Virginia MarineIt is the angler's responsibility to know and abide by all current regulations and laws. Individuals must obtain a saltwater recreational fishing license which entitles them to use rod and reel (hook and line), spear or gig, and hand line, cast net, dip net or two eel pots; other rules may apply to these specific gears. For detailed fish identification information, download our Angler's Guide Fish ID
Regulation Cards are available at most tackle/bait shops and available below.
2021 Finfish Regulation Card2021 Striped Bass Regulation Card
2021 Recreational Fishing Regulations Sheet
New! VMRC-VIMS Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program 2020 Annual Report
Fish illustrations courtesy Duane Raver(may not be reproduced without permission).
The terms used below Capture Citation and Release Citation refer to the annual Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Click here https://mrc.virginia.gov/vswft/index.shtm and tap the brochure for details on this popular angler awards program.
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1260-10 et seq.
Moratorium on River Herring, illegal to possess.
Regulation 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 32 IN.
Possession Limit: 2 per person
Capture Citation: RELEASE ONLY
Release Citation: 50 IN.
State Record: 118 lbs, 1986, Mark J. Roberts
Regulation 4 VAC 20-500-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 9 IN.
Possession Limit: 25 per person
Regulation 4 VAC 20-320-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 16 IN.
Possession Limit: 1 per person
Capture Citation: 80 Lbs
Release Citation: 46 IN.
State Record: 111 lbs, 1973, Betty D. Hall
Regulation 4 VAC 20-950-10 et seq.
Regulations for black sea bass caught in federal waters are subject to change. Please contact NMFS.
It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to take, catch, or possess any black sea bass, from February 1 through the last day of February, without first having obtained a Recreational Black Sea Bass Permit from the Marine Resources Commission. It shall be unlawful for any black sea bass permittee to fail to contact the Marine Resources Commission Operation Station at (800) 541-4646 before or immediately after the start of each fishing trip during the February black sea bass season. The permittee shall provide the Operations Station with his name, VMRC ID number, the point of landing, a description of the vessel, and an estimated return to shore time. Permits can be obtained online or at an MRC Licensing Agent. Every trip must also be reported by March 15 through the Saltwater Journal or using forms provided by the VMRC. Lack of fishing activity with the permit must be reported by March 15 through the Saltwater Journal or using the same VMRC form.
Minimum Size Limit: 12.5 IN.
Possession Limit: 15
Season: Feb 1-Feb 28; May 15-May 31; June 16-Dec 31;
Capture Citation: 5 Lbs
Release Citation: NOT ELIGIBLE
State Record: 10 lbs 4 oz, 2000, Allen P. Paschall
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1260-10 et seq.
Moratorium on River Herring, illegal to possess.
BLUE CATFISH - Applicable DWR Regulations
Visit Department of Wildlife Resources website (https://dwr.virginia.gov/) for full regulations.
1 blue catfish per day over 32 inches
Regulation 4 VAC 20-450-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: 3 per person from shore or a rented or private vessel; 5 per person on for-hire or charter vessels
Capture Citation: 16 Lbs
Release Citation: 36 IN.
State Record: 25 lbs 4 oz, 1986, Gayle E. Cozzens
Regulation 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq.
Recreational Cobia Permit and Reporting Requirements
Minimum Size Limit: 40 inches total length, one per vessel >50 inches total length
Possession Limit: 1 per person, 2 Per Vessel; whichever is more restrictive
Season: June 15 through Sept 15
Capture Citation: 55 Lbs
Release Citation: 50 IN.
State Record: 109 lbs, 2006, Joseph F. Berberich, II
Recreational cobia regulations are as follows: 40-inch, total length, minimum size limit; 1-fish daily possession limit or 2-fish-daily vessel limit, whichever is more restrictive; only one fish per vessel per day may be greater than 50 inches in total length; an open season of June 15 through September 15; and gaffing is prohibited. Captains and/or operators of vessels fishing for cobia must obtain a Recreational Cobia Permit from the Commission and report all cobia fishing activity (trips with harvest, trips without harvest, and no activity if permit is not used) for all individuals on board. Individual anglers that target cobia from a pier or a shore must obtain a Recreational Cobia Permit from the Commission and report all of their cobia fishing activity (trips with harvest, trips without harvest, and no activity if permit is not used). Permits can be obtained online here or at an MRC Licensing Agent. Reporting can be done online through the Saltwater Journal or using forms provided by the VMRC.
