Open Year-Round

Cobbler

Cnidoglanis macrocephalus

Also known as: Cobbler, Estuary Catfish

DPIRD Category Nearshore/Estuarine Finfish
Peak Season Year round
Difficulty Easy
Fight Rating ★★☆☆☆
Cobbler

Regulations & Limits

NEARSHORE/ESTUARINE FINFISH

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size 430mm
Individual Limit 8 fish
Mixed Limit Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast OPEN
Min Size 430mm
Individual Limit 8 fish
Mixed Limit Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
Gascoyne N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

Good to Know

  • Part of catfish family (Plotosidae)
  • VENOMOUS SPINES - handle with extreme care
  • Can take with hand spear (gidgie) in estuaries

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size35 cm
Max Size50 cm
Typical Weight1 kg
Max Weight2 kg

Habitat

Where: Estuaries, rivers, sandy/muddy bottom

Depth: 1-15m

ID Features: Dark brown/grey, eel-like body, venomous spines, barbels around mouth

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 14 – 22°C

How to Catch Cobbler

1

Bottom fishing

Setup

  • Line: PE1-2 / 6-10kg
  • Leader: 15-25lb fluoro

Top Lures

  • Small soft plastics 2-3inch

Best Baits

  • Prawns
  • Mussels
  • Worms
  • Sandcrabs

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Pan fried, battered (remove skin)

The Fight

★★☆☆☆ 2/5

Solid pull

Explore More Species

Browse our complete database of 122 species.

View All Species