What is the size limit for Cobia in Florida?

The current FWC size limit for Cobia in Florida is 36" fork length minimum. Always confirm at MyFWC.com before keeping a fish — regulations can change on short notice.

What is the bag limit for Cobia in Florida?

The current FWC daily bag limit for Cobia in Florida is 1 per person / day OR 2 per vessel — whichever is less..

When is Cobia season in Florida?

Statewide (Gulf and Atlantic, state and federal waters): Year-round. Season windows vary by FWC management region.

Cobia in Florida — Regs, Seasons & Tips

Current FWC regulations

Season

Statewide (Gulf and Atlantic, state and federal waters)

Year-round

Size limit

36" fork length minimum

Bag limit

1 per person / day OR 2 per vessel — whichever is less.

Legal gear

Hook and line, spears, gigs, cast nets, seines.

Notes

Vessel limit applies regardless of number of anglers on board. Take a moment to measure fork length (not total length).

These limits are summarized from public FWC data and reviewed monthly. Florida regulations can change on short notice — always verify at MyFWC.com/Fishing before keeping a fish.

Best time to fish

Spring migration March-May along the Gulf coast beaches. Summer offshore on wrecks and buoys.

Best baits and tackle

Live pinfish, eels, blue crabs. Artificials: bucktail jigs (chartreuse or white), swimbaits on 1-2 oz jigheads.

Where to find them

Just off the beach in 15-30 ft, buoys and channel markers, wrecks and reefs, following rays and turtles.

Sources

FWC — Cobia

Cross-referenced with the FWC Saltwater Regulations and FWC Freshwater Regulations. Reviewed July 2026.

Species photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons contributors and public agencies (USFWS / NOAA / state fisheries). Licensed CC-BY, CC-BY-SA, or public domain.