Cobia season out of Swansboro
Cobia fishing out of Swansboro runs from late spring into early summer. Boats go out through Bogue Inlet and sight-fish nearshore reefs and bait balls in Onslow Bay, which is how Swansboro boats reach the bay. Our cobia guide covers the fish and its migration in general, and the local window sits inside the Atlantic Southeast run (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide). This page lists the named grounds, gives coordinates where they exist, and describes the local methods.
Where boats run from Bogue Inlet
Boats leave through Bogue Inlet for nearshore reefs and bait balls and fish them by sight. Onslow Bay is the water on the other side of the inlet.
Nearshore reefs
The nearshore reefs are the first stop. The named reefs and rocks are listed in the next section.
Bait balls
Boats also run around bait balls and sight-fish for cobia there. Where the bait is, the cobia tend to be.
Grounds and structure near Swansboro
The table runs from the grounds nearest the inlet outward. The AR numbers follow the state’s artificial reef guide.
| Name | Designation | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Station Rock | 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W. About 2-3 miles from Bogue Inlet. | |
| Keypost Rocks | KP1 and KP2 | Directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. |
| East Rock (Bogue) | 34 35.33 N, 76 56.75 W | |
| Onslow Bay Sport Fishing Club Reef | AR-342 | Named ground |
| J. Paul Tyndall Reef | AR-340 | Named ground |
| Swansboro Rotary Club Reef | AR-345 | Named ground |
| Howard Chapin Reef | AR-330 | Named ground |
| 14 Buoy | Named ground |
The named reefs and rocks can be marked in the app’s chart view. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How cobia are fished here
Local boats use three approaches: sight casting, live menhaden, and a cobia rod kept ready while trolling for kings.
Sight casting bucktails with curly tail grubs
Sight casting is the main method. Anglers cast bucktails rigged with curly tail grubs to fish they can see at the reefs and bait balls.
Live menhaden
Live menhaden are the local live-bait option, fished to the same cobia a bucktail would be thrown at.
A cobia rod ready while trolling for kings
Boats trolling for kings keep a cobia rod rigged and ready, since a cobia can show up while they are fishing for something else. The wider range of king mackerel and other gamefish fished from this coast has its own guide.
Who fishes for cobia here
Local charters that list cobia include Southern Tides Fishing Charters with Capt. Jordan Boucher and Sandbar Safari Charters with Capt. Rob Koraly.
FAQ about cobia fishing out of Swansboro
When are cobia off Swansboro?
Late spring and early summer. Boats sight-fish nearshore reefs and bait balls out of Bogue Inlet.
How far do boats run?
The grounds are nearshore. Station Rock is about 2-3 miles from Bogue Inlet. Keypost Rocks sit directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier.
Where is Station Rock?
Station Rock is at 34 35.27 N, 77 04.11 W, about 2-3 miles from Bogue Inlet.
How do I find Keypost Rocks?
KP1 and KP2 lie directly out from the end of Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier.
What baits work for cobia here?
Bucktails rigged with curly tail grubs for sight casting, or live menhaden. Boats trolling for kings keep a cobia rod ready.
Which charters list cobia?
Southern Tides Fishing Charters (Capt. Jordan Boucher) and Sandbar Safari Charters (Capt. Rob Koraly).
