Cobia in Virginia
Digest rows, record weight and waters holding Virginia cobia.
- 1 a day (salt)bag
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Virginia cobia: the rule-book view
Virginia manages cobia as a saltwater fish: the Marine Resources Commission sets the numbers, not the freshwater digest. Tidal rules per the code: 43-inch minimum; 1 per person a day; June 15 through September 20 (Virginia tidal waters).
So far the record list, the stocking schedule and the water pages here leave it out.
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-510-20 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
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| Area as written | Size | Per person | Season | Code section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia tidal waters | 43 in minimum | 1 | June 15 through September 20 | 4VAC20-510-20 |
Maximum two cobia per recreational vessel per day; gaffing cobia prohibited. Minimum size from 4VAC20-510-30.
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-510-20 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
What the marine chapter says about cobia
4VAC20-510-20, Recreational fishery possession limits, season, and vessel allowance.
“A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to possess more than one cobia at any time. 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. The captain or operator of the recreational vessel shall be responsible for any recreational vessel possession limit. Any cobia caught after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately. B.”
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-510-20 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
Relatives of cobia in Virginia water
- Atlantic Croaker50 a day (salt)
- Atlantic Spadefish4 a day (salt)
- Black Drum1 a day (salt)
- Black Sea Bass15 a day (salt)
- Bluefish5 a day (salt)
- Blueline Tilefish3 a day (salt)
- Golden Tilefish8 a day (salt)
- Greater Amberjack2 a day (salt)
Piscifun spinning gear for a day out on Virginia cobia
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Shorelines around Cobia through a camera
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: David Tansey, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
What Virginians want settled about Cobia
What is the Virginia creel limit for cobia?
Virginia marine rules: 43-inch minimum; 1 per person a day; June 15 through September 20 (Virginia tidal waters), current to November 6, 2026.
Which Virginia water produced the top cobia?
No Virginia freshwater record appears for it on the DWR list.
What Virginia lake should I try for cobia?
No Virginia lake or river page here names it yet; the coast and bay pages carry saltwater species.
Are there special waters for cobia in Virginia?
It has no named local line; each water's general rules still hold.
Which Virginia waters got cobia from DWR?
DWR lists no stocking of it.
Which Virginia license do cobia anglers buy?
A Virginia saltwater license is $17.50 for residents and $25 for nonresidents 16 and older.
Which scientific name does DWR use for cobia?
The profiles read here give none.
Are Virginia free days open to cobia anglers?
Virginia DWR set Free Fishing Days for June 5–7, 2026: no freshwater fishing license needed, all other rules apply. Normal limits remain.
Go after Virginia cobia
Open a Virginia water above for its launches and local rules.