Cobia Fishing in Texas
State records, limits, the best lakes and stocking for cobia.
- 108.44 lbstate record
Photo: Jorge Alarcon or Dr. Daniel Benetti, Public domain
Cobia in Texas
Cobia, known to biologists as Rachycentron canadum, is fished as a saltwater species in Texas. The state rod and reel mark stands at 108.44 pounds from Gulf of America, set in 1998.
Where cobia hold in Texas, and when
When
Most common off Texas June through September; migrates to tropical waters in winter
Where they hold
Under floating or fixed objects in the open Gulf: logs, buoys, rigs
Cobia facts from the TPWD species profile.
Bag and size limits for cobia
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobia | 1 | 40 in |
Cobia limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
State record cobia in Texas
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 53.44 | 56 | Gulf of America | 2005 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 108.44 | 71 | Gulf of America | 1998 |
Cobia records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Charter ports for Texas cobia
Reaching cobia usually means a boat ride beyond the jetties.
- Port Aransas8 offshore or party boat operators
- Galveston3 offshore or party boat operators
- Freeport3 offshore or party boat operators
- South Padre Island1 offshore or party boat operator
- Port Isabel1 offshore or party boat operator
- Lake Jackson1 offshore or party boat operator
- Port Bolivar1 offshore or party boat operator
- Angleton1 offshore or party boat operator
- Rollover PassGalveston
- Mitchell's CutMatagorda
- Galveston South JettyGalveston
- Brazos Santiago Jetties (Isla Blanca / South Padre)Cameron
- Port Mansfield Channel JettiesWillacy
- Bolivar North JettyGalveston
Cobia ports: operator websites and directories, October 2026. Jetties: Texas General Land Office.
Asked often about Texas cobia
Where do charters run for cobia in Texas?
The busiest port for offshore and party boats on this site is Port Aransas, then Galveston and Freeport.
Can I catch cobia from a Texas jetty?
It happens, mostly at the end of the long jetties in summer, but a boat is the usual way to reach cobia.
Do federal rules apply to cobia off Texas?
Past 9 nautical miles the federal Gulf rules apply to cobia, which can differ from the Texas limit.
What does the state record cobia weigh?
The rod and reel mark is 108.44 pounds, caught at Gulf of America in 1998.
What is the daily bag limit for cobia in Texas?
Texas allows 1 a day with a 40 inch minimum.
When do cobia spawn in Texas?
Most common off Texas June through September; migrates to tropical waters in winter.
Where should I look for cobia?
Under floating or fixed objects in the open Gulf: logs, buoys, rigs.
Do I need a license to fish for cobia in Texas?
Fishing for cobia takes a Texas license with the saltwater endorsement from age 17.
What scientific name do cobia carry?
Rachycentron canadum.
Are state park pier cobia subject to limits?
You can keep them under the saltwater cobia limits, with the license waived in the park.
Other fish to target in Texas
Other species pages cover limits and records beyond cobia.