Cobia Fishing Charleston SC
Cobia Fishing in Charleston, SC with Captain John of Folly Beach Fishing Charters
Charleston, South Carolina, is no stranger to exceptional saltwater fishing, and when it comes to chasing cobia along the Lowcountry coast, there’s no better guide than Captain John of Folly Beach Fishing Charters. Whether you're an experienced angler or just stepping into the world of sportfishing, cobia season in Charleston offers a thrilling opportunity to battle one of the Atlantic's most powerful and curious fish.
Timing is Everything
Cobia typically show up in the Charleston area during the late spring and early summer months, with peak action running from May through early July. These migratory fish follow warming waters up the coast, often cruising just off the beaches, around buoys, and near inlets. Captain John keeps a close eye on water temps and bait movement to predict when and where cobia will make their seasonal appearance.
Sight Fishing the Flats and Buoys
One of the most exciting tactics Captain John employs is sight fishing for cobia. On a calm day, he’ll navigate toward the nearshore buoys, where cobia often hover like shadows beneath the surface. Anglers stand ready with spinning rods rigged with bucktail jigs, live eels, or artificial swimbaits—waiting for the visual cue of a brown torpedo cruising near the boat.
Sight fishing cobia requires stealth and precision. Captain John recommends using fluorocarbon leaders to reduce visibility, and he’s a big proponent of casting ahead of the fish rather than directly at it. "You want to lead them a bit and let them swim into it naturally," he says.
Live Bait for the Win
For those preferring a more laid-back approach, Captain John also targets cobia with live bait—particularly live menhaden, pinfish, or crabs. He’ll anchor near structure like channel markers, artificial reefs, or inlets where cobia are known to congregate. Using a Carolina rig or a simple free-lined bait, anglers wait for the telltale thump and the rod-bending power of a hooked cobia.
“Cobia are curious, almost nosy fish,” Captain John notes. “They’ll often come right up to the boat to inspect things. If you’ve got live bait in the water, they usually can’t resist.”
Gearing Up
Captain John equips his charters with medium-heavy spinning or conventional tackle, generally in the 6000-8000 size range. Reels are spooled with 50-65 lb braided line and paired with 40-60 lb fluorocarbon leaders. The setup is strong enough to handle the cobia’s bullish runs and unpredictable dives but sensitive enough for accurate casting and feel.
Respecting the Fish
Cobia are hard fighters and great table fare, but Captain John emphasizes ethical angling. South Carolina has size and creel limits (check current regulations before your trip), and cobia can be especially vulnerable during spawning season. “We make sure we’re doing things right—keeping only what we need and releasing the rest healthy,” says Captain John.
Book Your Trip
Fishing with Captain John of Folly Beach Fishing Charters isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about the experience. His deep knowledge of local waters, laid-back vibe, and passion for conservation make for a memorable day on the water. If you’re looking to hook into a cobia and experience the best of Charleston sportfishing, now’s the time to book your trip.
Final Tip: Bring polarized sunglasses. Not only will you protect your eyes from the glare, but you’ll also have a better shot at spotting those elusive cobia cruising under the surface.
Ready to hook into some cobia? Contact Captain John at Folly Beach Fishing Charters. Call 843-709-6859 or visit his website at www.follybeachfishingcharters.com
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