Cobia
The Cobia is the undisputed big-game fish of the Chesapeake Bay growing
to more than 6 feet, and weighing over 100 pounds. It is highly rated
as a sportfish capable of long runs and occasional leaps. They usually
arrive in June traveling alone, or in groups of 2 or 3. Trolling large
spoons or surface lures around piers and pilings, or in the shade of
buoys, and large offshore drifting objects can sometimes get a strike.
Cobia, however, are often hard to find. One very effective fishing
method is to first start a chum line with ground menhadden or other
oily bait fish, then fish using young live eel as bait, which is considered
their favorite meal.
| Common Names |
Cobia, Crabeater, Lemonfish |
| Scientific Name |
Rachycentridae canadum |
| Average
Size |
3 - 4 feet |
| Average Weight |
15 - 40 lbs. |
| Minimum Size Limit* |
37 inches* |
| Possession Limit* |
2 per person* |
| Season |
May - September |
| Lure |
Large spoons, and surface lures |
| Bait |
Live eel, peeler crab |
| World Record |
135.6 lbs. |
| Virginia Record |
103.5 lbs., Mobjack Bay, Edward K. Brown, 1980 |
| Citation Size |
50 lbs., Citation for release 44 inches or longer |
* All regulations
are subject to change throughout the year. Always check with
the Virginia Marine Resource Commission for new regulations before
you go fishing @ 757-247-2200 or www.state.va.us/mrc/homepage.htm |
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