Fishing Rules And Regulations In Virginia Beach

Fishing is a popular pastime in Virginia Beach, and while it may seem like a carefree activity, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding fishing to ensure the protection and sustainability of the fish populations. In this post, we'll explore the fishing rules and regulations for most core Virginia Beach gamefish, including bag limits, size limits, and seasons.

Redfish Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Redfish, also known as red drum, are a popular inshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for redfish is 3 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 18 inches and a maximum size limit of 26 inches. Redfish can be caught year-round, but they are most active from May to October.

Striped Bass Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Striped bass, also known as rockfish, are a popular inshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for striped bass is 2 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 20 inches and a maximum size limit of 28 inches. Striped bass can be caught from December to March and from May to December.

Bluefish Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Bluefish are a popular inshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. There are no specific bag or size limits for bluefish in Virginia Beach. Bluefish can be caught year-round, but they are most active from May to October.

Cobia Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Cobia are a popular inshore and offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for cobia is 1 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 40 inches. Cobia can be caught from June to September.

Mahi Mahi Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Mahi mahi, also known as dolphin fish, are a popular offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for mahi mahi is 10 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 20 inches. Mahi mahi can be caught from May to November.

Flounder Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Flounder are a popular inshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for flounder is 4 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 16.5 inches. Flounder can be caught year-round, but they are most active from May to October.

King Mackerel Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

King mackerel are a popular offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for king mackerel is 3 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches. King mackerel can be caught from May to November.

Marlin Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Marlin are a highly prized offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. There are no specific bag or size limits for marlin in Virginia Beach. Marlin can be caught from June to September.

Seabass Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Seabass, also known as black sea bass, are a popular offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for seabass is 7 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 12.5 inches. Seabass can be caught year-round.

Spadefish Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Spadefish are a unique and challenging offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. There are no specific bag or size limits for spadefish in Virginia Beach. Spadefish can be caught from June to September.

Spanish Mackerel Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Spanish mackerel are a popular inshore and offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for Spanish mackerel is 15 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 12 inches. Spanish mackerel can be caught from May to November.

Speckled Trout Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Speckled trout are a popular inshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for speckled trout is 4 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 14 inches. Speckled trout can be caught year-round, but they are most active from September to December.

Tautog Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Tautog, also known as blackfish, are a popular inshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for tautog is 4 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches. Tautog can be caught from October to May.

Tilefish Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Tilefish are a popular offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for tilefish is 7 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 12 inches. Tilefish can be caught year-round.

Tuna Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Tuna, including bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and bigeye tuna, are highly prized offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for tuna is 3 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 27 inches for bluefin tuna, 27 inches for yellowfin tuna, and 32 inches for bigeye tuna. Tuna can be caught from June to November.

Wahoo Size and Bag Limits in Virginia Beach

Wahoo are a highly prized offshore species to catch in Virginia Beach. The bag limit for wahoo is 2 per person per day, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches. Wahoo can be caught from May to November.

It is important to note that these rules and regulations are subject to change, so it is always recommended to check the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website for the most up-to-date information before going fishing. In addition to these species-specific rules, there are also general rules and regulations that apply to all fishing in Virginia Beach.

First and foremost, all anglers over the age of 16 are required to have a valid fishing license in Virginia Beach. Licenses can be obtained online through the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website or in person at various retailers throughout the city. It is important to note though that anyone going out with one of our Virginia Beach fishing guides DOES NOT need to purchase a license, as our captains license covers everyone on board.

Secondly, it is important to practice ethical and sustainable fishing practices. This includes properly releasing fish that are not within the bag or size limits, using barbless hooks to reduce harm to fish, and avoiding areas with known endangered species populations.

Lastly, it is important to be aware of any closures or restrictions in place due to environmental factors or public safety concerns. These closures and restrictions can be found on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website or by contacting local authorities.

In conclusion, fishing in Virginia Beach is a popular pastime, but it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding fishing to ensure the protection and sustainability of the fish populations. Whether you are targeting inshore or offshore species, knowing the bag limits, size limits, and seasons for each species can help you make the most of your fishing experience while also being responsible and ethical.