Open Year-Round
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Also known as: Black Kingfish, Prodigal Son
DPIRD Category
Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season
Oct-Apr
Difficulty
Moderate
Fight Rating
★★★★☆
Regulations & Limits
LARGE PELAGIC FINFISH
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
OPEN
Min Size
750mm
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
OPEN
Min Size
750mm
Individual Limit
3 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Good to Know
- Part of 3 fish mixed large pelagic limit
- Often found around FADs and floating debris
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 100 cm |
| Max Size | 180 cm |
| Typical Weight | 20 kg |
| Max Weight | 60 kg |
Habitat
Where: Structure, FADs, around large marine animals
Depth: 5-100m
ID Features: Dark brown/black on top, white belly, flattened head, elongated body
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Oct-Apr | Water Temp: 24 – 30°C
How to Catch Cobia
1
Sight casting
Setup
- Line: PE4-6 / 24-37kg
- Leader: 60-80lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Large soft plastics
- Stickbaits
- Poppers
Best Baits
- Live mullet
- Live herring
2
Live baiting
Setup
- Line: PE4-5 / 24-30kg
- Leader: 60-80lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Slow sinking stickbaits
Best Baits
- Live mullet
- Live yellowtail
- Crab
Eating Quality
Flesh: White
Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, ceviche
The Fight
Strong, sustained runs