Size
5 - 20kg. can reach up to 70kg.
Habitat
Cobia are a tropical pelagic frequenting the northern oceanic waters of Australia. Occasionally they are found in southerern waters of the continent at warm times of year. They congregate mainly around reefy areas with a particular attraction for current and wave action. Cobia can be found from the surface to the bottom around headlands, inshore rock ledges, deep water wharves, offshore islands, ocean rocks, offshore deep water reefs, inshore reefs and around navigation beacons.
Qualities
Powerful and tough battler providing long, fast runs once hooked.
Record
Australian record 61.500kg.
Best Bait
bait: Australian salmon, Garfish, Pilchard, Slimy mackerel (blue), Tailor, Yellowtail scad (yakka)
lure: Jigs, Skirted lure, Slice
Tackle
Link: 10 - 20kg main line with a 1m of 40 - 60kg trace.
Hook: No. 5/0 - 10/0.
Rig: Medium to heavy gear for trolling and bait fishing.
Hints
Fish prefer a moving bait. Slow trolling with whole crab or garfish works well. Trolled bait hauled slow and close to any large buoy or beacon is a deadly way to find a Cobia. Bottom fishing reefy areas with crab or drifting live baits over reef or from ocean rock locations is productive. Cobia are also taken by trolling, jigging or casting lures toward washes and island corners.