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Hey guys, Captain Ryan Carter here with your weekly inshore fishing report from Key West, Florida. The spotlight this week is on one of our most prestigious targets: Cobia.

These powerful fish are providing excellent action around our inshore structures, delivering both exciting fights and premium table fare. We’re talking about one of the largest eating-size fish we catch inshore, with keepers averaging around 14 pounds, though they can push past 50 pounds when you find that trophy fish.

For those planning a trip, keep in mind the regulations: minimum size is 36 inches from snout to fork, with a limit of 1 per person or 2 per vessel maximum. The season runs year-round, giving us plenty of opportunities to target these bruisers.

We’re finding success using medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 30-40lb braid, paired with a kingfish jig tipped with a live pinfish. This combination of flash and live bait has been absolutely deadly. Our approach varies between sight casting to surface cruisers near markers and floating structure, and working deeper structure with vertical presentations.

When sight casting, we’re scanning for those distinctive brown shadows just under the surface. These fish often travel in pairs or small groups, so when you spot one, be ready for multiple shots. For bottom fishing, slow-jigging the bait near structure has been consistently producing quality fish.

Current conditions are ideal with water temperatures in the prime zone for cobia. Light winds have given us excellent visibility for sight fishing, especially during the morning hours. This pattern should hold strong through the rest of winter. Don’t forget your camera – these fish make for some incredible photos, and the memories are even better than the pictures.

Tight lines,
Capt. Ryan Carter
Key West, Florida