This raises the curtain on another angling season for the migratory species, and when the cobia arrive, the pompano are right behind, and mackerel, and dolphin and on and on. While on the migratory trek, cobia are voracious non-discriminating feeders, and will viciously attack most any sizeable, colorful lure. The younger, smaller cobia tend to drop out earlier during the run, the larger ones carrying on. The migration ends with an offshore movement and spawning. The larvae work their way shoreward, and during summer months, pencil size cobia abound around the barrier islands and lower bays.
Nothing is known of their return south with the colder months.
Except during the migratory run, cobia exhibit a characteristic behavior, know t may astute saltwater fishermen. Anchored vessels are always likely to harbor a cobia or two, an a live croaker or well maneuvered lure will often be struck in short order when laid adjacent to the anchored craft. Likewise I've know many fisherman to catch large sharks, mainly to bring the cobia into range of their casting colleagues. The ensuing battle is not one of rapid, streaking passes, but powerful, lengthy runs, usually straight away. Biologists who study fish relationships are fascinated by the similarity of habits an anatomy between cobia and the shark sucker or remoras.