SlotGaugeCheck a catchCobia regulations in Maryland
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Cobia size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Ocean & coastal bays | June 15 – September 20 | 43 inch minimum | 1 per person; 2 per vessel with 2+ aboard |
| Chesapeake Bay & tidal tributaries | June 15 – September 20 | 43 inch minimum | 1 per person; 2 per vessel with 2+ aboard |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' notes. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/atlantic-seasons-sizes-limits
- Catch-and-release only Sept 21 – June 14.
Exact Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services wording
- Season
- June 15–Sept. 20
- Size
- 43 inches (total length)
- Limit
- 1 cobia per person per day; or up to 2 cobia per vessel per day if there are 2 or more individuals on the vessel
- Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays — as printed
- “Cobia | 43 inches (total length) | June 15–Sept. 20 | 1 cobia per person per day; or up to 2 cobia per vessel per day if there are 2 or more individuals on the vessel | May catch-and-release Sept. 21–June 14”
- Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries — as printed
- “Cobia | 43 inches (total length) | June 15–Sept. 20 | 1 cobia per person per day; or up to 2 cobia per vessel per day if there are 2 or more individuals on the vessel | May catch-and-release Sept. 21–June 14”
Source: Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the cobia
Species of ray-finned fish
The cobia is a species of marine carangiform ray-finned fish, the only extant representative of the genus Rachycentron and the family Rachycentridae. Its other common names include black kingfish, black salmon, ling, lemonfish, crabeater, prodigal son, codfish, and black bonito.
Read more about Cobia on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Maryland DNR Fishing & Boating Services, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Cobia in Maryland?
43 inch minimum in Maryland state waters.
How many Cobia can you keep per day in Maryland?
1 per person; 2 per vessel with 2+ aboard.
When is Cobia season in Maryland?
June 15 – September 20.
Is my Cobia a keeper today?
The cobia season is closed today. It is open June 15 – September 20.