The Cobia is a large, long, slim bodied fish with
a broad depressed head, a protruding lower jaw. The Cobia is overall
a dark brown color with a prominent dark lateral stripe that runs
from the eye to the tail. Its distinguishing first dorsal fin is
composed of 7 to 9 spines that are not connected by a membrane.
The Cobia is a sleek and extremely strong fish.
They range in size up to about 135 pounds. The largest Cobia ever
caught in Florida USA weighed about 104 lbs. An average size fish
will weigh 20 to 40 pounds. Cobia are found around the world in
tropic and warm temperate waters. They migrate so their numbers will
very with the seasons. They inhabit the warm tropical waters in the
winter and move to more temperate waters in the spring, summer and
fall. They prefer water temperatures between 68 deg.F and 86 deg. F.
Along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Cobia spend
the winter (December – March) in the harbors and around the wrecks
and reefs of the south Florida Keys. In late March, early April they
begin their northward migration up the Atlantic Coast reaching
Fernandina Inlet in late May, early June. Along the Gulf Coast,
Cobia inhabit the Panhandle area in late February, early March. They
travel southward along the coast beginning in April and peaking all
along the Gulf Coast in July and August.
The Cobia is a powerful fish and a thrilling
catch. It is one of the most sought after gamefish to catch. Once
the fish is hooked the thrill usually begins by lots of line coming
off a screaming reel and the inability of the angler to do anything
but hang on!
Fishing Basics:
Cobia can be caught by spinning, plug
casting, bottom fishing and by trolling.
Equipment for spinning and plug
casting should be a medium to medium heavy rod and reel with 12# to
20# line. Cast lures in front of moving fish so that the lure is
reeled across the Cobia’s path. Brightly colored, jigs Bucktail (in
white, lime green, yellow) and noisy sinking or diving plugs are
popular choices
Equipment for trolling or bottom
fishing from boat, bridge or pier would be a medium heavy rod and
reel with 20#- to 30# line (Minimum 200yrds.) 2 – 4oz egg sinker on
line above swivel, 3’ 40#-50# shock leader with a 4/0 to 7/0
O’Shaughnessy hook. Use live grunts, eels, pinfish, bluerunners or
crabs as bait.
Site fishing migrating Cobia is one
if the most productive methods for using artificial baits and lures.
They are spotted as they travel in shallow water, around pilings,
navigational markers, buoys and anchored boats. They will also
accompany other large fish and rays. Again remember to cast ahead of
the fish so to bring the lure across its path and to work the lure
with plenty of action as the Cobia comes near.
Once you get the Cobia to the boat,
the battle may not be over. Exhibit caution and safety when gaffing
and bringing the fish into the boat. They are a tough hard fighting
fish and have caused anglers to lose equipment, be injured and have
damaged boats. Get the fish into the box in a controlled, smooth,
single motion.
Food Quality
Cobia rates among the very best in
taste and texture of seafood.
You will fish longer when you cruise aboard our fast 32'
Regulator® Center Console, the Abigail,
for a fasttrip to the fishing hot spots at the Gulf Stream
of Wilmington Fishing Charters specializes in near shore and off
shore sport fishing for:
