Overview
Cobia look like a cross between a shark and a remora and behave like neither. They cruise structure singly or in pairs and will follow a hooked fish right to the boat.
They are famously inquisitive, which makes sight-casting to them one of the most exciting shots in Australian fishing.
The fight is a series of powerful, dogged runs — they rarely jump but they do not quit.
Where to find them
- ▸Around beacons, buoys and isolated shoals.
- ▸Shadowing large rays and sharks on shallow flats.
- ▸Near bait schools over inshore reef.
- ▸Following boats and berley trails on the anchor.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 8–15 kg spin stick, 7 ft.
- ▸Reel: 6000–8000 spin.
- ▸Line: 30–50 lb braid with 60–80 lb leader.
- ▸Terminal: 7/0–9/0 live bait hooks, or 7" soft plastics on 1 oz heads.
Tips from the water
- ▸Always keep a rigged rod ready — cobia turn up without warning.
- ▸Cast well past a cruising fish and bring the lure across its nose.
- ▸Do not gaff them until they are truly beaten; they go berserk boat-side.
Regulations
Size and bag limits vary by state.