Fish guide
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum.
Showing the fish for Southeast Florida, Fort Pierce to Miami.
Season in Southeast Florida
Juno Bait: a small number of springtime cobia cruising the beach in March. FWC Where to Saltwater Fish: cobia spring (Martin, offshore). (Our inference)
Season by region
| Myrtle Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Long Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Outer Banks | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southern NC | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Charleston | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Northeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Space Coast | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southeast Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Florida Keys | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southwest Florida | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Tampa Bay | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Big Bend | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Panhandle | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Alabama | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Mississippi | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Louisiana | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Upper Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Middle Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Lower Texas | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Cruising the beach in spring; keep a jig ready (Juno Bait).
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
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.
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
- Juno Bait and Tackle, Weekend Fishing Outlook, March 17 2022 (Angler knowledge)
- 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)
Is cobia worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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