Cobia Fishing in Virginia
When cobia are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Cobia catch through the year
Recreational catch in Virginia by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching cobia in Virginia
Cobia catches in Virginia run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 24% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Virginia fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch cobia in Virginia?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release cobia in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 24% of the cobia caught are kept and 76% are released. That works out to roughly 45K kept and 145K released in 2024.
How many cobia are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 190K cobia caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #22 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this cobia data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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