Cobia fishing out of Freeport follows the spring run north, March through May. Most of it happens within a 20 to 30 mile run of the jetties. Below are the season, the grounds, and how the fish are found and fished locally.
When cobia are off Freeport
Cobia pass Freeport from March through May, with the strongest fishing in April and May. The fish are migrating north, and that run sets the whole season. For biology and range, see the cobia species guide. For how the same run plays out along the rest of the coast, see Gulf of Mexico cobia (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide). Freeport is one stop on that Gulf-wide northward migration.
Spring run, March through May
April and May are the strongest months, so they are the best ones to plan trips around. Fish moving north pass the jetties first.
June fish on platforms and reefs
Some fish stay through June, holding around offshore platforms and artificial reefs south of Freeport. Look there once the main run thins out.
Where Freeport boats run for cobia
The northward corridor passes through water within a 20 to 30 mile run, which puts the working range inside a day trip for most boats along the Brazosport coast. The grounds below run from the jetties out to the banks.
| Ground | Depth | Distance/notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport jetties (Surfside Jetty and Freeport South Jetty) | ||
| George Vancouver (Liberty Ship) Artificial Reef (BA-336) | 60 ft | 9 nautical miles from the Freeport jetties |
| Freeport Liberty Ship (Liberty Shipwreck) reef | about 100 ft | |
| Nearshore platform clusters and natural ledges | 60 to 120 ft | |
| East Bank reef system | ||
| Buccaneer Field | ||
| Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary | Reached from Freeport on overnight charters |
Breakpoint chart layers are not for navigation.
The jetties
The Freeport South Jetty and Surfside Jetty are the first structure the run passes and the closest fish-holding water on the list.
Liberty ship reefs and nearshore wrecks
The George Vancouver (Liberty Ship) Artificial Reef, BA-336, sits at 60 ft and 9 nautical miles from the jetties. The Freeport Liberty Ship (Liberty Shipwreck) reef sits at about 100 ft. Other nearshore wrecks fill in the water between and around them.
Platforms, ledges and banks farther out
Nearshore platform clusters and natural ledges sit in 60 to 120 ft. The platforms and artificial reefs south of Freeport hold fish into June. The East Bank reef system and Buccaneer Field are part of the same grounds. The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is reached from Freeport on overnight charters.
How cobia are fished out of Freeport
Cobia fishing out of Freeport is mostly a matter of looking. The boat covers water while someone watches for fish, and the cast happens when one shows. When fish are visible, a bucktail ready on the bow is worth more than any amount of structure fishing. The search pattern is simple: follow rays, check debris, and move on if neither produces. For broader tackle and technique, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Sight fishing from the bow
The local method is sight fishing from the bow. Someone stands up front and looks while the boat moves, and the cast goes to fish you can see.
Jigs, swimbaits and live bait
Locals throw a short list of baits:
- Bucktail jigs, 3 to 5 oz
- Swimbaits
- Live eels
- Pinfish
Rays and floating debris
Boats follow large rays and watch for floating debris, either of which can lead to fish. Check both while running between grounds.
Who fishes for cobia out of Freeport
These local charters list cobia.
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters runs a 33 ft Contender, plus a 31 ft boat for 4-hour trips.
Surfside Beach Charters
Surfside Beach Charters is run by Captain Kevin Martin.
FAQ: cobia fishing out of Freeport
When is cobia season in Freeport, Texas?
March through May, strongest in April and May. Some fish stay into June.
How far offshore do you run for cobia from Freeport?
Most of the fishing is within a 20 to 30 mile run. BA-336 sits 9 nautical miles from the jetties.
How deep is the Liberty Ship reef off Freeport?
The Freeport Liberty Ship (Liberty Shipwreck) reef is about 100 ft. The George Vancouver (Liberty Ship) Artificial Reef, BA-336, is at 60 ft.
What do you throw for cobia off Freeport?
3 to 5 oz bucktail jigs, swimbaits, or live eels and pinfish, cast from the bow.
Do cobia stay off Freeport into June?
Some do, around the offshore platforms and artificial reefs south of Freeport.
