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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Cobia in Florida Nature Coast & Big Bend may fishing.

Rachycentron canadumMigratoryGood

Fish dispersing as run ends.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Absent Wintering south. Typical water temp: 56–64°FFeb — Possible Pre-run arrivals. Typical water temp: 60–66°FPossibleMar — Peak Spring Gulf cobia run — fish push west along the beach. Typical water temp: 66–72°FPeakApr — Peak Peak cobia along Panhandle beaches. Typical water temp: 70–76°FPeakMay — Good Fish dispersing as run ends. Typical water temp: 74–80°FGoodJun — Good Summer pattern on structure. Typical water temp: 78–84°FGoodJul — Good Same. Typical water temp: 82–86°FGoodAug — Good Same. Typical water temp: 82–86°FGoodSep — Good Fall fish active. Typical water temp: 78–84°FGoodOct — Fair Fish moving south. Typical water temp: 72–78°FFairNov — Possible Last fall fish. Typical water temp: 64–70°FPossibleDec — Absent Departed. Typical water temp: 58–64°F

Migration pattern

Spring Gulf cobia run pushes west along the Panhandle and Alabama beaches February–April — the Gulf equivalent of the Chesapeake event. Resident summer fish; fall departure October.

Best locations

  • Steinhatchee River mouth
  • Cedar Key flats
  • Crystal River
  • Homosassa flats

Top lures

  • Live eels
  • Bucktail jigs
  • Whole crab on bottom
  • Live menhaden
  • Topwater plugs
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Cobia in other regions

Get a notification when cobia show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in Florida Nature Coast & Big Bend.

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