| Rachycentron canadum | |
Also called the Crabeater or Ling, this species has a worldwide distribution in tropical and warm temperature waters. In the western Atlantic it is found from Bermuda and Massachusetts to Argentina and is widespread in the Gulf of Mexico. The species has no relatives and is in a family of itself.
The Cobia can be distinguished as follows, color dark brown with a paler brown on both sides and below. A black lateral band, wider than the eye, extending from snout to base of caudal. Surface of head pale, fins mostly black. The black lateral band is very noticeable in the young ones but tends to become obscured in the adult.
Cobia feed on crabs, shrimp and small fish of all kinds. Small live bait fish are a favorite. They can be found on the Florida Keys flats following Rays at times and will take a large fly or jig. The young are frequently caught in the bays and inlets while the adults like shallow parts of the open waters of the ocean. They are attracted to floating objects of any kind. Most common size is 30 lbs and the Florida state record is 128 pounds and world record 135 lbs in Australia.
Cobia is an exceptionally good food fish, it is usually skinned and deep fried but is also good smoked. They can be found in the markets called Ling mostly. In the summer months they can be found as far North as the Chesapeake bay and cape Cod. And in the Fall the return to the tropical warm waters. Cobia are a large strong game fish and make long hard runs and can make occasional jumps.