Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is a coastal migratory pelagic species that supports a popular recreational fishery (>90% of landings) but are also captured in commercial fisheries and as bycatch in shrimp fisheries along the U. S. Atlantic coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the species popularity as a sportfish, few stock assessments have been conducted. Thus, there remains a substantial need to better understand the stock structure and how seasonal movements may influence the distribution of fishing effort and mortality, which is critical to inform future management.