Cobia fishing out of Venice is mainly a spring fishery on nearshore structure. As the water warms, fish hold around rigs, buoys and other structure. Venice is where the road ends and the offshore runs begin. Cobia are also listed among the winter lump species.
When cobia are here
Spring is the main window, per FishNLA. Cobia are also listed among winter lump species. For biology, habits and gear, see cobia biology, habits and tackle.
- Spring: water warms and fish show on nearshore structure
- Winter: cobia are listed among lump species
Spring on nearshore structure
FishNLA reports cobia in spring as the water warms, holding around rigs, buoys and nearshore structure. Those are the targets for an owner-operator in this season.
A winter showing on the lumps
Cobia are listed among the lump species in winter, so the lumps are worth a look on winter runs. The grounds section below covers them.
Where boats run for cobia out of Venice
Boats run to nearshore rigs, buoys and structure. Super Strike also sees cobia around oil rigs and alongside sharks. For the wider picture, see how cobia move across the Gulf of Mexico (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide).
The deeper named grounds below are where the same runs go for other species, and they are not listed cobia targets. Check the official NWS marine forecast before the run and read conditions as numbers: wind, wave height and period.
- Nearshore rigs: the core target set
- Buoys: floating structure that holds fish
- Other nearshore structure: per FishNLA’s spring report
Rigs, buoys and nearshore structure
Rigs, buoys and nearshore structure are the core target set for a boat running out of Venice in spring. Work them in turn and note what each one shows.
Oil rigs and sharks
Super Strike sees cobia around oil rigs and alongside sharks. Sharks near a rig are worth noting, and the method section picks this up.
Grounds and structure near Venice
Cobia are sourced on nearshore rigs, buoys and structure, and on the lumps in winter. The canyons, Cognac and the floaters are deeper grounds on the same runs where cobia are not the listed target; they hold other offshore gamefish. Rigs, lumps and canyon edges show on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Depth (ft, attributed) | Distance or position | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight Lump (Sackett Bank) | Crest about 190 (FishingBooker); 200 to 250 (Salt Water Sportsman); within 200 of the surface (Paradise Outfitters) | Cobia listed among winter lump species | |
| East Lump (Horseshoe Lump) | |||
| Mississippi Canyon | 1,000+ (Super Strike) | About 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker) | Floaters sit along it |
| De Soto Canyon | About 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan | ||
| Cognac platform | More than 1,000 | About 40 miles southeast of Venice | |
| Floating rigs (floaters) | About 40 to 65 miles out, along the Mississippi Canyon | Fished late spring through summer | |
| Green Canyon |
The lumps
Midnight Lump is also called Sackett Bank. Sources differ on the crest depth: about 190 ft (FishingBooker), 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman) and within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters).
East Lump, also called Horseshoe Lump, is the second named lump. Cobia are listed among winter lump species.
The canyons and deepwater platforms
Mississippi Canyon runs 1,000+ ft (Super Strike) and sits about 12 miles from the river mouth (FishingBooker). De Soto Canyon is about 12 miles east, per Capt. Morgan.
The Cognac platform stands in more than 1,000 ft, about 40 miles southeast of Venice. The floaters sit about 40 to 65 miles out along the Mississippi Canyon and are fished late spring through summer. Green Canyon is named here for reference.
How cobia are fished here
Super Strike describes sight-spotting cobia around rigs. Fish show near the structure, so approach and scan before committing to a spot.
Watch for sharks. Super Strike sees cobia alongside them, so a shark circling a rig is a cue to look harder at the water around it.
Who fishes them from Venice
These Venice charters list cobia:
- Super Strike Charters out of Venice: 37 ft Freeman and 36 ft Yellowfin options
- Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. fleet: Freeman Boatworks catamarans, including the 42 ft Wild Bill
- FishNLA (FishN La Venice Fishing Charters and Lodging): charters and lodging, and the source of the spring report
FAQ
When do cobia show up off Venice?
Spring, as the water warms, per FishNLA. Cobia are also listed among winter lump species.
Where do Venice boats look for cobia?
Nearshore rigs, buoys and structure. Super Strike also sees fish around oil rigs and alongside sharks.
Are cobia caught on the Midnight Lump?
Cobia are listed among winter lump species. Sources differ on the crest depth: about 190 ft (FishingBooker), 200 to 250 ft (Salt Water Sportsman) or within 200 ft of the surface (Paradise Outfitters).
How do local captains find cobia?
Super Strike describes sight-spotting cobia around rigs and seeing them alongside sharks.
Which Venice charters target cobia?
Super Strike Charters, Mexican Gulf Fishing Co. and FishNLA list cobia.
Where are the rules?
Start with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Venice runs can reach federal waters, so check the federal rules as well.
