Cobia (also known as Ling, Lemonfish, Crabeater) in South Carolina. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the SCDNR guide, 2026.
In South Carolina, the minimum legal size for Cobia is 36 in and the daily bag limit is 1 per person/day (3 per boat south of 32°31′N; 6 per boat north of it). A slot limit applies: none (36-inch FL minimum). Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current South Carolina rules before keeping fish.
none (36-inch FL minimum)
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current South Carolina rules before keeping fish.
Latitude split at 32°31.0'N (Jeremy Inlet, Edisto Island): south of the line = 3 per boat + May 1-31 CLOSED season; north of the line = 6 per vessel, no closed season. STATE WATERS. Cobia is a declared SC gamefish (may not be sold). In SC state waters may only be taken by rod & reel and gig. The 3-per-boat cap and May 1-31 closure apply SOUTH of 32°31.0'N; north of the line follows the 6-per-vessel rule with no closure. New 2026-07-01 gear rule: natural bait with hooks 4/0 or larger requires non-offset, non-stainless circle hooks.
These limits are pulled from the SCDNR saltwater size and catch limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
South Carolina requires a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License for anyone aged 16 or older harvesting marine resources. SC saltwater licences.
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