Cobia show up off Sebastian Inlet from winter through summer. Boats run 11 to 12 miles east to the Indian River County artificial reefs in 65 ft, and out to the 85 to 90 ft reefs. This guide covers cobia fishing out of Sebastian Inlet as local captains report it: the months, the grounds and depths, how they fish them, and who runs cobia trips from this port. It points to where to look and does not promise fish. Our cobia species guide covers the fish itself.
When cobia are off Sebastian
The season runs winter through summer. Big Easy lists cobia in February, March, July and November, and in December on the 60 ft reefs. Depth shifts with the month. These are charter reports, not survey data. For the coast-wide picture, see our Atlantic Southeast cobia guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Month and depth as listed by Big Easy:
- February: artificial reefs in the 65 to 70 ft area
- July: the 85 to 90 ft reefs
- December: the 60 ft reefs
Winter months
In February, cobia are on the artificial reefs in the 65 to 70 ft area. March and November also carry cobia in the same reports, and the December listing moves to the 60 ft reefs. Capt. Terry Wildey writes the monthly reports behind these entries.
Summer months
July is the only summer month Big Easy lists, with cobia on the 85 to 90 ft reefs.
Where boats run
Boats leave through the Sebastian Inlet north and south jetties. The T-dock is the inlet’s dock area. From there the runs split by depth and distance.
| Ground | Depth | Distance/position |
|---|---|---|
| Indian River County artificial reefs (8 reefs) | 65 ft | 11 to 12 miles east of the inlet |
| Big Easy 85 and 90 ft reefs | 85 ft | |
| Bottom north of the inlet | 100 ft | Just north of the inlet |
| Monster Hole | ||
| Gulf Stream edge |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Check the official NOAA charts and forecast before you run.
Indian River County reefs
Eight artificial reefs sit in 65 ft, 11 to 12 miles east of Sebastian Inlet. They match the February report of cobia on artificial reefs in the 65 to 70 ft area. This is the nearest ground on the list.
Big Easy 85 and 90 ft reefs
These are the 85 and 90 ft reefs, with a listed working depth of about 85 ft. They are the July ground.
Bottom north of the inlet
A 100 ft bottom ground lies just north of Sebastian Inlet. It has no name, so treat it as bottom you can sound and mark, and read the depth on your own machine.
Farther offshore
Monster Hole and the Gulf Stream edge are the two names for the outer water. Kraken Down lists cobia as an offshore target. Nauti Girl’s swordfish drop grounds, 35 to 45 miles off Melbourne and Sebastian in 1,600 ft, mark the outer range of where local boats run.
How it’s fished locally
Local fishing is reef-bottom fishing, with one eye on the water behind the boat because cobia can appear there without warning.
Keep a jig rigged
Big Easy advises keeping a cobia jig rigged. Fish pop up behind the boat over structure, and a rod that is already rigged gets the cast out before the fish leaves.
Live bait mid-water
Drift live pinfish or grunts mid-water, letting the bait work above the structure you are fishing. This is the local approach, and it pairs with the rigged jig.
Who fishes for cobia out of Sebastian
Four charters list cobia from this port:
- The Big Easy Fishing Charters: Captain Terry Wildey writes the monthly reports that carry the local season pattern. Read Capt. Terry Wildey’s monthly reports for the month-by-month picture.
- Nauti Girl Sportfishing: Captain Scott Wigal runs the 22 ft Sea Chaser center console named Nauti Girl, and the charter lists cobia. See the Nauti Girl Sportfishing fishing report.
- Kraken Down Charters: Lists cobia as an offshore target.
- Filet Show Fishing Charters: A local charter that lists cobia. Its Filet Show Sebastian fishing report is on its own site.
For the other species these boats work on the same reefs, see our coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
FAQ
When is Sebastian Inlet cobia season?
Winter through summer. Big Easy lists February, March, July and November, plus December on the 60 ft reefs.
Which reefs hold cobia off Sebastian Inlet?
The 65 to 70 ft artificial reefs in February, and the 85 to 90 ft reefs in July. The eight Indian River County reefs sit in 65 ft.
How far do boats run from Sebastian Inlet for cobia?
11 to 12 miles east to the Indian River County reefs.
What depth do cobia hold in off Sebastian?
About 85 ft on the 85 and 90 ft reefs. The listed range runs from 60 to 90 ft depending on the month.
What bait do local captains use for cobia?
Live pinfish or grunts drifted mid-water. They also keep a cobia jig rigged for fish that show up behind the boat.
Which Sebastian Inlet charters target cobia?
Big Easy Fishing Charters, Nauti Girl Sportfishing, Kraken Down Charters and Filet Show Fishing Charters.
