rachycentron canadum

Cobia Specifics
Cobia are also known as “crab eaters” and “ling”.
Cobia are a highly rated game fish that range in warm waters around the world.
Cobia migrate along both coasts of Florida wintering around the Keys.
Cobia move North in the Spring and South in the Autumn and Winter.
Cobia spawn in Spring and early Summer.
Cobia are often found near rays.
Cobia are excellent table fare.
Cobia catches of 30 pounds are common although they may reach 100 + pounds.
Cobia prefer water temperatures of 65-68 degrees.

Cobia

fishing regulations for Florida:

• Minimum size limit: 33″ to fork of tail.
• Closed season: None
• Daily Bag Limit: 2 per person per day.

Cobia Food
Cobia eat a variety of small fish, crabs, shrimp and squid.

Cobia Flies
Cobia flies should imitate their natural foods tied on 2/0 – 4/0 hooks. Deceivers, seaducers and rabbit strips work well for cobia. Eel, blue crab and shrimp patterns also work well at times.

Cobia Tackle

Fly Rod

The one fly rod size to have for saltwater fly fishing is generally considered to be a 9 foot, 9 weight fast action graphite. This rod can be rigged for a wide range of game fish. It has enough back bone to fight large fish and is able to cast larger fly patterns well in windy conditions.
The smaller cobia encountered in the inshore areas may be effectively taken on a 7 weight rod.

Reels

Reels must be of quality construction, corrosion proof for the saltwater environment, a strong smooth drag system, sufficient capacity to hold the fly line plus 200-300 yards of backing and be sized to match the fly rod. Single action reels are the standard for saltwater fly fishing.

Backing:

250 yards of 30 pound micron or mono.

Line:

Floating weight forward for near surface feeding activity. Sinking level line for casting to chummed fish on the wrecks or deep channels in cold weather.

Leader:

8-9 feet tapered with 12-17 lb mono. class tippet.

Shock Tippet:

Because of their rough mouth, a 40-50 lb shock tippet is required to resist abrasion.

Cobia

Methods

Finding Cobia
Young cobia are known to move into bays and inlets while the large cobia prefer to remain in the shallow areas of the open ocean.
Cobia are attracted to floating objects. Buoys, anchored boats or any debris should be investigated. Rays and sea turtles have also been associated with cobia.
Structure also attracts cobia. Old pilings, wrecks and deep holes are known hang outs for cobia.

Migration routes along Florida coasts are predictable in some areas and when conditions are adequate, sight casting for cobia is possible. A light wind on a sunny day may produce good fly fishing along the beaches and shallows. Stake out a known path or move slowly watching for movement from and elevated platform.

Cobia move to the warmth of deeper water when cold fronts pass. At these times, the fly fisher should change to sinking line and heavier fly patterns. Chumming helps in this situation .

Other Methods
Wrecks and Deep Holes
In the Florida Bay there are various wrecks and holes that are known for holding cobia. Good GPS numbers and charts are needed to locate these areas. With your spinning rod, use a 50 lb shock tippet with a 5/0 hook. Hook a pinfish through the dorsal or a blue crab through the side. Drop your line over the side and let the bait do the work.

Late Fall and Winter
Cobia can be found at this time of year in the bay and back country North of the Keys when the water temperature is suitable (65-68) and the wind is light. Fish the protected side of the islands and bars, channels between islands and the deep open channels. Use 15-25 lb line on your spinning rod with a 50 lb shock and cast plugs, jigs or pinfish hooked through dorsal fin. Chumming with live bait fish works well for cobia.