When we’re out reef fishing we often have cobia circling the boat. We’ve tried all sorts of bait but they never seem to take. Any suggestions on what to try?
free line menhaden
Proline 201WA
Aloha 24ft pontoon (LooneyToon)
Old Town stern with 7.5 johnson
No expert but you might try beating the artificial on the surface. I have had success with the savage gear eels and the pink hogies eels.I like to let them drop rather than pulling them along the surface. Cobia get curious and stirred up if you slap the surface. If by chance you hook one up, keep it in the water and others will come looking. As Mechanic said, live is best and menhaden and pinfish work well.
36 ft Yellowfin Yamaha Trip 300
27 ft Seahunt Yamaha Twin 200
Biggest Cobia I’ve ever seen in my life was back when I was a mate on the old Carolina Clipper. The fish was sitting under the bow. I grabbed my spinning rod / king rig. I threw two whole squid and worked it like a jerk bait. Followed close but no hit. Next was two cigar minnows. Same deal, follow but nothing. A 10 inch live vermillion next… hit the water, sat stunned, cobia investigated and the chase was on. Whitewash and a hookup. Lost the fish after 30 minutes but the bait worked immediately. I sabiki live bait whenever im on live bottom. Nothing beats live bait.
Capt. R. Killin
21 Contender “Killin Time”