The Great Cobia
One of the most rewarding surprises on an Exmouth fishing charter is a solid cobia coming up from the depths. They are not the fish most people book a trip chasing, but anyone who has hooked one remembers it. Here is what makes cobia such a prized catch in our waters, and how we go about finding them.
It’s common to catch a few Cobia on our trips as they are more prevalent in the Exmouth Gulf in the cooler months. They have habits that are quite fickle but we have our ways of finding them. As a gamefish, Cobia are a tough adversary and worthy of the angler’s respect but can be a little hard to predict.
Where cobia hold and how they behave
Cobia are pelagic and are normally solitary except for annual spawning aggregations; however they will hang around at reefs, wrecks, harbours, buoys and other structural oases. They may also enter estuaries and mangroves in search of prey.
Cobia feed primarily on crabs, squid, and other fish. They like to follow larger animals such as sharks, turtles and manta rays in hope of scavenging a meal. Cobia are intensely curious fish and show no fear of boats. That curiosity is exactly what we use to our advantage. A cobia will often rise up to inspect the boat or a hooked fish, which gives an alert angler a chance to pitch a bait or lure right in front of it.
How big do they get?
Cobia grow big in our waters, with a record fish of 61.5 kilos taken at Shark Bay by Peter Goulding in 1985. That’s certainly a big cobia. Most often anglers catch cobia in the 5-15kg range. If you catch a 20 kg Cobia, you would be doing well with 30kg plus being at boasting status.
They are found in areas of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans where water temperatures average 24 °C or greater. The largest taken on rod and reel was taken from Western Australia weighing 60 kg.
Targeting cobia off Exmouth
Because cobia are structure oriented, we work the reefs, wrecks and any floating or fixed structure where bait gathers. Keeping an eye on the surface matters just as much as watching the sounder, since cobia shadowing a ray or a shark near the top of the water column are a genuine chance if you are ready to cast quickly. Live bait, fresh squid and larger soft plastics or jigs all account for good fish. They pull hard and dive for structure the moment they feel the hook, so solid tackle and a bit of composure go a long way.
Are cobia good to eat?
Yes. Cobia are considered excellent eating, with firm white flesh that holds together well on the grill and takes on marinades nicely. A cobia in the 5 to 15kg range is about the ideal size for the table, and it is one of the reasons our guests are always happy to see one come aboard.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to catch cobia in Exmouth?
Cobia are more prevalent in the Exmouth Gulf during the cooler months, though they can turn up at other times around reefs, wrecks and structure.
What size do cobia reach in Western Australia?
Most fish are caught in the 5 to 15kg range. A 20kg cobia is a very good fish, and anything over 30kg is a genuine trophy. The WA record on rod and reel is 60kg, and a 61.5kg fish was taken at Shark Bay in 1985.
Where do cobia hold?
They are structure oriented and gather around reefs, wrecks, buoys and other structural features, and will also follow larger animals such as sharks, turtles and manta rays.
Can you target cobia on a Blue Horizon Charters trip?
Yes. We regularly encounter cobia on our Exmouth Gulf trips and know the structure and conditions that hold them.
Ready to see the reef and gamefish action for yourself? Get in touch with Blue Horizon Charters to book your Exmouth fishing adventure.
Cobia grow big in our waters, with a record fish of 61.5 kilos taken at Shark Bay by Peter Goulding in 1985(opens in new tab). That’s certainly a big cobia. Most often anglers catch cobia in the 5-15kg range. If you catch a 20 kg Cobia, you would be doing well with 30kg plus being at boasting status.
