Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Cobia are a long, slim fish with a broad depressed head which is often mistaken for a shark or shark sucker.

The body is dark brown to silver, paler on the sides and grayish white to silvery below, with two narrow dark bands (stripes) extending from the snout to base of the tail.

The eyes are small.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	37 inches minimum length (total length)
Daily Limit / Person	1 per angler or 1 per vessel
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Cobia are found in nearshore waters, both deep and near the surface and are normally solitary but will congregate at artificial reefs, wrecks, buoys, and other structures. They feed primarily on crabs, squids, and small fishes.
Did You Know?	Cobia are the only living species in their family and they have no close relatives.
Common Lures and Baits	Cobia are usually aggressive eaters and take a huge variety of artificial lures such as bucktails, jigs, and swimming plugs. Live crabs and small fish are good live baits for Cobia.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Cobia are caught by anglers at weights of less than 50 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 48 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 42 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 45 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 33.5 pounds minimum
Delaware State Record	89 pounds 3.2 ounces Scott Brooks 2022

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