Cobia Fishing Along the South Carolina Coast
 The
cobia migration in the Port Royal Sound and the Broad River begins in mid April
and runs through the first week or two of June. These fish are migrating from
the Lower Keys to southern Virginia and move through our area in a spawning mode.
Cobia range in size from 15 pounds to 80 pounds and up. The pending state record
was recently caught in the Broad River and weighed in at a whopping 86 pounds.
 The
techniques for cobia fishing vary a bit depending upon conditions in the Sound
and River. When the wind is up and water conditions are choppy, I anchor on my
favorite "spots" and put out live baits at various depths of the water
column. A chum line is also created behind the boat. Cobia will hunt down the
source of the slick and find the baits accordingly. If the wind is light to calm,
I go mobile and sight fish for cobia cruising on the surface. This technique offers
excellent opportunities to cast flies as well as toss live baits or artificials
with spinning gear. Casting bait or lures to a 60 pound cobia cruising on the
surface is not something you will soon forget.
 The
proper tackle for catching a cobia is essential. I use stout spinning rods in
the 14-25 lb line class and spool my reels with 30 lb super braid line. Reels
should handle a couple of hundred yards of line capacity and have excellent drag
systems. Fly rods should be 10, 11 or 12 weight with floating or intermediate
sinking lines with a 9-10 foot tapered leader with an 80 lb shock tippet. This
tackle allows for a sporty fight but is stout enough to whip the cobia in a timely
fashion for the possibility of a healthy release.
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