Cobia (ling) – Rachycentron

By: admin Mood: - Cobia Date: Jul 02, 2007 Music: None

Cobia are called by many different and interesting names, a few of the most popular are as follows: Ling, LemonFish, Black Kingfish, crabeaters, aruan tasek, etc…

Description: Long slim fish with broad depressed head; the lower jaw projects past the upper jaw; there is usually a dark and distinctive lateral strip that extends from the eye to the tail. Has a conspicuous alternating black and white horizontal stripe.

Similar Fish: Most people confuse the remora (Eceneis naucrates) with the cobia, they too have the very distinctive lateral strip. However cobia lacks the sucker and has a stouter body.

Distribution: Cobia are pelagic fish that normally swim in open water, they are also very curious fish and can be found around floating debris, and markers. Cobia tend to congregate on wrecks and in places that are great food sources.

How They Feed: Cobia are often seen following larger fish in search for food. There primary diet consists of crabs, squid and small fish. Cobia can frequently be seen following large sting rays, as the rays prowl the bottom they kick up crabs, bait fish etc…

 Size: Attaining a length of 2 metres (78 inches) and a weight of 68 kilograms (150 pounds)

 Migrating patterns: Cobia make seasonal migrations along the coasts in search of warmer water as the climate changes. Wintering in the Gulf of Mexico, they migrate north as far as Maryland in the summer, passing East Central Florida in March. 

Fishing Terminal & Methods: Cobia are a prized fish by many anglers, they have long strong runs and are a great sport on most tackle. Recommended tackle if in open water would be a large spinning reel spooled with 30 to 40lb test Power Pro. To compliment the reel a 7ft medium to heavy action rod would add the final touches. If fishing around heavy structure you may want to switch to conventional gear such as the Torium 50 spooled with 50 to 60lb test Power Pro on a stout 6 to 7 foot rod.

 Popular fishing methods include site casting, drifting and occasionally by trolling. The Preferred method is site casting, normally can be spotted on the flats or behind sea turtles, sting rays, large sharks etc… When you do spot a cobia you can pitch a Chartreuse jig or a small crab and they normally won’t refuse. Another popular way is by drift fishing, put out a chum bag and fly line a threadfin, pinfish or a small crab.  

Caution Remarks: Some anglers say the true fight doesn’t start until the fish hits the boat deck so be careful. They are as strong out of water as they are in.  

Table Fair: Cobia is delicious and it is said to be one of the best eating fish. You can cook cobia every different way. My favorite ways include: grilling, broiling, and frying.