Gear up for Cobia It’s time to start gearing up for Cobia. Reports show that the sought after Cobia are in the Port Canaveral area. This means the fish should only be a few weeks away from our area. The thing that’s holding their migration back is the water temperature. It was reported to me the other day that the water temp in Matanzas inlet was only 61 degrees. The water temps at the reefs and wrecks off of Flagler Beach was only 63 degrees. Once the surf temperature starts to near 70 degrees we should start to see Cobia. Once the Cobia enter our area the main concentration of fish will be found in depths ranging between thirty five to forty five feet. It’s then that you have to start looking for the large Manta Rays. The cobia will be found swimming with the rays and can be underneath, on top of or following them. The width of the rays can be up to twenty feet and the large ones will often hold a good amount of fish. The best time to look for the rays is between 10AM and 3PM with noon being the optimal time because of the position of the sun, less glare on the water. Once you spot a ray you need to get within casting distance without spooking the fish. If you get too close he will sound quickly on you. Normally you will be able to see the cobia around him. Fire off a cast quickly and begin to reel. You will on occasion hook the ray and he will take you for a ride. You’ll want to use some fairly stout tackle when it comes to cobia because they can reach weights to eighty pounds and over. An eight foot spinning rod that can handle lures to three ounces will due along with a reel that can hold about 300 yards of 30 lb braided line. O the end of that line you’ll want to have a minimum of a fifty lb leader. When it comes to bait, a 1 to 2 ounce bright colored buck tail jig tipped with a curly tail grub will due. For even better results try a jig with a Berkley Gulp eel attached. Cobia can’t resist an eel. Use caution when bringing these fish aboard the boat. They’re tails are kind of spiked and can cause you major harm if you are not careful. A large landing net or gaff is preferred. Keep your ears open and listen to the grapevine for Manta Ray sightings and get out and enjoy these powerful fighting fish.