Cobia

Oceans & Range: Worldwide in tropical and warm temperate coastal waters, absent only from the Eastern Pacific. In the Atlantic, found from Massachusetts south through Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. A migratory species that follows Cownose rays, whale sharks, and other large animals along the coast. One of the most exciting inshore/nearshore sight fishing targets in the Southeast US.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–84°F. Migrate north along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts in spring and summer. Sight fishing for Cobia following rays and other structure near the surface is one of the most exciting fishing experiences in the US.

Size & Weight: Typically 20–50 lbs and 3–4 feet. Trophy fish exceed 100 lbs. World record: 135 lbs 9 oz from Australia. A long, dark brown fish with a distinctive flat head — resembles a shark from above. Excellent eating — firm, white, large fillets. Will approach and follow boats out of curiosity.

Best Lures: Large eel imitations are deadly when pitched to sighted fish. Large soft plastic jigs (6–9 inch) work very well. Large swimbaits produce strikes near structure. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut bait catch fish around buoys and channel markers.

Best Baits: Large live eels are the ultimate Cobia bait — extremely effective when pitched to sighted fish. Large live blue runners work very well. Whole live mullet are outstanding. Large fresh-dead pinfish produce results. Pitch baits accurately and quickly to sighted fish — they can be selective but once interested will usually strike.

Worldwide in tropical and warm temperate coastal waters, absent only from the Eastern Pacific. In the Atlantic, found from Massachusetts south through Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. A migratory species that follows Cownose rays, whale sharks, and other large animals along the coast. One of the most exciting inshore/nearshore sight fishing targets in the Southeast US.

68°F–84°F. Migrate north along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts in spring and summer. Sight fishing for Cobia following rays and other structure near the surface is one of the most exciting fishing experiences in the US.

Best Lures: Large eel imitations are deadly when pitched to sighted fish. Large soft plastic jigs (6–9 inch) work very well. Large swimbaits produce strikes near structure. Bucktail jigs tipped with cut bait catch fish around buoys and channel markers. Best Baits: Large live eels are the ultimate Cobia bait — extremely effective when pitched to sighted fish. Large live blue runners work very well. Whole live mullet are outstanding. Large fresh-dead pinfish produce results. Pitch baits accurately and quickly to sighted fish — they can be selective but once interested will usually strike.

Typically 20–50 lbs and 3–4 feet. Trophy fish exceed 100 lbs. World record: 135 lbs 9 oz from Australia. A long, dark brown fish with a distinctive flat head — resembles a shark from above. Excellent eating — firm, white, large fillets. Will approach and follow boats out of curiosity.