Eco-Bites by DR. SKIP LAZAUSKI

With the temperature below freezing, most of us are having dreams about spring arriving. We have visions of the “breakers” coming in, our friends the “snow birds” leaving and the cobia moving in from the east.

The cobia (Rachycentron canadus), a.k.a. lemon fish, ling or cobia, is a fish that is often overlooked by recreational anglers. It migrates into the northern Gulf of Mexico up the west coast of Florida and is associated with the arrival of a new fishing year in mid February to March. Cobias tend to migrate along or near the surface with the larger fish coming into the northern Gulf first.

Banner pilots, who fly along the front beach, are almost always the ones to spot the first lings of the season. When the first lings are spotted the word is pasted rapidly by radio along the northern coast, “They’re here!!” and the ling hunters head out.

The younger and smaller cobias drop out early in the run, with the larger more powerful swimmers arriving first. Their migration finishes with movement to the offshore waters where they spawn. The cobia larvae move towards the shore during summer months, with six- to eight-inch cobias teeming around barrier islands and lower bays. Cobias have a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical oceans where they can weight more than 100 pounds. This weight is rare and they usually range from 20 to 40 pounds.

When cobias are not migrating they are attracted to large objects on or near the surface such as buoys and large fish like manta rays, sharks and turtles. Charter boats which anchor or float over artificial reefs tend to attract cobia. Some charter captains have been known to put out small rafts attached with a long line to their vessel and use it as a F.A.D. (Fish Attraction Device). The reason a F.A.D. works is basic biology. An animal does something for only three reasons food, defense or reproduction. In the case of F.A.D. small fish are attracted to the F.A.D. as a defensive shelter and a potential food source. The cobia will then in turn feed off the smaller fish.

When migrating cobias are voracious feeders and will attack most any lure of the right size. A live croaker will do nicely if you remember the axiom “big bait equals big fish”. Marine biologists who study this fish find that the cobia is similar in physical structure and behavior to the remoras. The tail fins of cobias are rounded when young and become forked as they age. This is almost identical to some remoras.

It has been suggested by ichthyologists that the two families are related which helps explain their similar behaviors.

The flesh of cobia is considered by many to be the best tasting of all the fish in the northern Gulf and ranked by many over fresh tuna. It is considered best when grilled fresh with lemon butter. Ask any banner pilot.

Think Global – Act Local!

Dr. “Skip” Lazauski's television show “Eco-Bites”, can now be seen on youtube.com. To reach Dr. Lazauski for questions and comments, send e-mails to IchiOrca@yahoo.com. For more information, see his Web site, www.drskiponline.com.