If you’re looking for a fishing trip full of excitement in a setting fit for a king, then a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is in order. Cobia are one of the most popular game fish in the coastal Carolina waters and are legendary for their sheer strength and fighting will.
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Myrtle Beach Cobia Fishing
Fishing for cobia takes special knowledge and skill, but you’ll be prepared to catch plenty of fish during your next South Carolina adventure with the correct information.
Quick Cobia Facts
- Identification: Long, slender body. Dark/black on the back with brown sides. The underside has a yellow or gray/white tint. Silver/white band runs along both sides of the Cobia.
- Other names: Black kingfish, lemonfish, black bonito, black salmon.
- Scientific name: Rachycentron canadum
- Size: Commonly grow up to 4 feet long, weighing over 50 pounds. Large cobia can exceed 70 inches.
- Habitat: Likes to lie in wait in anything that casts shade like wrecks, reefs, navigation markers, pilings, and buoys.
When is the Best Time to Target Cobia in Myrtle Beach?
Springtime is the right time to start looking for large numbers of cobia moving into Myrtle Beach waters. As the summer months approach, cobia fishing heats up even more. Peak fishing times for cobia begin in late May and run through June, July, and August, with activity tailing off in early September.
How to Catch Cobia in the Myrtle Beach Area?
The thrill of the hunt makes fishing for these amazing fighting fish challenging yet rewarding. Although there are many different ways to target them, here are a few of the most popular and effective methods for hooking up with cobia.
Bottom Fishing for South Carolina Cobia
Perhaps the most popular way to catch cobia is a combination of chumming and live bait. After drawing the attention of cobia with a menhaden-based chum, cobia fishermen can have great success using live menhaden, herring, or eels with heavy tackle and line Carolina000 rigged with a big circle hook (5/0 is a popular size). If live bait is not an option, shad chunks, cut bait, or crab pieces work well.
Sight Fishing for Cobia Near Myrtle Beach
When waters are calm, anglers can take advantage of increased visibility to spot cobia waking near the surface. Since cobia aren’t easily spooked, approaching them and pitching live bait to waking fish can produce outstanding results. For a challenging twist, fly fishing for cobia is an excellent way to sight fish if the conditions are right. For long-distance presentations, a Zara spook can do the trick.
Fishing Shade Structure for Cobia
Pitching live bait near objects that provide shade can pay off significantly for cobia setting up on things like buoys and channel markers that offer cover for ambushing prey. Menhaden are a favorite of guides and recreational anglers employing this particular tactic.
Can You Eat Cobia?
Cobia is an extremely popular seafood choice for great reasons. They’re commonly served grilled, broiled, or fried and known for their mild, sweet flavor.
Final Word
South Carolina Cobia fishing is a thrilling experience offering anglers a chance to get in on a challenging on-the-water adventure full of action, fun, and plenty of smiles.
Myrtle Beach Guide Service is well-positioned to provide you with a carefree fishing experience designed to remove the stress of trip preparation and the work associated with end-of-day cleanup. They offer incredible all-inclusive cobia excursions complete with everything you need to make the most of your time, giving you more time to fish with fewer hassles. The result is simple: more quality time with your friends and family.
Capt. Jordan has been fishing the waters of Myrtle Beach for his entire life. His background and significant experience give him the ability to “cut to the chase” to catch more fish. He is highly knowledgeable and familiar with local waters allowing him to efficiently and effectively guide his clients by taking them to the best fishing spots and employing optimal tactics.
Give Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters a call to book your next Cobia trip today. Capt. Jordan will put you on the fish!