CREVALLE JACK
Capture Citation: RELEASE ONLY
Release Citation: 40 IN.
State Record: 48 lbs 12 oz, 1993, Charles McCaskill, III
CROAKER
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1370-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: 50 per person; additional 50 live bait per customer capacity on for-hire or charter vessels
Capture Citation: 3 Lbs
Release Citation: 20 IN.
State Record: 8 lbs 11 oz, 2007, Norman T. Jenkins
DOLPHIN
Capture Citation: 25 Lbs
Release Citation: NOT ELIGIBLE
Info: SAFMC Dolphin Regulations; Federal Dolphin Regulations
State Record: 71 lbs 8 oz, 1991, Don Dorey
Regulation 4 VAC 20-380-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 12 IN.
Possession Limit: 1 per person
Capture Citation: 9 Lbs
Release Citation: 30 IN.
State Record: 19 lbs, 1983, Philip W. Halstead
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: 1 per person
State Record: Snowy Grouper, 70 lbs 7 oz, 2011, Roger C. Burnley
KINGFISH (ROUNDHEAD)
Capture Citation: 1 Lb 8 oz
Release Citation: 16 IN.
State Record: 2 lbs 13 oz, 2002, Chip Watters
Regulation 4 VAC 20-540-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 27 IN.
Possession Limit: 3 per person
Capture Citation: 20 Lbs
Release Citation: NOT ELIGIBLE
State Record: 63 lbs 1 oz, 2007, Susan M. Smith
POMPANO
Capture Citation: 1.5 Lbs
Release Citation: 16 IN.
State Record: 5 lbs 10 oz, 1992, Robert T. Long
RED DRUM (CHANNEL BASS, REDFISH)
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1400-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: Min 18 IN. to Max 26 IN.
Possession Limit: 3 per person
Capture Citation: RELEASE ONLY
Release Citation: 46 IN.
State Record: 85 lbs 4 oz, 1981, Herman Moore
Regulation 4 VAC 20-910-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 8 IN.
Possession Limit: 30 per person
State Record: 5 lbs 5 oz, 1978, Charles B. Haines, Sr.
Regulation 4 VAC 20-530-10 et seq.
Illegal to possess American shad.
SHARKS (All species except smooth and spiny dog sharks)*
Regulation 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 54 inches fork length **
Possession Limit: 1 per vessel ***
A non-boat assisted shore angler is entitled to a vessel possession limit
Season Closed May 15 - July 15
(Includes Blacktip, Bull, Great Hammerhead, Lemon, Nurse, Scalloped Hammerhead, Smooth Hammerhead, Spinner, and Tiger Shark)
Federal waters, beyond the Three Mile Limit governed by different regulations set by the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.
*Recreationally Prohibited Species – It is illegal to take, catch or possess any shark from the “Recreationally Prohibited Species” list, as defined in Regulation 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., including but not limited to the following species commonly encountered in Virginia: Atlantic Angel, Dusky, Sand Tiger, Sandbar, White, and Bigeye Thresher Sharks. No size or possession limits apply to Dog Sharks.
**All sharks (All species except Spiny Dog Sharks) must be landed with head and fins attached; hammerhead sharks must be 78 inches fork length (FL) or greater, no minimum size applies to Atlantic Sharpnose, Bonnethead, Blacknose, and Finetooth Sharks.
***Female Mako must be 83 inches fork length or greater, male Mako must be 71 inches fork length or greater.
****Possession limit for Atlantic Sharpnose and Bonnethead Sharks is 1 per person.
Sharks may only be taken by handline or rod and reel; Spearing and bowfishing illegal.
Capture Citation: RELEASE ONLY
Release Citation: 72 IN.
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1110-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: 4 per person
Capture Citation: 10 Lbs
Release Citation: 24 IN.
State Record: 20 lbs 12 oz, 2005, Arun Nhek
Regulation 4 VAC 20-970-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: 4 per person
Capture Citation: 8 Lbs
Release Citation: 22 IN.
