Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)
Also known as … Bonito, Ling, Crabeater, black kingfish, black salmon, lemonfish, prodigal son, aruan tasek, coby
Description …
Cobia are large long fish with a dark chocolate brown colors on the back and sides that fade to a white belly. The juveniles will often have a brown back with a white horizontal stripe, a very dark stripe and a secondary white stripe down the side with a rounded tail. The tail on the adults are a deep fork, and the dorsal fin is replaced by 7 to 9 short spines, however the second dorsal fin is pronounced. This dorsal when they are skimming the waters surface is commonly mistaken for a small shark. The lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw and broad flattened head. Juveniles are often mistaken for remoras. They have a smooth texture body with small scales.
Cobia are very good to eat and are strong fighters when caught on rod and reel. They will hit bunker chunks and bluefish is a preferred bait. Once in a while they will be caught in the Indian River Inlet when the bluefish schools are in feeding.
Delaware Creel Limit … pending