COBIA

C -

COBIA

Scientific Name: 
Rachycentron canadum
Salt/Fresh: 
Salt
Also Known As: 
Black Kingfish; Sergeant Fish; Ling; Crab Eater; Lemonfish; Black Salmon; COBIA
Rating: 
Countries: 
Australia
United States
Description: 

Cobia are a great fighting and eating 'shark like' looking reef fish.

How To Identify: 

Cobia is "kingfish" like in its look but with a flat head. Commonly mistaken for a shark when hooked (often cut off by fisherman who see a dark shark like figure in the water). Cobia are a dark brown to almost black and fading to a creamy yellow on the underbelly. They have brown silvery bands that run the length of the body. Normally taken between 5-12kgs but can grow to almost 60kgs

How To Catch: 

Will take most baits and lures. Often caught when trolling for other pelagic with minnows or metal lures. Occasionally taken with flies. Loves live baits and often caught when live baiting around reefs and wrecks. Live Slimie mackerel, or yellowtails are best, but will also take a strip bait, whole pilchard or well presented whole squid. They put up a strong fight and sometimes seem to come to the boat quickly and then on seeing the boat go crazy, be careful if landing 'green' as they can go berserk in the boat.

Where Found: 

International

Cobia is found around the world in tropic and temperate waters, both offshore and inshore.

Australia

In Australia it is found around reefs from Northern NSW around to about Shark Bay in WA. It can be quite a loner fish on the reef but known to hold in numbers around structure such as wrecks.

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