Cobia, Ling, Lemon Fish
We have a long history with fishing near Orlando out of Port Canaveral for Cobia. During the 60’s and 70’s cobia were frequently found loitering around the buoy line. As the years progressed and fishing pressure followed by the burgeoning Florida population, the number of cobia have thinned out. You can find cobia free swimming around the reefs, wrecks, and bait, they readily take to artificials and live bait. Cobia often follows manta rays and giant turtles with leatherbacks being their favorite.
Sight fishing cobia is a favorite past-time. You will see boats with towers and platforms for sighting and casting to cobia, our deep sea fishing boats are custom made for this coastal species. While in search of cobia there are other species off our coast that you may encounter while deep sea fishing Port Canaveral.

The Cobia is a hard fighting, massive fish that never seems to give up the battle even after brought on board. The average size of this fish appears to be over 25 lbs with 35-40 lbs not uncommon. Brown to black colored with no teeth, short spikes on their backs and plenty of “BIG FISH” attitude. Cobia, often mistaken for sharks and can be seen freely swimming near the surface near flotsam or structure. Generally, cobia are dark brown but can have some color fluctuation due to genetics or habitat.
Cobia Information
Ling, Crab Eater, Lemon Fish
Both INSHORE and NEARSHORE inhabiting inlets, bays, and among mangroves; frequently seen around buoys, pilings, and wrecks. During the spring and fall migrations, they can often be seen free swimming along the nearshore coastline.
We often find cobia swimming near the surface near floating sargassum seaweed or debris. Before the 1980’s cobia would frequent navigation aids but this has become less of a habit due to angling pressure.
One of the preferred ways to catch cobia consistently is to merely bottom fish near wrecks and structure. Cobia responds well to live bait and find comfort and food source near large bottom structure.
As a note, you should always look around sizeable marine life for swimming cobia. Giant sharks, manta rays, whales, and turtles can often hold cobia that relate to them as traveling companions or hitchhikers.
Remarks
Spawns in spring and early summer; feeds on crabs, squid, and small fish. Target this fish in early spring or late winter (Feb-April). Cobia is often seasonal so make your reservations during this time of year. More Cobia Information
Regulations
Minimum size 33″ to fork 1 per harvester or 6 per vessel per day, whichever is less. Florida Regulations for Cobia