Hiring a Cobia fishing guide service in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama area? You’re making a great decision to use the expertise of a professional. Knowing the waters, a Cobia fishing guide with experience is a huge benefit for a successful day. Below we want to give you some helpful information about Cobia fishing and hiring a guide service. Read on and get ready for your next adventure! 
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to book your Cobia Fishing Guide!
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Cobia (also known as ling or lemon fish) is a favorite catch among the locals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It’s a hard fighting fish found both onshore and offshore. In terms of size, the average cobia weighs 50-70 pounds. If you want to get the most out of your fishing trip, a professional Cobia fishing guide could mean the difference between a slow day in the water and a successful fishing trip. Here is what you should know before you embark on a fishing expedition.
About Cobia
They feature a broad head and have a lateral line that disappears as the fish grows. Besides that, their dorsal fins are pointed and have a light brown belly. Most fishermen say they look like a crossbreed of a shark and catfish.
Each spring, Cobia run through the Alabama coast. Check out our Alabama Fishing Calendar to know specific dates! You’ll see them swing with sharks just off the beaches heading from east to west. A few will settle on the reefs throughout the summer season. Depending on where you plan to fish on the gulf, spring and summer seasons present the best opportunities.
Fishing techniques for cobia
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Sight fishing
This is the most exciting way to catch Cobia. Because they like to swim to the surface of the water, sight fishing allows you to cover miles in the waters instead of waiting for the fish to come to you.
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Chumming
While this may sound like an old school style of fishing, it’s very effective when fishing cobia. Chumming is more of bottom fishing but with a little twist. It involves putting a bait (catfish) in water so that the fish can get a scent trail. That way, the fish will stay behind your boat. This technique works great in the morning and evening.
Either of these two methods will work but be quick to cast if you see a cobia in front of your boat. No matter the technique you use, you need a rod that allows you to cast in long distances accurately.
Benefits of using a guide service
Fishing can be frustrating, so you should hire a professional guide to truly enjoy a Gulf coast fishing trip. One benefit of using a guide is that they have a bit of insider information. They will take you to places where you can have a successful trip. Also, they know the best time of the day to fish. Whether you’re sight fishing or not, the guide will take you to the water at just the right time.
During winter, Cobia migrate to shallow reefs. Your guide will teach you the best tactics for a big catch. Furthermore, he will show you the baits to use to increase your odds of success. The common baits are:
- Squirrelfish
- Catfish
- Eels
- Squid
- Pinfish
- Sardines
Any Cobia fishing guide with experience will tell you that Cobia doesn’t react aggressively to dead bait.
Check out our Nearshore Fishing Charter Packages!
If you’re a seasoned angler, the equipment you bring along for Cobia fishing may not be exactly what is best. A fishing guide knows the right rod, reels, and fishing lures. Perhaps, these are provided by your guide service. He will also help with information on the best practices if you’re a beginner. A true professional Cobia fishing guide is a seasoned fisherman with the ability to teach you some tricks.
