Cobia
On your offshore fishing trips in Port Aransas TX you may get a chance to catch cobia which is a fish species often confused with sharks or remoras. Many Port Aransas deep sea fishing guides introduce beginner anglers to deep sea fishing by having them catch cobia, because this species is abundant in the area. Full service Port Aransas fishing guides will even cook the cobia you catch during your fishing trips.
How Port Aransas Deep Sea Fishing Guides Identify Cobia
What often makes people confuse cobia with sharks is their dorsal fin which protrudes from the water when the fish swim to the surface. But during your offshore fishing trips in Port Aransas TX your guide will show you that unlike sharks, a cobia fish has 10 spines in the front of its dorsal fin. They do have a streamlined body that is similar in shape to some sharks, but Cobia heads are large and depressed almost like that of a giant catfish.
This species’ body is dark brown at the top, pale brown at the sides, and white on its belly. Young cobia fish have dark lateral bands on their sides which disappear as they get older. Cobia are a favorite among serious sport fishing anglers because they can attain a size of over 100 pounds. Female cobia are often larger than males because they can grow up to 40 inches long.
Where Cobia Can Be Found In Corpus Christi Waters
Corpus Christi fishing charters often go to offshore reefs in more than 200 feet of water to find cobia. You can also find cobia around structures in open waters such as platforms, anchored boats, buoys, pilings and more. You are more likely to catch cobia in Corpus Christi during the summer because they move to warmer waters during the late fall and winter. They prefer water temperatures from 60°F to 80°F. Cobia feed on crabs, cephalopods, eels, pinfish, herring, grants and small fishes. Cobia have been spotted following sharks, rays and other species to scavenge on what these species live behind.
Techniques For Catching Cobia
Like most other deep sea species, cobia will run aggressively once they bite into bait. Since they are strong fish that can cause injury, you need to let cobia run and fight until it gets tired and then reel it in. Some of the arsenal you need for catching cobia include a 7-foot or 9-foot spinning rod, a high quality spooled reel, and a braided line. You may also need a large landing net for catching and releasing the cobia safely. You can use eels and croaker as live bait for cobia during your offshore fishing trips in Port Aransas because they stay alive best.