Cobia fishing out of Miami centers on the O.L. Bodenhamer wreck, where the species is present year-round. The wreck sits on Liberty Ship Reef, about 2 miles off the coast, in about 370 ft of water.
Among the coastal and offshore gamefish you can work from this port, cobia on a wreck is one of the shortest runs to a deep-water target. This page covers the structure, depths, local method and charters. Chart layers and the figures here are not for navigation.
When cobia are around Miami
Cobia are present year-round at the O.L. Bodenhamer wreck, with no off-month at that structure. For how cobia live and move, see the species guide. For Miami, the wreck is the place to start.
- Where: O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef
- When: year-round
- Method: wreck fishing
Where boats run
Everything below is measured from the beach, not from a distant offshore bank.
O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef
The wreck sits in about 370 ft, about 2 miles off the coast, and holds cobia year-round. It also appears on the target lists of Top Gun and Double Threat.
- Depth: about 370 ft
- Distance: about 2 miles off the coast
- Cobia: present year-round
Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you run.
Other named grounds near Miami
These named grounds and structure give you waypoint context for a day on the water.
| Ground | Type | Depth | Distance or note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Light Shoal artificial reef | Artificial reef | 22 ft | – |
| Fowey Rocks | Lighthouse and rocks | 160 ft | Sailfish grounds |
| O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef | Wreck / reef | 370 ft | About 2 miles off the coast |
| Bache Shoal Reef | Reef | – | Quick boat ride from Miami Harbor |
| Star Trek Reef | Reef | – | – |
| The Edge | – | – | About 3 miles from the coastline, just off Miami Beach |
Depths in the table run from 22 ft to 370 ft, all within about 3 miles of the beach.
How cobia are fished here
The local method is wreck fishing, and at the Bodenhamer wreck the depth of about 370 ft shapes the day. For how cobia are worked along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide), see the regional guide.
Who fishes for them
Two local charters list cobia among their targets.
Top Gun Fishing Charters
Top Gun runs a 41 ft Hatteras convertible for up to 6 anglers, with Capt. Nel Martinez.
Double Threat Charters
Double Threat runs a 43 ft Hatteras built in 1972, with two 450 HP Cummins engines, for 6 persons. See Double Threat’s cobia page.
FAQ: cobia fishing out of Miami
Is there a cobia season in Miami?
Cobia are present year-round at the O.L. Bodenhamer wreck. That applies to that wreck.
How deep is the Bodenhamer wreck?
About 370 ft, at O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef.
How far out is Liberty Ship Reef?
About 2 miles off the coast. The Edge sits about 3 miles out, off Miami Beach.
What method is used for cobia here?
Wreck fishing. The 370 ft depth shapes the day.
Which Miami charters list cobia?
Top Gun Fishing Charters runs a 41 ft Hatteras convertible with Capt. Nel Martinez. Double Threat Charters runs a 43 ft Hatteras built in 1972.
