My boat is almost done. The hole I put in the hull about two months ago is patched and I just have to repaint the bottom.

I want to go out in search of a cobia as soon as I can get out in the bay. I've heard these things can tear the shit out of your boat with thier tail. Is this true? Do you think the fish could actually rip a hole through the wood?

I watched a 21' Hydrasport loose its console in Atlantic Beach to a ticked-off cobia. Like any strong fish, they can do some damage. What we have found after boating a dozen or so is that if you net them, they laydown fairly calm. Stick them with a gaff and all hell will break loose.

If you play a cobia out, net him, and then pay careful attention to his attitude, I don't see a reason why you couldn't land one in your boat. Take precautions like loosening up the drag on the reel and clearing the deck of obstacles in case you have to dump him in a hurry.

It also helps to throw a wet towel over his head when you get him on deck. It seems to settle them down also.

If you still don't feel comfortable, bring some rope to tie him off the side.

Good luck.

If you plan on keeping the fish just fight it till its ready to give up.If you put a green fish in the boat thats what you get.I have a pretty good bruse from a Dolphin tail slap right now.Also remember that a wet towell over the eyes calms most fish right down.Drum all you have to do is turn them upsidedown.

cool..thanks for the help