Cobia

Season in Florida Keys

FWC Where to Saltwater Fish: cobia fall to spring (Monroe). (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Rare from shore here; usually a boat fish.

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

Florida rules apply; see the regulations file.

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 FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Florida FWC: Where to Saltwater Fish (species and seasons by county, Nassau to Monroe) (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 Florida Keys