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 Springtime brings
a sparkle to any coastal fisherman's
eyes. The Long awaited mild sunny
temperatures, warming water, and hungry
aggressive fish, and spring also brings
the shore fisherman the possibility of a
big challenge and a screaming reel in the
Spring Ling! Ling, also known as Cobia or
Lemon fish are technically named Rachycentron
canadum. They begin to make their
seasonal debut in near shore and inshore
Gulf waters in late March through May and
can run through fall.
Data from a study by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the
University of Southern Mississippi have
shown that Cobia are wide ranging
migrating fish, with fish caught and
tagged in the winter months in the
Florida Keys being caught off of the
coast of Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas
the following Spring.
The Cobia look a lot
like a cross between a Shark and a Remora
that attaches itself for a free ride on
the backs and bellies of sharks, being a
long, slim fish with broad depressed
head. The lower jaw projects past the
upper jaw, it has a dark lateral stripe
that extends through the eye to the tail.
The first dorsal fin is comprised of 7 to
9 free spines. They can reach lengths up
to six (6) feet and weight over a hundred
pounds. The Texas Rod and Reel Record for
Cobia was caught on 5/28/98. It weighed a
hefty 108.44 lbs. and was 71 inches long.
When they are young, they have
conspicuous alternating black and white
horizontal stripes. They are frequently
seen near the surface of the water, and
large cobias are easily mistaken for
sharks in the water by the untrained eye.
In fact Cobia are oftentimes found in
association with sharks, manta rays and
other large fish that cast a significant
shadow. Such is their strong
affinity for the shade. They actively
seek  out
such structures to reside at for a while.
They will even setup under rafts of
Sargasso and other seaweed that casts a
significant shadow as well as anchored
shrimp boats.
Cobias are a
naturally curious fish, and will often
chase an artificial or a bait in as it is
reeled. They are not shy at all and
cannot resist inspecting anything that
comes within close proximity of their
shadowy realm.
Cobia are a hard
fighting fish, capable of strong powerful
runs, with occasional leaps and will head
for their shadowy structure when they are
hooked. Stout tackle is in order unless
you are fishing them from a boat in open
water. A Heavy Spinning Reel with a heavy
action rod or a Casting Reel with a heavy
rod is recommended. Minimum line strength
of 30 lbs. is advisable. If you let
the structure come between you and the
fish, the battle is probably over, with
the fish making the winning point.
Terminal tackle can be a typical fish
finder rig with leader short enough to be
casted, or a slide line will work well
also. Circle hooks to match your bait
size starting at 7/0 and up will work
well. Allow the fish to run and hook
themselves. You can fish multiple rigs
with baits on the bottom and the top of
the water to increase you chances. They
will eat just about anything, but can be
picky at times. Any small legal
size fish can be used as bait. Live
Croaker, Whiting, Piggy Perch, Pin fish,
Menhaden, Shad, or even crab. Cut bait
works equally well. Even a small hardhead
with its fins clipped makes a great bait.
Early in the morning and during a light
current are the most productive times.
Jetties and Surf Piers are probably the
best opportunity for a shore angler, but
the beach can pose a good possibility
too!
Chumming has been
proven effective and  can be very
beneficial when fishing for Cobia, with
crushed Menhaden, Shrimp, or any type of
ground up fish working well. A small
Chummer on your line could increase your
chances substantially especially if you
are using a slide line or the fish finder
rig.
Texas Parks and
Wildlife has a minimum size of 37"
and no Maximum length. You may retain 2
Cobia per day.
Well, I hope this
bit of information helps you box your
trophy Ling this spring from the pier or
jetties! I am sure going to be out there
trying for mine!
By Victor Delgado
Aka “Whopper”
If you have any
comments or questions, be sure to post
them on the Surf-Masters Message
Board
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