While cobia move into South Carolina’s inshore waters this month, they can still be caught at nearshore and offshore reefs, and anglers fishing those areas usually don’t have to fight the large crowd of boats that line up in St. Helena Sound, the Broad River, and similar inshore haunts.
Rob Bennett of Lowcountry Inshore Charters doesn’t mind making a run to the 4KI, Edisto 40 and similar reefs for cobia in May He’s caught his share in the C6 area off Morris Island and a number of buoys that are just off the beaches.
“Catching them inshore gives anglers a unique opportunity to catch cobia, and it only happens for a short time period this time of year,” Bennett said. “It’s especially good for anglers who lack a boat big enough to make it out to the nearshore and offshore reefs, but if you can make it to those reefs, you will see just as many cobia, and catch your share without having to fight against so many other boats.”
All of the buoys are good spots to try too, according to Bennett.
“The channel buoys are great places to find cobia, (which) love shade and love to eat. Buoys offer both,” Bennett said. “Small fish congregate around buoys. In May and June, never pass up an offshore buoy. Just cast any live bait under one. They are not under every one, but if you fish enough of them, you’ll eventually find the cobia.”
Using a chum bag is always a good bet.
“At the artificial reefs, anchor up and throw out a chum bag. If cobia are in the area, they’ll come cruising right up to a chum bag; Then, just cast different baits until one of them decides to eat,” he said.
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