Homosassa Fishing - Cobia Fishing Information and Tactics

Homosassa Cobia Fishing

This is among my favorite fish to catch and eat in the Homosassa Area. It is not the brightest of creatures and when around are quite easily caught. Cobia are great eating fish in my opinion. They can be caught on both the flats and deeper structure in our area. Chumming is the most effective way to bring them to your boat. They are social fish so remember that others may be around and will frequently follow a hooked fish to the boat. No special bait or tactics required here, they will eat just about anything put in front of them when they are hungry.

During the months of May and June, Homosassa fishing centers around the annual Cobia tournament. This is a pretty insane event, especially the start.

Family Rachycentridae, COBIA
Rachycentron canadum

Description: 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.

Similar Fish: remora, Echeneis naucrates.

Where found: both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around bouys, pilings, and wrecks.

Size: common to 30 pounds.

*Florida Record: 103 lbs., 12 ozs.

Remarks: spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish.

* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.

Regulations

Min. Size Limits: Not less than 33" at the fork

Closed Seasons: None.

Daily Rec. Bag Limit: 1 per person per day or 6 per vessel per day, whichever is less

Remarks: A Saltwater products license and restricted species endorsement are needed to sell cobia or exceed bag limit.


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