The Virginia cobia season runs roughly mid-May through mid-September. Cobia commonly cruise along the surface near rays and other large fish, which is why "sight casting to rays" produces consistent shots. Migration calendar pages cover cobia timing.
Inshore Migration Timing
When does cobia show up in the Chesapeake Bay?
Cobia arrive in the Chesapeake Bay in May-June as water temperatures reach 68-72°F. They follow bait pods and ride along buoys, channel markers, and structure during their northward spring migration, then return south in September-October as water cools.
More from Inshore Migration Timing
- When do striped bass arrive in the Chesapeake Bay?
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- When do Spanish mackerel arrive in spring?
- When do speckled trout move to grass flats in spring?
- When do bluefish arrive in the Northeast?
- Why do fish migrate and what triggers it?
- How does water temperature drive fish migration?
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