Cobia fishing out of Tarpon Springs runs in spring and summer and splits into two settings. Anglers sight fish the shallow flats from Anclote Key to Hernando Beach, or they work the Pinellas and Pasco artificial reefs near the surface with chum. This page covers when to go, where boats run, which grounds to look at, how the fish are caught, and who runs trips, so you can decide where to start from Tarpon Springs.
When cobia are around Tarpon Springs
Capt. Dustin puts cobia here in spring and summer, so plan trips inside that window.
General cobia biology and behavior aren’t covered on this page; the cobia species guide has them.
Where boats run
Boats work mostly the shallow flats from Anclote Key to Hernando Beach, and they fish near the surface at the Pasco artificial reefs. For the regional picture beyond this stretch of coast, read about Gulf cobia (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide). Check the official NOAA marine forecast before any run.
| Arena | Where | What it means for your run |
|---|---|---|
| Flats | Anclote Key to Hernando Beach | Shallow water, sight fishing |
| Reefs | Pasco artificial reefs | Fish near the surface, chum |
| Long run | Up to 40 miles | Due West’s 8-hour trip |
The flats from Anclote Key to Hernando Beach
The flats are the shallow-water setting where sight fishing happens. The methods section below covers how it’s done.
The Pasco reefs and longer runs
At the Pasco artificial reefs, cobia are fished near the surface. Due West’s 8-hour trip runs up to 40 miles and lists cobia, and Anclote Adventures lists cobia as well.
Grounds and structure
The grounds and structure below are near the port and come from the Pinellas and Pasco reef programs and the local keys.
| Name | Type | Identifier |
|---|---|---|
| Tarpon Springs Reef | Pinellas County artificial reef | N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0 |
| Pasco 1 and Pasco 2 | Reef areas | – |
| Pasco County Site 1 | Reef area | – |
| Pasco County Site 2 | Army tank reef area | – |
| Hellcat | WWII Hellcat airplane, Pasco County reef | PS-19 |
| Anclote Keys and North Keys | Keys | – |
| Honeymoon Island | Tarpon area | – |
| Devils Rock Yard | Named ground | – |
You can save these sites as waypoints in Breakpoint and view them against Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Tarpon Springs Reef
Tarpon Springs Reef is a Pinellas County artificial reef at N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0.
Pasco 1 and 2, Site 1 and the Site 2 army tank reef
Pasco 1 and Pasco 2 are reef areas. Pasco County Site 1 is also a reef area, and Site 2 is an army tank reef area. All of these are part of the Pasco artificial reefs, where boats fish near the surface.
The Hellcat (PS-19)
The Hellcat is a WWII Hellcat airplane at Pasco County reef waypoint PS-19.
Anclote Keys and North Keys
Anclote Keys and North Keys mark the start of the flats.
Honeymoon Island and Devils Rock Yard
Honeymoon Island is a tarpon area. Devils Rock Yard is a named ground on the same stretch of coast.
How cobia are fished here
Two local methods match the two settings. For the other species fished alongside cobia, see the coastal gamefish guides.
- Flats: sight fishing with live pinfish or chubs, or with soft plastics
- Structure: chumming the reefs
Sight fishing the flats
On the flats, local anglers sight fish with live pinfish or chubs, or with soft plastics.
Chumming structure
At the reefs, anglers chum the structure, including the Pasco reefs and Tarpon Springs Reef, and work the fish near the surface.
Who fishes for cobia out of Tarpon Springs
Three local operators list cobia:
- Due West Fishing Charters: Due West’s 8-hour trip runs up to 40 miles and lists cobia.
- Anclote Adventures Fishing Charters, Capt. Brian Riley: lists cobia.
- Capt. Dustin Hilliard: fishes spring and summer cobia here.
FAQ: cobia fishing out of Tarpon Springs
When is cobia season out of Tarpon Springs?
Spring and summer, according to Capt. Dustin.
How far do boats run for cobia?
Most boats work the flats from Anclote Key to Hernando Beach and the Pasco artificial reefs. Due West’s 8-hour trip runs up to 40 miles.
What bait works for cobia here?
On the flats, use live pinfish or chubs, or soft plastics. At structure, anglers chum.
Where is Tarpon Springs Reef?
It is a Pinellas County artificial reef at N 28 8 15.0, W 82 55 51.0.
Who runs cobia charters out of Tarpon Springs?
Due West Fishing Charters, Anclote Adventures with Capt. Brian Riley, and Capt. Dustin Hilliard all list cobia.
