Florida Gulf · Tampa Bay
Cobia: size limit, bag limit & season
Checked against FWC · July 1, 2026
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a cobia must be at least 36 inches (fork length) to keep. The bag limit is 1 per harvester, not to exceed 2 per vessel. Season: Open year-round.
The rules
| Size limit | 36" minimum (fork length) |
|---|---|
| Bag limit | 1 per harvester, not to exceed 2 per vessel |
| Season | Open year-round |
Not legal advice. These are Florida's Gulf-zone limits (Tampa Bay region where FWC sets regional rules), checked against FWC on July 1, 2026. Limits change by region, gear and date — confirm on MyFWC.com before you keep a fish.
When cobia are most active
Cobia are most active around the Gulf Coast in March–May.
Cobia are most active in roughly 68–80°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).
Check it on the water
Log a cobia in Newbreeds and the size check compares your length against these limits — keeper or release — with a link to FWC to confirm. Every catch also records the tide, pressure trend, water temperature and moon automatically, so over time you see which conditions your cobia actually bite in. Logging is free.
Get Newbreeds — free All Florida Gulf limits
Questions
What is the size limit for cobia in Florida?
In Florida's Gulf waters, including Tampa Bay, a cobia must be at least 36 inches (fork length) to keep.
How many cobia can I keep in Florida?
The Gulf-zone bag limit is 1 per harvester, not to exceed 2 per vessel.
When is cobia season in Florida?
Cobia are open year-round in Florida's Gulf waters.
When is the best time to catch cobia around Tampa Bay?
Cobia are most active around the Gulf Coast in March–May.
What water temperature do cobia like?
Cobia are most active in roughly 68–80°F water (a typical range; they're caught outside it too).