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Cobia Old School Chumming CAPTAIN MIKE AVERY SEADUCTION CHARTERS SEADUCTION.AVERYS.NET 757-329-5137 Cobia Cobia, ling, Lemonfish, or Crabeater, Lower Chesapeake Bay from May through October. As far north as Tangier Sound and the mouth of the Potomac River. Around October, cobia migrate out of the Bay to warmer southern waters near Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Current regs are 1 per person, 37 inches or larger. 50 inches will earn a release citation, 55 lbs is weight citation. State record is 109 lbs, 2006, Joseph F. Berberich, II When Late Spring, Summer, and Fall Spring water temps approach 70 usually around May 20. First cobia reports from Ocracoke, Hatteras, and OBX from sight casting boats. First bay reports are usually western side of bay. By mid June is best for chumming. By July, cobia are more spread out and critters can be bad. Can catch all summer and fall. Sept and early Oct can be good as they stack up leaving bay. Cobia like a good running current either outgoing or incoming. Chum bite is often the best on a NE wind when sight cast conditions are poor. Where First reports are often late May early June western side of bay. Off Fort Monroe, Buckroe Pier, Bluefish Rock and Rockpile. Then York Spit Light and Back River Reef. As the waters warm the cobia go into the rivers to spawn. By late June and all summer spread out buoy lines, CBBT, shoals, or any structure in the bay. Look for drop offs, deep water next to shallow. Pick a spot and drop anchor. Give each spot a good chance but remember your are breaking up a well established chum line every time you move. Cobia often travel in pair. Tackle Medium to heavy spinning or conventional reels. Recommend against very light tackle which prolongs fight. Penn Battle or Shimano Baitrunners or TLD 15, Torium, GTI 320. 50-65 braid is about right. Fish finder rig. Short 60-80 lb mono leader snelled 8/0 – 10/0 J hook. Bank, pyramid or pancake sinker enough to hold bottom. Spinner casted out far, conventional close in. Set drags loose, let them run then engage and set hook. Cobia often grab end of bait and run a little before eating. Spread and Fight Deploy as many rods as current, crew, and boat allows. Live eels, live croaker or spot are best baits. Cut bait and bunker works too but brings in critters. Black chum bucket on bottom and chum bag on top. Menhaden oil or milk drip on top, chunk bunker periodically. Land with large landing net head first or gaff if keeping fish. Once fish is in net, point handle straight up to trap fish in net. Lift using net rims so you don’t break the handle. Once in the boat cobia go nuts. A towel over the eyes can calm them or knock out with small bat to head. Other Methods Sight cast for cobia on top. Often with school of cow nosed rays. Troll spoons or troll live bait works, will also catch reds. Casting buck tails or jigging along structure. Cut bait works too but critters can be bad. Conclusion Hardest fighting fish in the bay, sportfishing at its finest. Powerful fish make for very exciting fishing. Chumming is a great option on choppy, overcast days when sight casting conditions are poor. Get out there and give it a shot. Captain Mike Avery Seaduction Charters seaduction.averys.net 757-329-5137
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