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Cobia Regulations in Virginia (2026)

Rachycentron canadum

Recreational cobia rules in Virginia saltwater, as published by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit
43 in minimum
Bag limit
1 per person
Season
B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to…

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Recreational Cobia rules in Virginia

Where
All waters
Size limit
C. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or have in possession any recreationally harvested cobia less than 43 inches in total length.
Bag limit
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to possess more than one cobia at any time.
Possession
When fishing from any recreational vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit for the recreational vessel shall be equal to the number of persons on board legally eligible to fish multiplied by one, except there is a maximum recreational vessel limit of two cobia per recreational vessel per day.
Season
B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to harvest or possess any cobia before June 15 or after September 20 of the current calendar year.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
All waters
Size limit
B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially to take, harvest, or possess any cobia less than 37 inches in total length.
Bag limit
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially to possess more than two cobia at any time. When fishing from any vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit for the vessel shall be equal to the number of valid commercial fisherman registration licensees on board multiplied by two, except there is a maximum vessel limit of six cobia per vessel per day.
  • B. Any commercial harvest of cobia shall only be reported through the Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program Web Application.
  • C. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, harvest, land, or possess any cobia for commercial purposes once it has been announced by the commission that the commercial quota has been landed for the current calendar year.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the cobia size limit in Virginia?

C. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or have in possession any recreationally harvested cobia less than 43 inches in total length..

How many cobia can I keep in Virginia?

A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to possess more than one cobia at any time..

When is cobia season in Virginia?

B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to harvest or possess any cobia before June 15 or after September 20 of the current calendar year.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

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More offshore & pelagic in Virginia

All Virginia saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Most anglers need a Virginia saltwater license or registry: get one here.