In December, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) adjusted the 2021-2023 recreational cobia management measures to comply with the ASMFC Cobia Fishery Management Plan.
2021 management measures include:
- a season of June 15-September 15
- a 1 fish per person, 2 fish per vessel possession limit
- a prohibition on gaffing
- a minimum size of 40” total length with one allowed on a vessel >50” total length
The ASMFC Atlantic Cobia Benchmark Stock Assessment results indicate the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.
In 2016, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted to require recreational anglers to file catch reports for cobia. The 2021 Recreational Cobia Permit for Virginia is available online from VMRC.
For more information, visit the VMRC Recreational Cobia Fishing website.
sources: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission