Ready for an adrenaline-pumping fishing adventure? Trolling for cobia is the perfect way to test your skills and challenge yourself on the open waters. These powerful fish are known for their fierce fighting spirit, making them a prized catch for any angler.
With the right technique and a little bit of luck, you can land a trophy cobia that will have all your fishing buddies green with envy. So, grab your rods and join us as we go trolling for cobia in search of the ultimate catch!
Let’s look over the techniques in detail, as well as the best time, bait, and setup for cobia fishing.
Trolling For Cobia: Best Way To Do It
Trolling is a method of fishing where a baited line is drawn through the water behind a boat, and you can troll for cobia proficiently. Here is the step-by-step process and a few tips for cobia trolling.
- Firstly, use a strong and durable rod and reel, as cobia are known to be strong fighters.
- Choose the right baits and lures such as mullet or eels, artificial lures like jigs, plugs etc.
- Select the appropriate tackle. Cobia can grow to be quite large, so it’s important to use a tackle that is strong enough to handle the fish.
- Troll at the right speed which will allow the bait to move naturally through the water.
- Cobia can be found at various depths, so it’s important to pay attention to the depth of the water and adjust your trolling accordingly.
- Keep a watch out for any indications of feeding activity because these fish are known to eat on the surface and alter your trolling technique accordingly.
How Do You Rig Up For Cobia
There are a variety of ways to rig up for cobia trolling, and the specific rig you use may depend on the type of lure or bait you are using, as well as the specific fishing conditions and the angler’s preferences. Here are a few general tips for rigging up to cobia fishing.
- Choose The Right Gear: Cobia is known for their strong fighting ability, so it’s important to use gear that is strong and able to handle the strain of a large fish.
A rod and reel with fast action and a sturdy backbone, paired with a braided line or heavy monofilament line, can be a good choice.
- Select The Appropriate Hook: Depending on the lure or bait you’re using, the type of hook you use may differ. A circle hook might be a great choice for live bait because it is less likely to get hooked on the fish. A jig head or other type of hook can be used for lures.
- Attach The Leader: The lure or bait is separated from the main line by a leader, which is a length of line tied to the main fishing line. This can help to prevent the cobia from biting through or becoming entangled in the main line.
A fluorocarbon or wire made leader is a suitable option for cobia.
- Tie on the Lure or Bait: After the leader has been attached, you can tie on the lure or bait of your preference. Make sure to use a knot that is strong and reliable, such as a double fisherman’s knot or a palomar knot.
- Adjusting Leader Length: The length of the leader can affect the action of the lures or baits caught by anglers. A longer leader can allow the lure or bait to move more freely, while a shorter leader can help to keep the lure or bait closer to the main line.
A specific rig increases the chances to catch more cobia, so keep in mind to set up the best rig for cobia trolling.
What Is The Best Lure For Cobia
The best lure for a cobia fishing trip may depend on the specific parameters and the preferences of the angler. There are several lures that can be successful for cobia trolling. A few common lures for cobia fishing are listed below:
- Live Bait: Cobia are most often caught on live bait much more aggressively, as they are known to be attracted to moving prey. Some common live bait options for cobia include crabs, mullet, pinfish etc.
- Jig: Jigs are weighted hooks that are typically paired with a soft plastic tail or other bait. They may be fished at various depths and can replicate the movement of a variety of species, which makes them useful for catching cobia.
- Plugs: Artificial lures called plugs imitate the shape and motion of small fish or other prey. They are often effective for cobia because they can be fished at different depths and can be used to mimic a variety of prey.
- Bucktails Jigs: Bucktail jigs are great to use when cobia trolling. They are made with a tail of deer or other animal hair. They are bright in color and look attractive which tempted cobia to bite.
- Plastic Eels: Plastic eels, also known as soft plastic lures, are a popular choice for targeting a variety of saltwater fish species, including cobia. You can cast and retrieve a plastic eel slowly or rig it on a jighead or weedless hook and troll it behind the boat to catch cobia.
FAQs
The best time of year for cobia fishing can vary depending on a number of factors, including water temperature, the availability of baitfish, and the movements of the fish themselves. In general, cobia are most active and can be found in shallower waters during the spring and fall months of the year.
Trolling speed may differ depending on the types of bait or lure you are using, depth of the water and the behavior of the fish. Generally a trolling speed of 4-6 knots that means around 4.6 to 6.9 mph is the best speed for cobia trolling.
To increase your chances of catching and landing a cobia when casting, it’s essential to select the proper bait or lure and utilize the appropriate tackle. Artificial lures, live bait and fly fishing can be suitable options to consider when casting to cobia.
Final Thoughts
Finally trolling is a productive technique of fishing. When trolling for cobia, it’s important to use the right tackle, bait or lure, and trolling speed to increase your chances of success. Pay attention to the depth of the water and the behavior of the cobia, and adjust your tactics accordingly.
Now that you’ve become acquainted with the technique and strategy, get your gear ready, choose the best lures, and start cobia trolling. I wish you an exciting and rewarding trip for cobia trolling.
