Cobia fishing out of Ponce Inlet centers on two windows, spring and late fall. Boats work the nearshore and offshore reefs year-round, per Rare Breed, and the local method is bottom rigs on the reefs. This page lists the grounds from the jetty out to about 55 miles, ordered by distance. For the port in context, start with the Ponce Inlet port page.
When cobia are around Ponce Inlet
Cobia season here is spring and late fall. The same nearshore and offshore reefs get fished year-round, per Rare Breed, but cobia are the target in those two windows.
For biology and migration, read the cobia species guide. For the regional picture, use the Atlantic Southeast cobia guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Plan around two windows:
- Spring: the first window of the year for cobia off the port.
- Late fall: the second window, on the same reefs.
- Year-round: nearshore and offshore reef trips continue between the two.
Where boats run for cobia
The table below runs from the inlet mouth out to the Rolldown, nearest to farthest.
| Ground | Distance | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ponce Inlet jetty (Lighthouse Point Park) | At the inlet | not listed | 1,000 ft jetty |
| Volusia Artificial Reef Site 1 (Argoil barge and culverts) | 10.8 nm from the inlet | 60 to 80 ft | |
| Volusia Artificial Reef Site 2 (Semarca and culverts) | About 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees | 75 ft | |
| Cracker Ridge | A few miles west of the Party Grounds | not listed | Near Site 2 |
| Mango Hole | On the way out to the Party Grounds | not listed | Per FishingBooker |
| Party Grounds | About 35 miles offshore | 80 ft | Per FishingBooker |
| East Ridge | Alongside the Party Grounds | not listed | Named as a trolling ground |
| Rolldown | About 40 to 55 miles offshore | not listed |
Distances for the Party Grounds and Rolldown are approximate. Mark them on Chart Contours. Chart layers and positions here are not for navigation, so use official charts and check the official NWS marine forecast before the run.
Inlet and jetty
A 1,000 ft jetty sits inside Lighthouse Point Park at the inlet. It is the closest named structure on this list.
Volusia artificial reefs
Site 1 is the Argoil barge and culverts, 10.8 nm from the inlet in 60 to 80 ft. Site 2 is the Semarca and culverts in 75 ft, about 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees rather than from the inlet. The Volusia County reef summary lists both sites.
Party Grounds area
The Party Grounds sit about 35 miles offshore in 80 ft, per FishingBooker’s Ponce Inlet overview. Mango Hole lies on the way out. Cracker Ridge is a few miles west of the Party Grounds, near Volusia Site 2. East Ridge is named as a trolling ground alongside the Party Grounds.
Rolldown
The Rolldown sits about 40 to 55 miles offshore, the farthest named ground on this list.
How cobia are fished here
The local method is bottom rigs on the reefs. That fits the Volusia sites above, where the barge, culverts and other structure give bottom gear something to hold against.
For general technique, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Who fishes cobia out of Ponce Inlet
Two local charters list cobia:
- Hull’s Sea Lover: the boat is named Hull’s Sea Lover and is docked in Ponce Inlet. See the Hull’s Sea Lover website.
- Rare Breed Charters: a 31 ft Cape Horn that carries up to 6 passengers. The trip page names Captain Daniel, and the boat runs nearshore and offshore reefs year-round. Details are on the Rare Breed Charters trip page and the Rare Breed Charters website.
FAQ: cobia fishing out of Ponce Inlet
When is cobia season at Ponce Inlet?
Spring and late fall. Boats run nearshore and offshore reefs year-round, per Rare Breed.
How far is Volusia Artificial Reef Site 1?
It is 10.8 nm from the inlet, in 60 to 80 ft. The structure is the Argoil barge and culverts.
How far out is the Party Grounds?
About 35 miles offshore, in 80 ft, per FishingBooker. Mango Hole sits on the way out.
Where is Volusia Reef Site 2?
About 12.5 nm from the Bell Buoy at 067 degrees, in 75 ft. The structure is the Semarca and culverts.
Which charters fish cobia out of Ponce Inlet?
Hull’s Sea Lover, docked in Ponce Inlet, and Rare Breed Charters, a 31 ft Cape Horn carrying up to 6 passengers.
