Cobia Fishing Spots in Australia

Overview: about cobia

Hard-fighting pelagic prowler of northern NSW, QLD and northern Australia — often shadows rays, sharks and FADs. Targeted by sight-casting big soft plastics, jigs and live baits. Excellent eating and a serious adversary on spin gear.

Quick facts

Size: 80–130 cm (max 200 cm)
Weight: 8–25 kg (max 60 kg)
Depth: 0–60 m
Habitat: Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic, Reef

Regulations (per state)

State	Size	Bag
NSW	—	2
QLD	75 cm min	2

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

Biology: Cobia size, diet & habitat

Habitat: Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic, Reef
Typical size: 80–130 cm (max 200 cm)
Weight: 8–25 kg (max 60 kg)
Depth range: 0–60 m
Diet: crabs, squid, baitfish
Most active: diurnal
Global range: Pantropical and subtropical

How to target: Cobia angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

live mullet or yakkas around isolated reefs, beacons and FADs
soft plastics and stickbaits cast at sighted fish on shallow reef
large bucktail jigs dropped on offshore wrecks

Best season: when to catch cobia in Australia

No seasonal pattern for cobia yet. Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions — check state fisheries advice and recent local reports before planning a trip.

Where to catch: cobia fishing spots in Australia

36 mapped fishing spots, marks and waypoints for cobia across Australia, covering land-based fishing, rock fishing, estuary fishing and offshore and bluewater fishing. Each location below links through to access notes and coordinates.

Queensland28

New South Wales7

Western Australia1

Exmouth Artificial Reef
Reef · WA
-21.93°

Cobia

Recently caught

Range & spots