Public input sought on cobia fishing; workshop in Destin

Cobia fishing is currently open year-round and has a minimum size limit of 33 inches fork length and a daily bag limit of one fish per person from state waters with a maximum of six fish per vessel.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a public workshop in Destin and other locations, and an online webinar, to gather public input on the Gulf cobia fishery.

The public workshop in Destin will be held May 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Avenue.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has heard concerns about cobia in recent years, especially in the panhandle area of the state. Cobia fishing is currently open year-round and has a minimum size limit of 33 inches fork length and a daily bag limit of one fish per person from state waters with a maximum of six fish per vessel.

Provide input on this important Gulf coast fishery by attending one of the remaining workshops. Meeting locations and dates are as follows (from 6-8 p.m. local time, except the webinar):

• Destin – May 22 – Destin Community Center – 101 Stahlman Ave.
• Panama City – May 23 – Gulf Coast State College, Enrollment Services Building, Room 124/The Gardner Room, 5230 W. U.S. Highway 98.
• Statewide webinar – May 24 (6-8 p.m. EDT) – Learn more about how to participate at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Webinar Instructions.”
• St. Petersburg – May 25 – FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium – 100 Eighth Ave. SE.

Workshops were held earlier this week in Tallahassee and Pensacola.

The FWC is also accepting public input on the status of the Atlantic coast cobia fishery and additional feedback opportunities may follow.

Written comments on cobia and other topics can also be submitted at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. For your online comments on cobia to be considered at the July 10-11 Commission meeting, submit them no later than June 15.

Learn more about these workshops at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Public Workshops.”