Cobia fishing out of Biloxi centers on the barrier islands, with the run peaking in late April and early May. Boats with more range work offshore wrecks and rigs. This page covers timing, run distances, named structure, local methods and the charters that list cobia from Biloxi.
When cobia are around Biloxi
Cobia are around the barrier islands through the warm summer months. The run peaks in late April and early May, when Cat Island and Horn Island hold fish, and Horn Island is known for May fish in particular.
For biology and migration, see our cobia guide.
| Window | Where |
|---|---|
| Late April and early May | Barrier islands, including Cat Island and Horn Island |
| May | Horn Island |
| Warm summer months | Around the barrier islands |
Where boats run from Biloxi
Runs from Biloxi go from closest to farthest: the barrier islands first, then wrecks and tanks about 15 to 20 miles out, then the deep rigs. Match the run to your boat’s range before you pick a ground.
The barrier islands and Horn Island Bar
Horn Island Bar sits on the south side of Horn Island, a short run from Biloxi. May is the main month for Horn Island.
Cat Island
Cat Island is a barrier-island cobia ground, with fish there in late April and early May.
Offshore wrecks and rigs
The Ship Island wrecks and the Camille Cut tanks and barges sit about 15 to 20 miles offshore. Farther out, the Horseshoe rigs and salt domes sit in 300 to 400 ft, south of the Mississippi River mouth. The Ram Powell rig is an oil rig off Louisiana. For the wider picture, see our regional page on cobia across the Gulf (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide).
Offshore runs by distance:
- Wrecks and tanks: about 15 to 20 miles offshore
- Horseshoe rigs and salt domes: 300 to 400 ft, south of the Mississippi River mouth
- Ram Powell rig: off Louisiana
Checking the buoy before an offshore run
NDBC station 42040 was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Its readings come from open Gulf water well offshore of the islands, so they do not describe the Sound or the island shorelines. Read the station’s wind, wave height and period, then check the official NWS marine forecast.
Grounds and structure that hold cobia
The grounds below are listed from closest to farthest from Biloxi.
| Ground | Type | Distance or depth |
|---|---|---|
| Katrina Reef | Reef | Inshore, Biloxi area |
| Horn Island Bar | Barrier-island bar | South side of Horn Island, short run |
| Cat Island | Barrier island | |
| Ship Island wrecks | Wrecks | About 15 to 20 miles offshore |
| Camille Cut tanks and barges | Tanks and barges | About 15 to 20 miles offshore |
| MDMR offshore reef sites | Permitted reef sites | 15 sites |
| Horseshoe rigs and salt domes | Rigs and salt domes | 300 to 400 ft, south of the Mississippi River mouth |
| Ram Powell rig | Oil rig | Off Louisiana |
| Offshore ledge | Ledge |
You can read the wrecks, rigs and reef sites against Chart Contours in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Katrina Reef
Katrina Reef is inshore, in the Biloxi area.
Ship Island wrecks and Camille Cut tanks and barges
Both sit about 15 to 20 miles offshore.
MDMR offshore reef sites
MDMR permits 15 sites through the Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks partnership.
Horseshoe rigs, salt domes and Ram Powell
The Horseshoe rigs and salt domes sit in 300 to 400 ft, south of the Mississippi River mouth. Ram Powell is an oil rig off Louisiana.
The offshore ledge
The offshore ledge is part of the structure boats fish for cobia out of Biloxi.
How cobia are fished here
Local boats fish cobia by freelining live bait or jigging. Chumming and drifting are also used. For tackle detail, see our coastal and offshore gamefish pages.
Freelining live bait
Send a live bait out on a free line with no weight. Local boats name it first among cobia methods.
Jigging
Work a jig to the fish. It is the second main method used locally.
Chumming and drifting
Chumming and drifting are supporting tactics, also used locally.
Who fishes cobia out of Biloxi
These charters list cobia fishing out of Biloxi:
- Fish-On Charters: Capt. Kenny, 38-foot Bellcraft catamaran, based at Point Cadet Marina, Pier F.
- Biloxi Bluewater Charters: Captain Jerry McClure, Gunslinger, twin Cat 375 hp, 6 guests.
- Aquiline Custom Charters: Captain James.
- SYL Charters (Spray Ya Later): Captain C-Bo and his son, 31 to 32-foot Bertram sportfisher.
FAQ: Cobia fishing out of Biloxi
When do cobia show up near Biloxi?
Late April and early May around the barrier islands. Horn Island is known for May fish, and cobia stay around the islands through the warm summer months.
How far is Horn Island Bar from Biloxi?
It is a short run, on the south side of Horn Island.
How far are the Camille Cut tanks and barges?
About 15 to 20 miles offshore, the same range as the Ship Island wrecks.
What methods do local boats use for cobia?
Freelining live bait and jigging, with chumming and drifting also used.
Which buoy should I check before an offshore run?
NDBC station 42040, which was re-established about 60 NM south of 42007’s nominal position. Pair it with the official marine forecast.
