It goes by the names prodigal son, crabeater, and black kingfish. You might think this fish was the Protector of the Seven Seas and heir to the coral throne with words like that. Yet, the name you’ve likely heard before is the humble cobia. 

Cobia are renowned for the mighty fight they put up when on the business end of a fishing reel. While the species average 30-60 pounds fully grown, they’re known to top out well over 100 pounds. Even small cobia have become quite the prize for mid-Atlantic anglers due to the wrestling required to reel it in and its capacity to feed more the whole crew for dinner. 

The ODU Alumni Association is hosting its fourth annual Monarch Cobia Classic this weekend. Soon to be the largest cobia tournament on the east coast, dozens of anglers will be competing for over $25,000 in cash prizes, reels, rods, and more. But there’s more in it for the cobia than a free lip piercing. The ODU Alumni Association has partnered with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to advance cobia research and showcase this incredible fish. 

ODU Alumni, faculty, staff, and students travel nearly as far as cobia to join in on the tournament. (Cobia travel from as far as the Gulf of Mexico and as far north as Massachusetts). For two whole days, eager anglers will be casting their lines for a chance to catch the big one. After the prize ceremony, where a cobia queen (or king) is named, the two-day event culminates with a dock party.

Get your fishing buddies together, gather your rods, reels, and a few lucky charms, and make the most of the 4th Annual Monarch Cobia Classic. 

The Deets:

Tournament 

July 15-17 at Long Bay Pointe Marina

Lines in: 6:00 am

Dock Party

July 17th, 6:00 pm

Ballyhoos 

More information and tickets. 

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery. Go Hokies!