Cobia Regulations in South Carolina (2026)

Rachycentron canadum

Recreational cobia rules in South Carolina saltwater, as published by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.

Size limit

36-inch FL

Bag limit

1 per person

Season

May 1 to May 31 in state waters south of 032° 31.0’ N latitude…

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Cobia rules in South Carolina

Where: State waters south of 032° 31.0’ N (all waters)
Size limit: 36-inch FL
Bag limit: 1 per person per day and no more than 3 per boat per day in State waters south of 032° 31.0’ N
Possession: no more than 3 per boat per day
Season: May 1 to May 31 in state waters south of 032° 31.0’ N latitude (Jeremy Inlet, Edisto Island)

In state waters may only be taken by rod & reel and gig.
When fishing for gamefish (including red drum, cobia, and tarpon) with large hooks (4/0 or larger) and natural bait, non-offset/non-stainless circle hooks are required. There are no restrictions on hook type when using hooks less than 4/0 or artificial lures.
SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 49 (PDF page 51), table "FINFISH: INSHORE & OFFSHORE", section "OFFSHORE FINFISH".
Statutory basis (S.C. Code of Laws, https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c005.php): S.C. Code § 50-5-1713(A)(1)

Official source

Where: federal waters and state waters north of 032° 31.0’ N (all waters)
Size limit: 36-inch FL
Bag limit: 1 per person per day and no more than 6 per boat per day federal waters and state waters north of 032° 31.0’ N
Possession: no more than 6 per boat per day

In state waters may only be taken by rod & reel and gig.
When fishing for gamefish (including red drum, cobia, and tarpon) with large hooks (4/0 or larger) and natural bait, non-offset/non-stainless circle hooks are required. There are no restrictions on hook type when using hooks less than 4/0 or artificial lures.
SCDNR 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing guide (Rules & Regulations), printed page 49 (PDF page 51), table "FINFISH: INSHORE & OFFSHORE", section "OFFSHORE FINFISH".
Statutory basis (S.C. Code of Laws, https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c005.php): S.C. Code § 50-5-1713(A)(2)

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: All waters
Size limit: minimum size requirement of thirty-three inches in fork length
Bag limit: two per licensed commercial fisherman per day and no more than six per boat per day taken or possessed commercially subject to a minimum size requirement of thirty-three inches in fork length.
Possession: no more than six per boat per day

It is unlawful to sell cobia taken from the waters of this State. All cobia taken commercially from waters outside of this State must be sold to a licensed wholesale dealer who also is a federally permitted dealer.
It is unlawful to take or possess cobia when federal regulations provide for the closure of the recreational or commercial cobia fishery in the waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the cobia size limit in South Carolina?

36-inch FL (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many cobia can I keep in South Carolina?

1 per person per day and no more than 3 per boat per day in State waters south of 032° 31.0’ N (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is cobia season in South Carolina?

May 1 to May 31 in state waters south of 032° 31.0’ N latitude (Jeremy Inlet, Edisto Island). Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Cobia limits in other states →

More offshore & pelagic in South Carolina

All South Carolina saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Most anglers need a South Carolina saltwater license or registry: get one here.