Capt. Nat Chalkley of Get the Net Charters was chunking for striped bass off the Elizabeth Islands Monday evening when he hooked into this 36″ cobia, a species more commonly found in waters from Virginia to Florida.
“Once it saw the boat, it took off. It definitely fought harder than a striper,” Nat replied after being asked to describe the fight.
Cobia catches in the Elizabeth Islands/Buzzards Bay area have become increasingly common over the last few years, with a 25 pounder taken in 2012 and a 31 pounder weighed in at M&D’s in Wareham last July 4th. OTW staff members also reported seeing a cobia leap out of the water during an eel trip off the Elizabeths this past Sunday, July 13th.
Have you seen or caught a cobia this year? Make sure to send your photos and intel to feedback@onthewater.com so we can keep an eye on this exciting trend!
I’d love to bring one to the table if I caught one but they aren’t listed in the MA regs. Is there a rule on unlisted species?
the canary in the mine :((
Not to sure what a Cobia? But are they good eating?
Nat got fat:)