When Cobia Are Around Steinhatchee
Cobia fishing out of Steinhatchee runs spring through fall, with May and June typically the best months as fish migrate through. Rocky Creek Charters with Captain Frank puts cobia in Steinhatchee waters across that window, so plan any trip inside it. For the wider migration picture, see our guide to cobia fishing in the Gulf of Mexico (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide).
Spring Through Fall
Spring through fall is the widest window for cobia here, and the peak is a shorter stretch within it.
May and June
May and June are typically best as cobia migrate through. In summer, expect fish in the shade of your boat.
Where Boats Run for Cobia
Boats run to buoys, wrecks and other structure in 30 to 70 ft of water. Load the marks below as waypoints from the Steinhatchee port page. Chart layers are not for navigation, so run on official charts.
The 30 to 70 ft Band
Local captains give this band; it is not a survey. Buckeye Reef and the SFMA sit inside it. Super Ledge, The Crack, Lamb Spring, Birdrack Reef and Nine Mile Bank are listed by coordinates, with no depth given. Steinhatchee Reef (20 ft) and Birdrack Reef (4 ft) are shallower than the band.
Buckeye Reef
Buckeye Reef is in 47 ft, about 24 nautical miles due west of Steinhatchee, inside the band.
Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area (SFMA)
The SFMA is a permitted artificial reef area in 35 ft, centered off the mouth of the Steinhatchee River. It sits inside the band.
Super Ledge, The Crack and Lamb Spring
Super Ledge is at 29 22.817N 83 45.675W, The Crack at 29 23.819N 83 42.722W and Lamb Spring at 29 26.628N 83 50.627W.
Steinhatchee Reef
Steinhatchee Reef is a permitted public reef in 20 ft, with four bottom areas plus a cube field.
Birdrack Reef and Nine Mile Bank
Birdrack Reef is concrete culverts around the bird rack platform, in 4 ft, at 29 40.78N 83 34.25W. Nine Mile Bank is at 29 41.10N 83 34.60W.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Location or coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| Buckeye Reef | 47 | About 24 nautical miles due west of Steinhatchee |
| Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area (SFMA) | 35 | Centered off the mouth of the Steinhatchee River |
| Super Ledge | 29 22.817N 83 45.675W | |
| The Crack | 29 23.819N 83 42.722W | |
| Lamb Spring | 29 26.628N 83 50.627W | |
| Steinhatchee Reef | 20 | Permitted public reef, four bottom areas plus a cube field |
| Birdrack Reef | 4 | 29 40.78N 83 34.25W |
| Nine Mile Bank | 29 41.10N 83 34.60W |
How Cobia Are Fished Out of Steinhatchee
Locals work three presentations around the buoys and wrecks in the band. For tackle basics and cobia behavior, read our cobia fishing guide.
- Bucktail on a heavy rod. Keep it rigged and ready.
- Sight casting. Look for fish cruising near the surface.
- Live bait on structure. Fish it close to the buoys and wrecks.
Bucktail on a Heavy Rod
Keep a heavy rod rigged with a bucktail jig. When a fish shows, cast well ahead of it and work the jig erratically.
Sight Casting and Live Bait
Sight cast to fish cruising near the surface. Otherwise, fish live bait near structure, meaning the buoys and wrecks in the band.
Fish in the Boat’s Shade
Sea Hag says cobia like structure and show up in summer in the shade of boats. In summer, look under your own hull before you leave a mark.
Who Fishes for Cobia Out of Steinhatchee
These Steinhatchee charters list cobia.
Chase N Fish Charters
Captain Chase Norwood. Chase N Fish Charters site
Off The Clock Charters
Captain Shan Roper runs a 36 ft Contender with triple 350 Suzuki engines. Off The Clock Charters site
FinSeaker Fishing Charters
FinSeaker Fishing Charters offshore trips
Rocky Creek Charters
Captain Frank Taylor Jr. Rocky Creek Charters with Captain Frank
FAQ: Cobia Fishing Out of Steinhatchee
When is the best time for cobia out of Steinhatchee?
May and June are typically best as cobia migrate through. The season runs spring through fall.
How far do boats run, and to what depth?
Boats work buoys, wrecks and structure in 30 to 70 ft. Buckeye Reef sits in 47 ft, about 24 nautical miles due west. The SFMA sits in 35 ft off the river mouth.
Which marks should I load first?
Buckeye Reef and the SFMA sit inside the band. Super Ledge, The Crack and Lamb Spring are listed with coordinates in the table above. Load them as places to look, not as promises.
How do locals fish for cobia here?
A heavy rod with a bucktail, cast well ahead of the fish and worked erratically. Sight cast to fish cruising near the surface, or fish live bait near structure.
How should I check conditions before the run?
Read the official NOAA marine forecast and nearby NOAA station data for wind, wave height and period. Make the call from the numbers.
Where do I find more on coastal and offshore gamefish?
See our coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
