Cobia (also known as Ling, Lemonfish, Crabeater) in Texas. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the TPWD guide, 2026.
In Texas, the minimum legal size for Cobia is 40 in and the daily bag limit is 1. A slot limit applies: none — 40" minimum length only. There is no closed season in TX.
none — 40" minimum length only
No closed season
Locally called 'ling' on the Texas coast. Same rule statewide. Texas state waters (Gulf out to 9 nautical miles). Federal Gulf cobia rules differ (larger minimum and reduced bag in recent federal action) — re-verify before offshore trips.
These limits are pulled from the TPWD saltwater bag and length limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Texas requires a fishing licence plus a Saltwater Fishing Endorsement (stamp) to fish in public salt water. Texas fishing licences.
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