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Cobia: Florida size and bag limit

As of / last verified: against official sources · Source: FWC: Cobia

Cobia limit in Florida: the minimum size is 36 inches fork length in Gulf and Atlantic state waters and in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. The bag limit is 1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less. FWC's cobia page does not list a season. Legal gear is spears, gigs, hook and line, seine and cast net.

Quick answer

Rules in flux
FWC's cobia rules page does not list a season.
Size
36" fork length
Bag
1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less
State and federal
Same size and bag
Season
Not listed on the FWC cobia page
Gear
Spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net
Cobia: side view for identification
Cobia. Credit: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC. Public domain
Total length vs fork lengthTotal length runs from the tip of the closed mouth to the tip of the squeezed tail. Fork length runs from the tip of the snout to the center of the tail fork.How FWC measures fishTOTAL LENGTH: mouth closed → tip of squeezed tailFORK LENGTH: snout → center of tail forkTL species include: red drum, snook, spotted seatrout, weakfish, snappers, groupers, flounder, sheepsheadFL species include: pompano, permit, Spanish & king mackerel, cobia, amberjacks, hogfish, dolphin
Measure in a straight line with the fish on its side; don't follow its curve. Cobia are measured in fork length. Source: FWC Fish Measurement. Original graphic.

Cobia limits

WatersSizeBagSeason
Gulf and Atlantic state waters36" fork length1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is lessNot listed
Gulf and Atlantic federal waters36" fork length1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is lessNot listed

The FWC recreational page states the size and bag and does not state a season.

Rules in flux. FWC's cobia rules page does not list a season.

How do you identify Cobia?

Where and when to catch Cobia in Florida?

Cobia are found in nearshore and inshore waters with inlets and bays, often around buoys, pilings and wrecks, which is why fishing piers fit the habitat FWC describes. They spawn in spring and early summer and eat crabs, squid and small fish. FWC lists live crabs and small fish as baits, fished near the surface or with just enough weight to reach a deeper fish. The profile says they average 30 pounds and that fish of 50 to 80 pounds are caught often.

Piers and bridges

Regions

Frequently asked questions

What is the cobia size limit?

36 inches fork length in state waters and in federal waters.

What is the cobia bag limit?

1 per person or 2 per vessel, whichever is less. State and federal waters use the same bag.

Is there a cobia season?

FWC's cobia rules page does not list a season.

What gear is legal for cobia?

Spears, gigs, hook and line, seine and cast net.

How do you tell a cobia from a remora?

A remora has a sucker disk on top of the head. A cobia does not.

Official sources

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

Related guides

Disclaimer: This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules, seasons and boundaries can change at short notice, including by emergency order. Always check the current regulations on MyFWC.com before you fish.