Boats fishing cobia out of Grand Isle run offshore to rigs and structure. The working depth is about 30 ft, inside the 30 to 100 ft range Bentrod gives for cobia, and Gotta Go Fishing calls fall the most consistent time. For the species itself, see our cobia species guide. Below are named structures with depths, distances and bearings from the green No. 1 ATON off Barataria Pass, plus the charters and rodeos tied to cobia here.
When cobia are around Grand Isle
Local sources point to fall. Gotta Go Fishing’s fall species list includes cobia and calls fall "often the most consistent and productive time." That note covers inshore and coastal fishing and is not broken out by offshore month. For Gulf-wide timing, see the Gulf of Mexico cobia guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide).
Where boats run for cobia out of Grand Isle
Boats run offshore to rigs and structure. Distances and bearings below are measured from the green No. 1 ATON off Barataria Pass.
Structure positions on a chart are for planning, not navigation. Before the run, read wind, wave height and period at GISL1 (NOAA station 8761724, 29.265 N, 89.958 W) and check the official NWS marine forecast. GISL1 station readings at NDBC are public.
| Ground | Depth | Distance and bearing from green No. 1 ATON | IDs and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caminada Pass jetties | West pass | ||
| Freeport sulphur rig reef | 30 ft | About 3.9 miles | FLRA-27, Grand Isle 9 |
| Exxon-Mobil platforms | About 11 miles at 202 degrees | L, BB, CC, 9M, 019, J, P, Q, R, S, T, U, W | |
| Sandy Point rigs (West Delta) | Green Monster, MX-WD 23-3, MX-WD 24-4, MX-WD 23-FLARE No. 3 | ||
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | Crest about 206 ft | Deeper than the cobia range above |
Caminada Pass jetties
The Caminada Pass jetties are structure at the west pass.
Freeport sulphur rig reef (FLRA-27, Grand Isle 9)
The reef sits in 30 ft of water, about 3.9 miles from the green No. 1 ATON off Barataria Pass. That matches the working depth of about 30 ft. It is also known as FLRA-27 and Grand Isle 9.
Exxon-Mobil platforms southwest of Barataria Pass
The cluster lies about 11 miles at 202 degrees from the green No. 1 ATON. The platform IDs are L, BB, CC, 9M, 019, J, P, Q, R, S, T, U and W.
Sandy Point rigs (West Delta)
The West Delta platforms are Green Monster, MX-WD 23-3, MX-WD 24-4 and MX-WD 23-FLARE No. 3.
Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank)
The crest sits at about 206 ft, deeper than the 30 to 100 ft range Bentrod gives for cobia.
How cobia are fished locally and who fishes for them
Bentrod gives 30 to 100 ft for cobia, with about 30 ft as the working depth. Its offshore trip page lists cobia among the offshore species, as does Captain John’s.
Three local charters list cobia:
- Bentrod Fishing Charters (The Bent Rod): 32 ft Twin Vee offshore catamaran, 6 passengers, twin 300 HP Suzuki engines.
- Captain John’s Fin-Tastic Charters: Capt John Chauvin, with multiple boats for large parties.
- Gotta Go Fishing Charters: Capt Ricky Watts, USCG licensed, 24 ft Blazer Bay, up to 5 anglers.
For other species fished from Grand Isle and elsewhere, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Two rodeos are tied to cobia here:
- International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, usually July.
- Original Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo, usually September. Its adult divisions include cobia.
FAQ: cobia fishing out of Grand Isle
When is cobia best at Grand Isle?
Gotta Go Fishing calls fall often the most consistent and productive time for cobia fishing out of Grand Isle. That note covers inshore and coastal fishing.
How deep do local captains fish for cobia?
Bentrod gives 30 to 100 ft. About 30 ft is the working depth.
How far is the Freeport sulphur rig reef?
It is about 3.9 miles from the green No. 1 ATON off Barataria Pass, in 30 ft. It is also called FLRA-27 or Grand Isle 9.
Which buoy shows conditions off Grand Isle?
GISL1, NOAA station 8761724, at 29.265 N, 89.958 W. Read wind, wave height and period there, and check the official NWS marine forecast.
Which rodeos include cobia?
The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is usually held in July. The Original Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo is usually held in September.
Where are the rules?
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules apply in state waters, and NOAA Fisheries rules apply in federal waters. See the Regulations section above and check both before fishing.
