- Atlantic run starts late winter
- Follow the rays
Spring Mar–May
- Peak spring run
- Panhandle beaches
- Tower boat sight fishing
Summer Jun–Aug
- Wrecks and buoys
- Nearshore reefs
- Early starts
Fall Sep–Nov
- Fall run on some coasts
- Wrecks and reefs
- Mixed bags
Recent guest reviews
5.07 reviewsReviews from our Florida fishing trips.
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Book a cobia fishing charter
Pick a port and date, or let us match you with a cobia captain.
Destin and Panhandle cobia trips are booked by phone.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Cobia fishing FAQ
When is cobia season in Florida?
Cobia are caught year-round, but the spring migration is the main event: fish move north along the Atlantic coast from about February to April and along the Panhandle beaches from March to May. In summer they stay around wrecks, reefs and buoys.
Where is the best cobia fishing in Florida?
The Panhandle beaches from Pensacola to Destin and Panama City during the spring run, plus the Atlantic coast from the Space Coast to Jacksonville. Cobia are also caught in the Keys, Tampa Bay and on the Nature Coast.
What is the best bait for cobia?
Live eels, pinfish, menhaden, blue crabs and grunts. Bucktail jigs and big soft plastics in bright colors work great when you sight cast to a cruising fish.
How do you catch cobia?
Sight fish for cobia following rays, turtles and sharks, or cruising near buoys, markers and wrecks. Cast a jig or live bait ahead of the fish. Bottom fishing and chumming over wrecks also catches them.
Is cobia good to eat?
Yes, cobia is one of the best eating fish in the Gulf and Atlantic, with firm, white, mild meat. Keep only fish over the minimum size and inside the bag limit.
What are the cobia rules in Florida?
Size and bag limits differ between the Gulf and Atlantic and change over time. Check the FWC cobia regulations before you keep a fish.
How much is a cobia fishing charter?
Cobia trips are deep sea or nearshore charters. On iOutdoors, Atlantic-side deep sea trips start from $700 in Fort Pierce and $750 in Jacksonville; Destin cobia and Panhandle trips are booked by phone at (407) 392-4593.