Cobia migrate up the NE FL coast in spring (March-May) shadowing rays, channel markers, and nearshore buoys. They're sight-fish — you spot them cruising on the surface, you cast to them. The Mayport ledge, the inshore reefs, and channel markers off Mayport and St. Augustine are productive on the spring migration.
Long brown body that looks more like a shark or remora than a typical fish, distinctive flat broad head, dark lateral stripe. Florida minimum 36 inches fork length on Atlantic coast, daily bag of 1. NE FL cobia commonly 25-45 lb; 70+ lb fish show up annually on the spring migration.
Spring (March-May) is the marquee window — the entire NE FL season runs on the migration push. Late May into June some stragglers around. Summer-fall a few resident fish around buoys and channel markers, harder to find. Winter mostly absent from local water.
This is sight-fishing. Run nearshore looking for stingrays cruising the surface — cobia often shadow rays for protection. When you spot one, cast a big bucktail jig (2-3 oz) or a free-lined live eel ahead of the fish. Lead them by 10 feet, let the bait drop into their face. The strike is sudden and the fight is immediate — they head for the bottom hard.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.