Cobia

Season in North Jersey

Rare: a 50 in cobia at Shrewsbury Rocks on dead bunker in August 2025 and cobia cruising among bunker pods. DNREC: more common south. (Our inference)

Season by region

Where to find them

Rare from shore; occasional fish around nearshore reefs, rocks and bunker pods by boat.

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

Good eating. Check state rules.

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 NJ limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.

Sources

• On The Water: Northern New Jersey Fishing Report, August 14 2025 (Angler knowledge)
• DNREC Delaware Fish and Shellfish Facts: Cobia (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 North Jersey