Tips on Catching Cobia

The record for cobia is 135 lbs. Most cobia are 25 to 60 lbs.Be careful when fishing for cobia, they  are hard hitting and are dangerous. Sometimes they are mistaken for sharks.They have a lower jaw the protrudes past the upper jaw with dark skin that varies from light to tan. Their body is long and slender with a yellow-white underside. Some names of the cobia are lemonfish, ling, crab eater, black kingfish, black salmon, runner, sergeant fish, and flathead.

They are unpredictable while chasing food from the surface to the bottom. They feed on squid, crabs, eels,mackerel, and other smaller fish.They will follow sharks, turtles and sting rays inshore hoping to get a meal. Some are found near shore in inlets and bays. They spawn in the spring and summer and migrate as far north as Maryland. while wintering in the gulf of Mexico. They prefer water temperatures 68 to 85 degrees.

In the summertime they will stay close to the surface.

Cobia swim in small groups around buoys, bridge pilings, oil rigs, and piers. They have been known to swim around boats inshore.

The type of Equipment to use is a 6 to 8 ft medium spinning rod with a reel that has 300 yards of 20 lb test. The hooks can be 4 to 2 depending on where you are fishing. To catch them use a bright color bucktail such as white,green or yellow. A large spoon will work also. Cast in front them reeling toward them. Sometimes they are picky and will only strike at live bait. In that case you can use crabs, shrimp, squid, and other small fish.

Just make sure you move the lures or live bait in front of them. If using a fly rod make sure the rod is 9 to 10 weight with at least 200 yards backing material. Most anglers prefer a floating line with a leader between 20 to 40 lbs.

Cobia are not hard to catch. Wet those lines and good luck fishing!!!

If fishing from a boat locate the edge of a shoal and drop anchor. Set up a chum slick behind the boat with, menhaden being the is best chum. Some anglers use a steady drip of menhaden oil to help. Sometimes you can drift or troll for them.

They are frequently attracted to areas of wave action and current.  If fishing from shore or a pier use sandworms, small crabs or strips of squid or clams while using a 20 lb leader.