The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Amberjack vs Cobia
Two fish anglers routinely mix up. Here is what actually separates them — and when and where you are likely to meet each.
Side by Side
Amberjack Seriola dumerili
Typical: 30–45 in, 15–40 lb
Quickest tell: The dark diagonal eye-bar (nuchal bar) running up to the first dorsal, plus the amber flank stripe, identifies greater amberjack; cobia is flatter-headed with a dark side stripe and a row of separate dorsal spines.
- Dark diagonal bar through the eye to the first dorsal ("bandit mask")
- Amber to brassy lateral stripe running along the flank
- Bronze-amber sides, long stout body
- Long-based second dorsal and anal fin
- Deeply forked tail; no barbel
Cobia Rachycentron canadum
Typical: 30–45 in, 15–40 lb
Key field mark: A brown lateral stripe on a flat-headed, remora-like body with low isolated dorsal spines identifies cobia (often mistaken at a glance for a shark, which has gill slits and rough denticle skin).
- Long, broad, flattened head; dark brown back
- Single horizontal dark stripe with paler band above and below
- Row of 7-9 short, stout, separate spines ahead of the dorsal fin (no connecting membrane)
- Broad shark/remora-like head with projecting lower jaw
- White belly; broad, slightly forked tail
When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted
Peak Good Fair Slow
Where Amberjack and Cobia Overlap
Both run in Gulf of Mexico, South Florida & the Keys — that is where telling them apart actually matters.