Cobia in Louisiana
Where cobia live in Louisiana, with the rules.
- 1 a daylimit
- 149.75 lbrecord
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A Louisiana card for cobia
For 2026 the Louisiana saltwater table names cobia in the row “Cobia (ling or lemonfish)”. Read it as 1 daily per person; no more than 2 per vessel; 36″ min fork length, open open year-round in state waters.
In 1965 Garnett “Lucky” Caudell set the rod and reel record with 149.75 lb from Grand Isle Blk.69.
For the cobia herePiscifun Saltflow offshore rod25% OFFSale $299.99 cobia in the 2026 Louisiana tables
| Pamphlet row | Waters | Daily limit and size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobia (ling or lemonfish) | Louisiana state waters | 1 daily per person; no more than 2 per vessel; 36" min fork length | Open year-round in state waters |
Possession: Same as daily bag limit unless otherwise noted (pamphlet p.28)
Limits and seasons as printed in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026), page 28 (pamphlet PDF); confirmed on the LDWF saltwater finfish page October 28, 2026.
The biggest Louisiana cobia on file
| Division | Method | Weight | Angler | Water | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saltwater | Rod & Reel | 149.75 lb | Garnett “Lucky” Caudell | Grand Isle Blk.69 | May 1965 |
| saltwater | Fly Fishing | 57.50 lb | Rob Blaine | W. Delta Blk. 40 | July 2000 |
Next on the cobia list
- 112.0 lb, Jason Reed, May 1994
- 108.0 lb, Grant DerouenGulf of Mexico, May 2015
- 106.13 lb, Lance Schouest, Sr.Ship Shoal, May 2000
- 105.31 lb, Douglas Lachio, May 1980
Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA), LOWA "Louisiana State Fish Records Official Copy", records current through the record awarded September 25, 2026 (PDF created 2026-09-25); read October 28, 2026.
What a boat needs to keep cobia
The ROLP, which costs nothing, is required before it may be possessed.
Customers of a licensed charter use the captain's Charter ROLP.
LDWF license and permit list in the 2026 Louisiana Recreational Fishing Regulations (LDWF pamphlet, updated September 21, 2026); read October 28, 2026.
What the bayous and lakes near Cobia look like
Photo: Jared, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Mark Holloway, CC BY 2.0
Quick Louisiana answers on cobia
What does LDWF allow for cobia each day?
Bag and size: 1 daily per person; no more than 2 per vessel; 36" min fork length. Season: open year-round in state waters.
When was the Louisiana cobia record set?
LOWA lists 149.75 lb, Grand Isle Blk.69, 1965, Garnett “Lucky” Caudell (rod and reel).
What Louisiana water is a good bet for cobia?
None of the water pages name it so far.
Do Louisiana hatcheries raise cobia?
No hatchery release of it is on file.
Where is the cobia limit different in Louisiana?
None of the exceptions mention it.
Is cobia open all year in Louisiana?
The row prints Open year-round in state waters.
Is a basic license enough for cobia?
South of the LDWF saltwater line an angler 18 or older carries a Basic Fishing License plus a Saltwater License: $17 and $15 for residents, $68 and $60 for nonresidents. Possession needs the free ROLP on top.
Where do I send a Louisiana cobia record?
Send it to the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association, which uses LDWF biologists to confirm species.
Pick Louisiana water for cobia
Each water above has launches and limits on its own page.