With the start of Winter and the weather being chilly, many anglers are looking to wet their lines as the new year starts to race by targeting winter-time species. Cobia have made their way into Tampa Bay in great force. They are well known for their dominant presence during the late fall and early winter months. They can be found at any of the St. Petersburg grass flats, bay reefs, and channel markers. I always head to my favorite Cobia spots this time of year to find them.
Cobia desire the same structure and environment as other inshore pelagics. A place to hang out and ambush baits passing by. Choice baits to use are live shrimp, and scaled sardines. These baits should be presented on a size 2/0 – 3/0 hook free-lined, or with a split shot–or your favorite cork. You can find live shrimp at just about any bait and tackle store in the area. Some bait shops sell scaled sardines, but most of the time you have to use a cast net to catch them. I recommend catching enough to use for bait, as well as, a few extra for chumming. You will be able to find these baitfish at the channel markers and shallow-to-deep transition areas nearest boat channels. I use a 10-foot 3/8″mesh Humpback cast net to gather my bait. I can usually catch enough bait for a trip in one or two casts due to the ease of opening in the net design.
Take advantage of the cooler water temperatures, as the fish are more active in the shallows. You can sight cast, or drift fish for cobia. I recommend throwing a Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle “Gold Digger” colored topwater. This is one of my top choice cobia artificials to use if you desire to cover a large area in a small amount of time. If you’re fishing the bay side of St. Petersburg, I recommend stopping at “Mitch’s Bait and Tackle” off of 62nd Ave. and 4th St. Mitch always has everything you need for a good day of fishing.