Cobia (also known as Ling, Lemonfish, Crabeater) in Virginia. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the VMRC guide, 2026.
In Virginia, the minimum legal size for Cobia is 43 in and the daily bag limit is 1 per person, 2 per vessel. Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Virginia rules before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Virginia rules before keeping fish.
Same statewide. STATE WATERS. 43 in total length minimum, 1 per person and 2 per vessel. Federal (EEZ) cobia rules and season can differ.
These limits are pulled from the VMRC recreational saltwater fishing regulations. Last verified September 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Virginia Marine Resources Commission updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Virginia requires a saltwater fishing licence for anglers aged 16–64 in tidal waters; unlicensed anglers aged 16+ must instead register free with the Fisherman Identification Program (FIP). Virginia saltwater licences.
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