Cobia fishing out of Hatteras Village peaks in mid-May, with boats looking for fish anywhere from the edge of the Gulf Stream back to the channels that run from the sound to the inlets. Inlet and harbor details are on the Hatteras Village port page. For cobia biology and general tackle, see the cobia species guide.
When cobia are off Hatteras Village
Mid-May is the usual peak. Hatteras Release rates May through June excellent and July through September fair.
| Window | Rating per Release |
|---|---|
| Mid-May | Usual peak |
| May through June | Excellent |
| July through September | Fair |
Plan trip weeks around the peak; outside it, expect a slower bite. The coastwide migration picture is in the Atlantic Southeast cobia guide (see also the wider Atlantic Southeast guide).
Where boats run
According to Albatross, boats work two kinds of water:
- Edge of the Gulf Stream. This is the offshore run. Other species worked along the same edge are covered in the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
- Channels from the sound to the inlets. This is the close-in option for boats that stay inside and work toward Hatteras Inlet.
The named structure sits between the two.
Grounds and structure
There are four named spots to plot near Hatteras Village. Chart layers are not for navigation.
AR-230 artificial reef
An artificial reef in 70 ft of water.
The Rock Pile
The Rock Pile is in 180 ft. FishingBooker describes it as a rocky ridge south of Cape Point.
Diamond Shoal Tower
The tower is about 13 miles off Cape Hatteras.
Hatteras Inlet holes and rips
The deep holes and rips sit near the southern tip of Hatteras Inlet. They are the inside-water counterpart to the sound-to-inlet channels above.
How cobia are fished here
Three methods show up locally, each tied to its own water.
Sight casting on the ocean side
Anglers look for fish and cast to them. This suits the open-water grounds off the beach and around the reef, ridge and tower.
Cut bait at anchor in the inlet or sound
Boats anchor and fish cut bait. This is the method for the Hatteras Inlet holes and rips and for the sound-to-inlet channels.
Jig casts to fish trailing turtles
Cobia occasionally trail turtles, and anglers cast jigs to those fish.
Who fishes cobia out of Hatteras Village
Five local charters list cobia:
- Albatross Fleet: three cedar boats.
- Hatteras Release: Captain Rom Whitaker aboard The Release, a 46 ft boat per its own home page. Its season rating is the one used above.
- Open Waters Sportfishing Charters
- Sea Dream Fishing Charters
- Whatever Sport Fishing: F/V Whatever, a 34 ft Carolina Express, per its own site.
FAQ: cobia fishing out of Hatteras Village
What is the best month for cobia out of Hatteras Village?
Mid-May is the usual peak. Per Release, May through June is rated excellent, and July through September is rated fair.
How far do boats run for cobia?
Per Albatross, boats work the edge of the Gulf Stream offshore and the sound-to-inlet channels close in. The nearest supplied distance is Diamond Shoal Tower, about 13 miles off Cape Hatteras. Check the official marine forecast before the run.
Can you fish cobia without running offshore?
Yes. Anchor and fish cut bait in the inlet or sound, around the channels leading to the inlets and the deep holes and rips near the southern tip of Hatteras Inlet.
How deep is AR-230?
AR-230 is an artificial reef in 70 ft of water.
Do cobia follow turtles here?
Occasionally. Anglers cast jigs to cobia trailing turtles.
