Is there a cobia season in Florida?
Cobia migrate seasonally, and can be found in the northern Gulf from March to October and in the southern Gulf and south Florida from November to March.
Do cobia come close to shore?
Even if you don’t have a power-boat, Cobia can be targeted near shore. When the season begins in the spring, a large group of fishermen who only pier fish for cobia emerge like bears from their dens. They vie for the ‘best spot’ on the pier, staking their claim as early as possible.
Where is cobia caught?
In U.S. waters, cobia are most abundant from Virginia south through the Gulf of Mexico. Cobia migrate seasonally in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Along the Atlantic coast, they move south and offshore toward warmer waters during the late fall and winter.
Is cobia a Florida fish?
Prized for its flavor and texture, cobia is a popular fish among Florida anglers. Year-round residents of south Florida, cobia have been spotted migrating northward in the spring, and back down south in the fall. They travel in small schools and are often accompanied by large rays.
What is the best bait for cobia?
Another important thing that every Cobia fisherman needs to know is the proper live bait for Cobia. There are many different live baits that can be used but the best we believe are Eels and Croaker. These two live baits are strong so they stay alive best.
Are cobia bottom feeders?
Understanding these migration patterns will increase your success rate. Cobia are bottom dwellers and are known for eating whatever comes their way, including smaller baitfish, squid, eel, and crab. They can be found in waters as shallow as 3 feet, or as much as 20 feet deep.
How big do cobia have to be in Florida?
If you’re fishing in Gulf waters, the minimum size limit is 33 inches. You can keep one fish per day or two fish per vessel. In Atlantic waters, the minimum size is the same, however, your bag limits are larger. You can hold onto one fish per day or six fish per vessel.
What’s the best bait for cobia?
Is cobia expensive?
Disregard what some people say about cobia being an expensive fish. It’s very affordable. Cobia is only costly in regions like Europe where it is not native to their coastal waters. You can buy a pound or more of this unique white fish, and we’ll deliver your order overnight.
What does Florida cobia taste like?
What is this? If you’ve never had cobia before, the best way to describe its taste would be similar to tuna or mahi-mahi. It’s a white meat fish with an incredibly mild flavor and firm texture. It tastes great in a variety of dishes.
Is cobia fish good?
In fact, the FDA has approved cobia for human consumption and it’s been deemed a sustainable seafood choice by Seafood Watch. Cobia is an excellent source of protein, Omega-s fats, and selenium. It’s also low in mercury levels and is safe for people who are pregnant or nursing to eat regularly.
Is cobia hard to catch?
It is difficult to target cobia while bottom fishing or fishing a structure, unless it swims up to the boat to take a look, which they often do: always have a spinning rod with a jig or bait ready. One way to improve your odds of catching a cobia is to use chum. Balloons are also an effective way to target cobia.