Cobia fishing out of Naples in winter and March
Cobia fishing out of Naples happens mostly in winter on the deeper wrecks, with fish expected to arrive from March. This is a run plan for an owner-operator: when the fish are around, how far to go, which structure to work, and who else is fishing it.
Start from Naples and plan for named structure from 14 to 60 miles out. The sections below cover how the local fleet fishes it and which boats list cobia.
Winter on the deeper wrecks
Naples Fishing Boats lists winter as the cobia season here. Captain Perry reports cobia showing up on deeper wrecks in winter, and Naples Offshore Fishing Charters reports boats running to the deeper wrecks in that season.
Spring arrivals
Captain Perry expects cobia to begin arriving in March. Spring is also when the offshore fleet shifts tactics. For the Gulf-wide picture (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide), see the regional guide.
Where boats run and the structure that holds them
Deeper wrecks are the winter target, and Offshore Naples lists cobia on its 40+ mile full-day trips. Named structure ranges from a short hop to a long haul. The Kidd, at 14 miles, is a modest run, the Naples Spring Black Hole at 27.5 miles is a commitment, and Baja California at 60 miles is a long one. Distances come from the Collier County site list where it gives them.
| Site | Type | Distance and bearing from Naples | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kidd | Barge | 14 miles SSW | |
| Naples Spring Black Hole | Sinkhole | 27.5 miles out | |
| Baja California | 60 miles west | 114 ft | |
| R Tower | Air Force relay tower | ||
| L Tower | Air Force relay tower | ||
| D Tower | Air Force relay tower |
The Kidd
The Kidd is a barge 14 miles SSW of Naples, per the Collier County site list. It is the nearest named structure on that list.
Naples Spring Black Hole
The Naples Spring Black Hole is a sinkhole 27.5 miles out, per the Collier County list.
Baja California
Baja California sits in 114 ft of water, 60 miles west of Naples. That is beyond the 40+ mile range Offshore Naples lists for its full-day trips.
The R, L and D Towers
The R, L and D Towers are Air Force relay towers off Naples, and each is a named piece of structure on the local list.
Reading conditions before the run
NOAA station NPSF1 at Naples is station 8725110, at 26.132 N 81.807 W. It is the nearest NOAA station to check before committing to a 27.5 or 60 mile run. Read its wind and sea numbers and the official NOAA marine forecast before you leave the dock. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How cobia are fished out of Naples
Naples Fishing Boats says cobia take both live and artificial baits. For general cobia tactics, use the species guide.
Captain Perry describes chumming near the surface for other offshore species in spring, which is what the offshore fleet is doing as cobia are expected to arrive.
Who fishes for cobia out of Naples
These boats work the offshore grounds and list cobia. Their listings and reports are a way to learn the pattern before your own run:
- Offshore Naples Fishing Charters: 36-foot Contender.
- Naples Fishing Boats
- Off Her Radar Fishing Charters: Captain Robby Trammell.
- Chasin’ Tales Fishing Charters
- Naples Fishing Charters (Capt. Mark Ward)
- On a Mission Fishing Charters: Captain Perry writes its fishing reports.
FAQ about cobia fishing out of Naples
When are cobia off Naples?
Winter, on the deeper wrecks, per Naples Fishing Boats and Captain Perry. Captain Perry expects arrivals to begin in March.
How far do boats run for cobia from Naples?
- The Kidd is 14 miles SSW.
- The Naples Spring Black Hole is 27.5 miles out.
- Baja California is 60 miles west.
- Offshore Naples lists cobia on its 40+ mile full-day trips.
What baits do cobia take off Naples?
Live and artificial baits, per Naples Fishing Boats.
Where do I check conditions before a long run?
NOAA station NPSF1 (station 8725110), Naples, FL, at 26.132 N 81.807 W, plus the official NOAA marine forecast. Read the wind and sea numbers before you commit to the run.
What else do the deeper wrecks and offshore trips target?
The boats running these grounds fish for more than cobia. For other offshore gamefish, see the gamefish guides.
