Cobia

Season in Alabama

Peak months: Apr.

Gulf Shores tourism lists cobia in spring; LSU spring migration westward along Alabama. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Along the beaches and pier ends during the spring westward run (LSU; Gulf Shores tourism).

Cruising near the surface, often around rays or structure.

What to look for

A brown shark-like shape cruising near the surface.

What to throw

Bucktail or jighead with a 4 to 5 in paddle tail1/2 to 1 oz, 4 to 5 in tail. Slow hops along the bottom: lift, drop, let it touch, repeat.

Bait

Live eel, Live menhaden, Crab. Heavy fish-finder or free-line, circle hook required at 4/0 and up.

Leader

50 to 80 lb.

Common mistakes

• Landing an unsubdued cobia; they thrash violently

Landing

Wear it out before landing.

Handling

• Violent thrashing
• Sharp gill plates

Subdue before handling.

Keep or release

Very good eating (LSU). Alabama rules apply.

Recipes for cobia

Typical: About 30 in, 15 lb. Large: 40 lb and up. SC record 92 lb 10 oz (2009).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the AL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Alabama Marine Resources Division before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism: fishing seasons (Angler knowledge)
• LSU / Louisiana Sea Grant, Louisiana Fisheries: cobia (with Gulf Coast Research Laboratory tagging results) (Official source)
• Florida Museum of Natural History, Discover Fishes: Cobia (Official source)
• FAO Cultured Aquatic Species Information: Rachycentron canadum (cobia) (Official source)
• SCDNR species profile: cobia (Official source)

All the fish of Alabama