Cobia

Season in Middle Texas

TPWD June to September; Visit Corpus Christi: spring and summer migration near jetties, buoys and reefs. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Near jetties, buoys and reefs during the spring and summer migration (Visit Corpus Christi).

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

Exceptionally fine food fish (TPWD). Texas 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 TX limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you keep a fish.

Sources

• TPWD species profile: cobia (Official source)
• Visit Corpus Christi, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Aug 28, 2026: top fish species to catch in Corpus Christi (Angler knowledge)
• 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 Middle Texas