Cobia Regulations in Louisiana (2026)

Recreational cobia rules in Louisiana saltwater, as published by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

36 inches minimum fork length

Bag limit

One per person and no more than two per vessel per day

Season

Open year-round in state waters

Recreational Cobia rules in Louisiana

LDWF page lists this species as "Cobia (ling or lemonfish)".
To possess tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, snappers, groupers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish in Louisiana waters, recreational fishermen (except those under age 18 and those on a paid for-hire charter trip) must obtain a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit , in addition to required licenses.

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Statewide
Size limit: 2.The minimum legal size for possession of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) whether caught within or without the territorial waters of Louisiana shall be 36 inches fork length. No person shall possess, sell, barter, trade, or exchange or attempt to sell, barter, trade, or exchange cobia less than the minimum size requirements.
Bag limit: D.The recreational and commercial bag limit for possession of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) whether caught within or without the territorial waters of Louisiana shall be one fish per person per day with a vessel limit not to exceed two fish per vessel per day, regardless of the number of trips or persons on the vessel.
Season: Year-round - one per person and no more than two per vessel per day.

LDWF Commercial Saltwater Finfish Seasons (https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/commercial-saltwater-finfish-seasons): Cobia (ling or lemonfish) — Year-round - one per person and no more than two per vessel per day.

36 inches minimum fork length.

One per person and no more than two per vessel per day.

Open year-round in state waters. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Most anglers need a Louisiana saltwater license or registry: get one here.