Best Times & Seasons to Catch Cobia in Texas (Full Guide)
Cobia are some of the most popular fish to target in Texas. Knowing the best times and seasons to catch cobia in Texas helps anglers maximize the success of their fishing trips.
The best time to catch cobia in Texas is during the late spring and early summer when the water temperatures rise.
Texas offers world-class cobia fishing throughout the year. Cobia can be found in Texas’s deeper channels, near underwater structures, and around jetties and piers.
Check out this helpful guide to the best times to fish in Texas.
Best Times to Catch Cobia in Texas
The best time to catch cobia in Texas is late spring and early summer. These fish prefer warm waters and are more active when the temperature rises. Look for them around underwater structures, like oil rigs and reefs, where they hunt for food.
Using live bait like crabs or small fish can help you attract them. During late summer, they start to move into deeper waters. Fishing from a boat or pier will give you the best chance of catching one.
Check out this helpful guide to the best spots to catch redfish in Texas.
Seasonal Breakdown: Texas Cobia
Winter
In Texas, winter is not the best season for catching cobia. The fish usually move to warmer waters and are harder to find near shore. During this season, they are often in deeper ocean areas. If you try to catch cobia in winter, go during the warmest part of the day.
Spring
In Texas, spring is a good time to catch cobia. During this season, the fish migrate and are more likely to be near the shore. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Cobia like areas where rivers mix with the ocean.
Live bait like crabs or small fish works well to catch them. Use strong fishing gear, as cobia can be heavy. Water temperature is key; warmer waters will make the fish more active.
Summer
In summer, cobia are more active and closer to the shore in Texas. This is one of the best seasons for cobia fishing. Early morning or late afternoon will give you the best chance. Places where rivers flow into the ocean are great spots.
Use live bait like crabs or small fish to attract them. Always monitor the water temperature; warmer waters make cobia more active.
Fall
In the fall, cobia start moving to deeper waters in Texas. This season isn’t the best for catching them near the shore. Try fishing in spots far from the coastline instead. Deepwater oil rigs and underwater reefs are good places to look.
Use strong fishing gear and live bait like crabs or small fish to attract them. Boats or deepwater piers will offer the best chances for catching cobia in the fall.
Best & Worst Time/Tides of Day
The best time to catch cobia in Texas is during the incoming tide. This is when water flows from the ocean into bays and estuaries. Cobia like to search for food during this time. Another good time is just before high tide. Cobia are most active during the daytime, especially in the late morning and early afternoon.
The worst time to fish for cobia is during the outgoing tide when water is moving away from the shore. They are less active and harder to find. Late at night is also not ideal because cobia are less active in the dark.
Night Fishing for Texas Cobia
Cobia are not as active at night as they are during the day. However, you might have some luck during the early evening just after the sun sets. This is a time when they might still be looking for a last meal.
Fishing during the middle of the night is usually not the best time for catching cobia. If you really want to try night fishing for cobia, use strong-smelling bait like squid to attract them in the darkness.
Top Texas Cobia Locations
Galveston Bay: Cobia frequent this area in late spring and early summer. Late afternoon is a good time to fish, especially during incoming tides. Look for cobia around underwater structures.
Corpus Christi: In late spring, cobia are found in good numbers. Fishing near piers and buoys offers the best chance to catch them.
Freeport: Early summer is the best season here. Focus on deeper water during the heat of the day.
Matagorda Bay: Cobia are common during late spring and early summer. They often hang out near channel edges.
Port Aransas: Spring and summer are the best seasons. Fish close to natural reefs or man-made structures like oil rigs.
Aransas Pass: Best in the late spring to early summer. Look for cobia swimming near sandbars during incoming tides.
Rockport: Late spring is an ideal time. The area near Estes Flats is a great spot.
Port O’Connor: Best from late spring through early fall. The jetties are a good place to find them, especially during outgoing tides.
South Padre Island: In early summer, cobia come close to shore. Look for them near floating seaweed and debris.
Laguna Madre: Spring and summer offer the best cobia fishing. Focus on the edges where channels open into wider areas of water.
Texas Cobia & Weather
Weather plays a big role in catching cobia. Warm, sunny days are usually the best for fishing these fish, as they like to swim near the surface. Cold weather pushes them to deeper water, making them hard to catch. Windy conditions can be tricky too.
A light breeze might actually help by creating currents that attract baitfish, which in turn attract cobia. Strong winds can make the sea rough and less safe for fishing.
Rain is a mixed bag: light rain might not have much impact, but heavy rain can lower water clarity, making it hard for the fish to spot your bait. Storms are not ideal times for cobia fishing. Lightning is dangerous, and changes in barometric pressure can make fish less active.
Cobia Spawning Seasons in Texas
Cobia in Texas lay their eggs between late spring and early summer. Warm water is their preferred environment for spawning. These fish frequent areas where rivers join the ocean. These spots offer a lot of food, which is great for young cobia. Late spring to early summer is the best time to find cobia near where a river flows into the sea.
