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