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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Cobia in North Carolina Outer Banks may fishing.

Rachycentron canadumMigratoryGood

Fish dispersing along coast 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 — Possible A few cobia wintering on offshore structure. Typical water temp: 56–62°FPossibleFeb — Fair Spring fish arriving at southern NC inlets. Typical water temp: 60–66°FFairMar — Good Spring cobia run through NC. Typical water temp: 64–72°FGoodApr — Peak Peak NC cobia migration — Cape Lookout, Outer Banks. Typical water temp: 70–76°FPeakMay — Good Fish dispersing along coast as run ends. Typical water temp: 72–78°FGoodJun — Good Summer cobia on structure. Typical water temp: 76–82°FGoodJul — Good Same. Typical water temp: 80–84°FGoodAug — Good Resident summer pattern. Typical water temp: 80–84°FGoodSep — Good Fall fish active. Typical water temp: 76–82°FGoodOct — Fair Fall migration south begins. Typical water temp: 70–78°FFairNov — Possible Last of the fall fish. Typical water temp: 62–70°FPossibleDec — Absent Departed south. Typical water temp: 56–62°F

Migration pattern

Spring run on the NC Outer Banks (Cape Lookout, Oregon Inlet) March–May is a sight-fishing event. Resident summer fish on structure and buoys. Fall departure October.

Best locations

  • Cape Lookout
  • Oregon Inlet
  • Hatteras Inlet
  • Pamlico Sound

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 North Carolina Outer Banks.

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