Cobia
Cobia range across the northern Australian coast year-round, from Cape Naturaliste in WA right around the tropical north and down the east coast to around Botany Bay in NSW.
Most fish run 10–15 kg, but cobia well over 40 kg are possible — the current IGFA all-tackle world record, 79. 5 kg, came from WA waters. Good eating at smaller sizes, great sport at any size.
Scientific Name: Rachycentron canadum
Also known as Black kingfish, black king, cobe, crab eater, lemon fish, ling, sergeant fish
- Long, torpedo-shaped body; dark brown on top, a pale stripe along the side that fades after death, and a white belly below the lateral line.
- Broad, flattened head with a protruding lower jaw — the profile looks vaguely shark-like, which is why they're often mistaken for one at distance.
- A row of short, disconnected dorsal spines runs ahead of the main dorsal fin — no other common Australian coastal fish has this feature.
- Common catches run 10–15 kg; fish over 20 kg are possible, and the species can exceed 40 kg in Australian waters.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Australia; found from Cape Naturaliste in south-western WA, across the tropical north, and down the east coast to Botany Bay in NSW.
- Most common in coastal and nearshore waters from 5–100 m deep, over shallow coral reefs, rocky shores, and occasionally into estuaries; rare in cooler temperate waters.
- Two management stocks recognised: a Northern Australia stock (WA, NT, northern QLD) and an Eastern Australia stock (QLD, NSW, VIC); both assessed as sustainable.
- A warm-water species that pushes further south along the east coast as summer sea temperatures rise.
Key Locations
- Shark Bay, WA — produced the previous IGFA world record (1985) and remains one of the most consistent big-fish locations in the country.
- Geraldton area, WA — where the potential new world record of 79.5 kg was caught in 2025, confirming the region's reputation for outsized fish.
- Moreton Bay, QLD — a reliable inshore location, particularly around deeper sections of the bay.
- Northern Queensland coast and Great Barrier Reef waters — cobia are widespread here year-round, often encountered around reef structure and with whale sharks.
- Central NSW coast — the southern fringe of reliable range on the east coast; fish push down during warmer months.
Specific Spots
- Reef edges, wrecks, wharves, marker poles, and offshore rigs all hold cobia — any hard structure in coastal water is worth a look.
- Keep an eye out for large manta rays, whale sharks, and other big sharks at the surface; cobia regularly travel with them and can be sight-cast to.
- Cobia are a midwater fish and will come right to the surface to feed, so don't assume they're pinned to the bottom near structure.
- Larger fish tend to be solitary or in pairs; smaller fish school in groups of 2–20 and cruise constantly rather than holding in one spot.
Cobia FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Cobia?
Live or fresh whole crabs are a standout bait, particularly around structure, they match the crustacean-heavy diet directly. Bibless minnows (stickbaits) and large paddle-tail soft plastics on jig heads cover the baitfish and squid side of the diet; work them through the midwater column rather than bouncing them on...
When is the best time to fish for Cobia?
Northern Australia (WA, NT, northern QLD): present year-round in tropical waters with no strong seasonal peak. East coast (QLD and NSW): most reliably encountered from spring through autumn (September–April) as warmer water pushes fish south; numbers thin out in winter south of the Queensland border.
How do you catch Cobia?
Most cobia in Australia are taken from boats, either by casting to fish spotted travelling with rays or sharks, or by working lures and baits around structure such as wrecks, reef edges, and offshore rigs. Sight-fishing to surface fish is a popular and effective approach in clear northern waters.
What do Cobia eat?
Crustaceans, crabs and prawns, make up a big part of the diet, which is why crab-pattern soft plastics and live or fresh crabs are reliable baits. Smaller fish and squid round out the menu; jigs, bibless minnows, and paddle-tail soft plastics all work because they mimic this baitfish-and-squid forage.
Where do Cobia live?
Native to Australia; found from Cape Naturaliste in south-western WA, across the tropical north, and down the east coast to Botany Bay in NSW. Most common in coastal and nearshore waters from 5–100 m deep, over shallow coral reefs, rocky shores, and occasionally into estuaries; rare in cooler temperate waters.
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