Cobia

Cobia fishermen use a variety of outfits, depending on the type of fishing. Some anglers may choose light outfits, while others employ stronger gear as these fish can reach weights of 100 lbs. For sight casting baits or lures, most anglers use a spinning or baitcasting outfit in the 20-30 lb range.

Other situations such as chumming require similar or slightly heavier conventional reels. Because of the cobia's size and searing runs, a smooth drag and fresh, durable line is essential.

Cobia have a reputation for being extremely finicky when it comes to lures. Often, anglers will encounter cobia on the surface that will follow a lure but refuse to bite. A few basic lures, presented correctly will sometimes incite a strike from an otherwise uninterested fish.

These include surface poppers, soft bodied jigs and other lifelike lures.The action and presentation of lures can be critical, with experience being a key asset for fishermen. As with rods and reels, lures and terminal tackle need to be sturdy built to handle the stresses of these brutal fish.

Saltwater fly fishing anglers also target cobia. Fly casters seek out fish that are cruising the surface, orienting to structure or drawn to chum slicks. Fly rods and reels must be high quality saltwater versions, capable of withstanding the powerful runs of cobia. Large saltwater flies that mimic local baitfish are often the best choice, although some anglers create unusual designs to incite a strike from wary fish. Fly anglers also employ a variety of shrimp and crab patterns to entice strikes from cobia.

Live baits for cobia include spot, menhaden, mullet, minnows, perch, eels, shrimp, crabs, clams and other baits. These vary with season and location. Fishermen choose live baits depending on availability and personal preference. Some anglers will find live baits in local tackle shops while others need to catch their own.

A small cast net or seine can be a great asset for anglers that need live bait fish. Another possibility is a fish trap, which is baited and left overnight.

Perhaps the easiest way to catch bait is with a sabiki rig. This special leader features a daisy chain of small lures. Anglers sometimes bait the sabiki hooks with tiny bits of bloodworm as an added attractant. The rig is then slowly worked along the bottom near pilings or over structure. The rig will catch spot, perch, herring and even silversides or other species of minnows.

Lemon Butter Cobia

Ingredients:
1 lb. cobia steaks
1/2 fresh lemon
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. Old Bay crab seasoning or equivalent

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Drain steaks and lay in a casserole dish coated with olive oil.

Squeeze lemon juice over steaks, coat with butter and sprinkle with seasoning.

Bake for 10 minutes or until fish is white on the outside and still slightly pink in the center.

Baked Cobia with Italian Herbs

Ingredients

1 lb. cobia steaks
1 cup crushed bread crumbs
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano
1/2 cup melted butter

Directions:

1. Rinse fillets and allow to drain in a colinder. If necessary, blot away excess water with a paper towel.

2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Dredge fillets in butter and roll in dry season mixture. Place fillets on a greased cookie sheet.

4. Bake at 375-degrees for approximately 15-20 minutes. The fish is cooked when it is white and flakes easily.

For more seafood recipes visit Fresh Seafood.

Anglers that catch cobia can either release the fish unharmed, or harvest it for the table. Harvested fish must be kept on ice and cleaned as soon as possible. A single large fish will yield enough steaks to feed several families.

Cobia is very easy to fillet and the meat freezes well. The meat is white, flaky and very mild tasting. The steaks are suitable in recipes calling for a white, mild tasting fish.