Cobia (ling)
Family
Rachycentridae, COBIA |
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. RegulationsMin. 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. |