Cobia

Common: to 30 pounds
Closed Season: None
Size Limit: 33″ to fork
Bag Limit: 1 per person, 6 per vessel
Florida Record: 103 lbs., 12ozs.

Long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects past upper jaw; dark lateral stripe extends through eye to tail; first dorsal fin comprised of 7 to 9 free spines; when young, has conspicuous alternating black and white horizontal stripes.Game Qualities: An outstanding fighter once hooked. A cobia almost never gives up, after being hooked. When landing a cobia watch out for its spikes just by the dorsal fin. Also make sure that you have cleared all tackle, and gear out of the way when landing them. They will not hesitate to crush and break everything they can to get back in the water.

Fishing Tips: Usually found near inshore reefs and shipwrecks. Cobia can also be found on the flats following closely or riding on stingrays trying to steal a free meal. The stingrays stir up the bottom exposing small crustaceans, shrimp, and small eels. When trying to catch a cobia cruising the flats, toss any type of jig imitating an eel, or even better, use a live one.

Food Value: Very good food quality at just about any size.

You’ve Gotta Try Captain Cody’s Cobia Barbeque: Cut fillets into serving size pieces, and place in a bowl. Combine olive oil and lemon juice. Add all remaining spices to oil and lemon juice, and mix. Pour mixture over fish steaks. Marinate for 5 minutes Remove from marinade and barbecue for about 8 minutes over coals (Keep checking, do not overcook!) Turn as necessary, basting several times with marinade. Serve hot off the grill.