It's a Fishing Day

Species

Cobia

Rachycentron canadum · family Rachycentridae

Summer sight-casting target at channel markers, navigation buoys, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Hard-fighting, eel-bodied predator — looks a bit like a shark from above. Cast bucktails or live eels to cruising fish; chunking at anchor over wrecks also works. VA is the mid-Atlantic hot spot for cobia.

Preferred conditions

Water temp
68–85°F (ideal 76°F)
Tide
either
Moon
either
Depth
10–80 ft
Active months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Best cobia conditions today

  1. Chincoteague NWR — Fishing Access Accomack, VA · harvest closed
    33/100
  2. Kiptopeke State Park Northampton, VA · harvest closed
    33/100
  3. Cape Charles Town Pier Northampton, VA · harvest closed
    33/100

Regulations by jurisdiction

Virginia (tidal — VMRC)

tidal bay

Min size
43"
Creel
1

Virginia tidal waters: 43-inch minimum total length. 1 fish per person, 2 fish per vessel (whichever is more restrictive). Open only June 15–September 20. Highly regulated ASMFC/SAFMC-managed species — annual possession cap also applies. VMRC regulation 4VAC20-510. Differs substantially from MD (also ASMFC-managed but MD season shorter).

Source · verified 2026-04-22

atlantic

Min size
43"
Creel
1

Virginia Atlantic coast: same rule as tidal Bay — 43-inch minimum, 1 per person / 2 per vessel, open only June 15–September 20. ASMFC-managed; limits can shift annually.

Source · verified 2026-04-22