The Cobia Have Arrived

Cobia fishing offers the best of both angling worlds: cobia are a strong, hard-fighting species ready to challenge the skill and resolve of any angler; and the fish’s firm white meat is packed full of flavor, offering a Keys seafood treat for any fishermen or woman lucky enough to bring a few fillets back to the dock.

Fortunately, many of you in town visiting the Florida Keys have arrived at the ideal time to head out and catch these exciting game fish. With the water clarity steadily improving on the reef, and the cobalt blue waters we’re accustomed to seeing pushed onto the patches and reef flats, we’re now able to locate and target big schools of cobia swimming just a few miles from land. This past week we’ve encountered packs of cobia with as many as 50 to 100 fish in each school, ranging in size from ten to 60-pounds with numerous keepers in the mix.

For those of you out fishing the reef make sure to keep your eyes peeled for cobia swimming by. They will come to the surface on sunny days and you should be able to spot the large packs of brown torpedoes on a clear day. Always keep a pitch rod and live bait handy while under throttle or anchored up on the deep reef or the patches. If you see cobia swim near the boat you want to be prepared. Also don’t be surprised if a big cobia slams your bottom bait as well. We catch cobia in all water columns and it’s not uncommon to hook one while snapper fishing.

Speaking of snapper fishing, the patch reefs remain active with big mangroves. This past week the 35 to 40-foot range seemed to be the most productive depth for mangrove snapper, cero mackerel and kingfish. As we mentioned earlier, good numbers of cobia are also being caught on the patch reefs so it’s a not a bad idea to freespool a live bait out on the surface while targeting your snappers. It’s a great way to multitask and catch a cobia or big kingfish while loading the box with mangroves.

As far as the sailfishing goes, I’m pleased to say that the bite is improving. We’re not catching mass quantities of fish but we are seeing them here and there out to 200 feet. Slow trolling live ballyhoo and large pilchards seemed to produce the best results the past couple of weeks, with most fish being caught between 110-130 feet. If you’re out slow trolling I suggest working different depths from the edge out to 200 until you find the most consistent range. In addition, big kingfish are still around the edge of the reef, mainly in 90 to 100 feet, and there are a few dolphin and blackfin tuna out there as well, ready to offer a nice reward for those who put their time in.

Your Best Bet for the Week Ahead: Sign Your Boat up for the Leon Shell Tournament, and Happy 40^th Birthday Carolyn!

This week’s best bet is twofold. First, please register your boat for the 12^th Annual Leon Shell Memorial Billfish Tournament held in Key Colony Beach, March 5-7. All proceeds benefit a truly great cause- Hospice and Visiting Nurse Association of the Florida Keys. To register your boat visit www.leonshelltournament.com, or stop by the Key Colony Beach Marina and pick up an entry form.

Second, I’d like to wish Carolyn from Sparky’s Landing a happy belated 40^th birthday (her birthday was actually Tuesday). You look not a day over 21 Carolyn! Best wishes from all of us.