Cobia fish are caught in warm-temperate to tropical waters across several regions worldwide. They are found in the West and East Atlantic Ocean, throughout the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean near India and Australia, and the Pacific coast near Japan and Australia
. In U.S. waters, cobia are most abundant from Virginia down through the Gulf of Mexico to Texas. They migrate seasonally along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico, moving south and offshore during colder months and northward in spring and summer
. They are commonly caught near structures such as reefs, wrecks, buoys, and around large animals like sharks and rays, which they often follow
. In Australia, cobia are caught year-round along the northern coast, from north of Sydney to Shark Bay in Western Australia, mostly in coastal waters 5 to 100 meters deep
. Florida is a prime location for cobia fishing, with the fish present year- round, especially around South Florida, the Florida Keys, and the Gulf Coast. They are often caught near reefs, wrecks, river mouths, and offshore rigs
. Overall, cobia fishing hotspots include:
- Atlantic coast of the U.S. from Virginia to New York and down to Florida
- Gulf of Mexico from Texas to Florida
- Caribbean Sea
- Northern Australian coast
- Indian Ocean off India and Australia
- Pacific coast near Japan and Australia
They are typically caught nearshore in waters ranging from 5 to 200 feet deep, often around underwater structures and in water temperatures between 67-76°F (ideal 68-73°F)
