On any offshore fishing trip, the excitement peaks when a cobia is spotted near the surface. Also known as ling or lemon fish, the cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is prized for its delicate, white, flaky fillets. Cobias are the only living species in their family and they have no close relatives. Found almost worldwide in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters, they are open-water fish, but tend to locate around pilings, buoys or drifting objects. They even orient themselves under sea turtles and floating boats. Cobias also appear to be attracted to noise. They range from saline bays inshore to offshore waters 4,000 feet deep.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FISH CAUGHT IN THE BASSMASTER CLASSIC?
BASS Photo
LDWF Director of Inland Fisheries Mike Wood reviews the intense preparations that took place many months in advance of this year’s Classic event and will repeat for next year’s Classic on the Red River near Shreveport.
Breton Island is located at the bottom of the Chandeleur Island Chain that stretches from just off the Mississippi Gulf Coast almost to the tip of southeast Louisiana's boot. It is a series of barrier islands that project up from the Chandeleur Sound that buffers southeast Louisiana from the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from the shrimp boats, occasional passing ships through the channel and a raccoon or two, these islands are home to marine birds, dolphins, shrimp, crabs and fish, plenty of fish.
“This story was first published in 2006 when it earned a first place in the Newspaper Category of the LA Outdoor Writer’s Association’s Excellence in Craft Competition. I’m not sure if Mr. Iaconnelli ever read it but it seems he just may have taken my advice. Look at who and where he was then and now and you be the judge.”