| Cobia are one of the largest and most exciting | | | | strike from an otherwise un-interested fish. These |
| game fish of the USA. These sleek fish are found | | | | include surface poppers, soft bodied jigs and other |
| along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. They are | | | | lifelike lures. The action and presentation of lures |
| striking fish, with striped flanks, large pectoral fins | | | | can be critical, with experience being a key asset |
| and a deeply forked tail. The fish have brown | | | | for fishermen. As with rods and reels, lures and |
| backs with a black stripe along the lateral line and | | | | terminal tackle need to be sturdy built to handle |
| white undersides. They have a wide blunt head | | | | the stresses of these brutal fish. |
| and large mouth. Although most fish are 15 to 30 | | | | Saltwater fly fishing anglers also target cobia. Fly |
| pounds, they can reach weights of 100 pounds or | | | | casters seek out fish that are cruising the |
| more and lengths approaching 6 feet. | | | | surface, orienting to structure or drawn to chum |
| Cobia fishermen use a variety of outfits, | | | | slicks. Fly rods and reels must be high quality |
| depending on the type of fishing. Some anglers | | | | saltwater versions, capable of withstanding the |
| may choose light outfits, while others employ | | | | powerful runs of cobia. Large saltwater flies that |
| stronger gear as these fish can reach weights of | | | | mimic local baitfish are often the best choice, |
| 100 lbs. For sight casting baits or lures, most | | | | although some anglers create unusual designs to |
| anglers use a spinning or bait casting outfit in the | | | | incite a strike from wary fish. |
| 20-30 lb range. Other situations such as chumming | | | | Anglers that catch cobia must choose to release |
| require similar or slightly heavier conventional reels. | | | | the fish unharmed, or harvest it for the table. Fish |
| Because of the cobia's size and searing runs, a | | | | destined for release are often kept in the water |
| smooth drag and fresh, durable line is essential. | | | | to prevent harming them. Cobia that will be kept |
| Anglers fish for cobia with live bait such as spot, | | | | for food are usually netted or gaffed and |
| croaker, perch, menhaden, striped mullet, eels, | | | | immediately placed in a cooler. Cobia can thrash |
| shrimp, crabs and other baits. Top baits vary with | | | | around if placed on deck, creating a situation that |
| season, location, availability and personal | | | | is dangerous for both fish and angler. |
| preference. Some anglers obtain live baits in local | | | | Harvested fish are kept on ice and cleaned as |
| tackle shops while others choose to catch their | | | | soon as possible. The meat of cobia is white, |
| own with cast nets, hook and line, seines or traps. | | | | flaky and very mild tasting. A single large fish will |
| Rather than fish with baits, some anglers prefer | | | | yield enough steaks to feed several families. |
| lures for cobia even though the fish have a | | | | Fortunately, cobia is very easy to fillet and the |
| reputation for being finicky towards them. Often, | | | | meat freezes well. Cobia steaks are easily |
| anglers will encounter cobia on the surface that | | | | adapted to most recipes that call for a white, mild |
| will follow a lure but refuse to bite. A few basic | | | | tasting fish. |
| lures, presented correctly will sometimes incite a | | | | |