Cobia fishing
The cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is distributed in warm-temperate to tropical seas. The species can be found in the West and East Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. The pacific coasts of Japan and Australia are also cobia territory.
It is easily recognized by its flattened head and its dark brown body. It feeds primarily on crabs, squid, and fish. The cobia can grow to up to 2 m (78 in) long and weigh up to 78 kg (172 lb). Cobia is a good eating fish; it has a mild, sweet taste to it.
For cobia fishing you need proper fishing tackle because this is a powerful fighter. Known for their long runs, they'll try to swim towards structures and obstacles to brake the line.
Top Cobia Fishing destinations
The cobia can be found in the West and East Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
South Florida is a great cobia fishing destination, where you'll find this species year-round.
How to fish for Cobia
Cobia fishing is different to other techniques because anglers fish on sight. They use to swim at the surface near the coast.
Most of the time they will be close to sting ray, sea turtles, bull sharks, etc. Anglers spot cobia and then start fishing chumming or with live bait.
The most exciting way to catch these predators is sight casting using a bucktail or a live eel. Make sure you don't get too close to the cobia because you can spook the fish. Try to catch them throwing the jig or the live bait 10-15 feet in front of the fish. Cobia up to 150 pounds have been caught in these waters.
Cobia often gather around reefs, wrecks, and buoys. Good fishing spots are river mouths, reefs and edges.
Good to eat Cobia
Cobia is a good eating fish. It has a mild, sweet taste to it. Its meat hast a soft texture. Because of its high oil content, the flesh stays succulent and moist no matter how you prepare it. High in protein and rich in Omega-3, this fish can be prepared fried, cooked in the oven, sushi, sashimi...
Other Fish Species similar to Cobia
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The black drum (Pogonias cromis) is a popular saltwater species found from the Delaware Bay to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. It is abundant along the Texas coast. Juvenil fish have distinctive dark stripes, but as they grow bigger their color fades to dark gray. The largest known black drum was over 110 lb (50 kg).
MORE INFO >Black Drum
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The hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is a species found around reefs in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. They mainly feed on crustaceans. Hogfish can grow to a maximum of 91 cm (36 in) in total length and about 11 kg (24 lb).
MORE INFO >Hogfish
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The king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) or kingfish is a common fish species of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. King Mackerel can grow to up to 40kg (90lb) and have razor sharp teeth.
MORE INFO >King mackerel
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The sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a round gray silvery fish with dark vertical bars on the side. They are found in coastal waters along the western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia to Brazil. Southwest Florida is one of the best places to catch this species. Sheepshead can grow to 76 cm (30 in).
MORE INFO >Sheepshead
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The Atlantic Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) is a species of mackerels that can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean in the waters of Mexico, Gulf of Mexico to Florida. Atlantic Spanish mackerel have very sharp teeth and can grow up to 13 pounds (6kg) and live up to 12 years old. Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel live in tropical and sub-tropical waters of in Southeast Asia and can grow up to about 2.4 m and more than 40 kg.
MORE INFO >Spanish Mackerel
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Speckled trout (Cynoscion nebulosus), also known as spotted seatrout. It is a common catch in the coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Speckled trout can grow up to 20-36 inches in length and 3-18 pounds in weight.
MORE INFO >Speckled Trout
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Best Cobia Fishing Charters
TrophyFishing
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
38,00 ft
8
Sunny Rum at Marina El Cid
Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Riviera Maya
37,00 ft
6
Walkabout Luxury Catamaran
Nungwi, Zanzibar
50,00 ft
10
