Where boats run for cobia out of Fort Lauderdale
Cobia fishing out of Fort Lauderdale centers on named reef and ledge structure, and cobia appear among the species on this port’s listings. What follows is a starting list of places to look, not a promise of fish.
The named structure groups around two reference points: five grounds around Hillsboro Inlet, and four more listed by name and number only. Port Everglades is the other name that appears on Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing listings. Inlet notes and conditions are on the Fort Lauderdale port page.
For timing and general behavior, see the cobia species guide and the regional picture for the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide).
Grounds and structure near Fort Lauderdale
Nine named grounds are listed: five around Hillsboro Inlet and four by name and number only. The BR numbers match these spots as they appear in Breakpoint; chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | BR number | Location as listed |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro Ledge | BR-167 | Outside Hillsboro Inlet |
| Hillsboro Domes | BR-164 | North of Hillsboro Inlet |
| Opal Towers | BR-168 | Just off Hillsboro |
| Attis Bathtub Reef | BR-158 | East of Hillsboro Inlet |
| Abby Too | BR-161 | South of Hillsboro Inlet |
| Hammerhead Reef | BR-32 | |
| The Caves – Twin Ledges S | BR-57 | |
| The Caves – Twin Ledges N | BR-65 | |
| Port Everglades Reef | BR-42 |
Hillsboro Inlet structure
The five Hillsboro grounds sit north, south and east of the inlet. Hillsboro Ledge is outside it, and Opal Towers is just off Hillsboro:
- Hillsboro Ledge (BR-167): Outside Hillsboro Inlet.
- Hillsboro Domes (BR-164): North of Hillsboro Inlet.
- Opal Towers (BR-168): Just off Hillsboro.
- Attis Bathtub Reef (BR-158): East of Hillsboro Inlet.
- Abby Too (BR-161): South of Hillsboro Inlet.
Hammerhead Reef (BR-32)
Hammerhead Reef is BR-32. Cross-check the number in Breakpoint.
The Caves: Twin Ledges S (BR-57) and N (BR-65)
The Caves are a pair of ledges, south (BR-57) and north (BR-65). Load both numbers to see them together.
Port Everglades Reef (BR-42)
Port Everglades Reef is BR-42.
How cobia fit the fishing from this port
Cobia are one of several species on Fort Lauderdale listings, and the anglers who meet them are the ones working these grounds for the other listed species. The offshore gamefish guides cover the wider mix of species fished from this coast. For method, rigs and tackle, go to the species guide linked above.
FAQ: cobia fishing out of Fort Lauderdale
Where do Fort Lauderdale boats look for cobia?
The named grounds are Hillsboro Ledge (BR-167), Hillsboro Domes (BR-164), Opal Towers (BR-168), Attis Bathtub Reef (BR-158), Abby Too (BR-161), Hammerhead Reef (BR-32), The Caves – Twin Ledges S (BR-57) and N (BR-65), and Port Everglades Reef (BR-42).
Which grounds are near Hillsboro Inlet?
Five grounds: Hillsboro Ledge (BR-167), outside the inlet; Hillsboro Domes (BR-164), north; Opal Towers (BR-168), just off Hillsboro; Attis Bathtub Reef (BR-158), east; and Abby Too (BR-161), south.
What are the Twin Ledges?
They are The Caves, a pair of ledges listed as Twin Ledges S (BR-57) and N (BR-65).
When are cobia around Fort Lauderdale?
For timing, see the cobia species guide and the regional picture for the Atlantic Southeast.
What rules apply to cobia off Fort Lauderdale?
FWC sets the rules. Check the Florida regulations page and the federal mackerel and cobia rules before you fish.
