Fish guide
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum.
Showing the fish for Upper Texas coast, Galveston.
Season in Upper Texas
TPWD: cobia most common off Texas June through September, migrating to tropical waters in winter; large fish are caught only in the Gulf. (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
Under floating objects, buoys, rigs and shrimp boats in the Gulf, June to September (TPWD).
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
Exceptionally fine food fish (TPWD). Texas rules apply.
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)
- 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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