State Record: 14 lbs 14 oz, 2009, Roland E. Murphy
Regulation 4 VAC 20-540-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 14 IN.
Possession Limit: 15 per person
Capture Citation: 4 Lbs
Release Citation: 26 IN.
State Record: 9 lbs 13 oz, 1993, Everett Cameron
SPECKLED TROUT (SPOTTED SEATROUT)
Regulation 4 VAC 20-280-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 14 IN.
Possession Limit: 5 per Person, only 1 greater than 24"
Season:
Capture Citation: 5 Lbs
Release Citation: 24 IN.
State Record: 16 lbs, 1977, Bill Katko
SPOT
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1380-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: 50 per person; additional 50 live bait per customer capacity on for-hire or charter vessels
Capture Citation: 1 Lbs
Release Citation: 13 IN.
State Record: 2 lbs 6 oz, 1980, Nathan Dryden
STRIPED BASS (ROCKFISH, STRIPED)
Regulation 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq.
Virginia Coastal Seasons
January 1 through March 31
May 16 through December 31
Minimum Size Limit: 28 inches
Maximum Size Limit: 36 inches
Possession Limit: 1 per person
As required by 4 VAC 20-252-50 (B), "Pertaining to The Taking of Striped Bass," beginning August 1, 2020, any person fishing striped bass recreationally shall use non-offset, corrodible, non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing with bait, live or chunk. For more information about circle hooks please visit our Circle Hook Information Page.
Coastal regulations apply in Virginia's Territorial Sea, plus all of the creeks, bays, inlets, and tributaries on the seaside of Accomack County, Northhampton County (including areas east of the causeway from Fisherman Island to the mainland) and the City of Virginia Beach (including federal areas and state parks fronting on the Atlantic Ocean and east and south of the point where the shoreward boundary of the Territorial Sea joins the mainland at Cape Henry). Click here for map of coastal boundary near the CBBT.
At the May 28, 2019 Commission Meeting, the Commission unanimously approved adopting amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 ET SEQ. to eliminate the Spring Striped Bass Trophy Season for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, the Virginia tributaries of the Potomac River and the Virginia Coastal waters.
Chesapeake Bay Spring Season
May 16 through June 15
Minimum Size Limit: 20 inches Maximum Size Limit: 28 inches Possession Limit: 1 per personChesapeake Bay Fall Season
October 4 through December 31
Minimum Size Limit: 20 inches
Maximum Size Limit: 36 inches
Possession Limit - October 4 through December 31: 1 per person
Chesapeake Bay regulations for both the Spring and Fall seasons described above apply in the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia's Chesapeake Bay tributary rivers, except for the tributary rivers emptying into the Potomac River (see note below for more information on Potomac River striper regulations).
Other Virginia restrictions: You may not combine possession limits when seasons overlap or you fish in multiple jurisdictions.
Gaffing striped bass or attempting to gaff striped bass is illegal in Virginia marine waters.
Federal water striped bass regulations: Atlantic Ocean waters beyond the 3 mile limit are closed to the taking and possession of striped bass all year.
Potomac River striped bass regulations: Different regulations apply in the Potomac River. These areas are subject to the rules and regulations of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, P.O. Box 9, Colonial Beach, VA 22443, (804) 224-7148; (800) 266-3904; For further information on PRFC rules contact PRFC directly or visit PRFC.
Capture Citation: 40 Lbs
Release Citation: 44 IN.
State Record: 74 lbs, 2012, Cary Wolfe
Code Section 28.2-303
Illegal to possess
Regulation 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 16 1/2 IN.
Possession Limit: 4 per person
Season: Open year-round
Capture Citation: 6 Lbs
Release Citation: 26 IN.
State Record: 17 lbs 8 oz, 1971, Charles E. Cross
The above flounder restrictions apply to Virginia tidal waters, except that in Virginia's Potomac River tributaries the minimum size limit, closed season, and possession limit will be the same as established by the PRFC for the mainstem Potomac River.
SWORDFISH
Capture Citation: 100 Lbs
Release Citation: NO MIN
Info: Managed by NMFS - http://www.hmspermits.gov/
State Record: 446 lbs, 2012, Joseph T. Harris
Regulation 4 VAC 20-960-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: 16 IN.
Possession Limit: 4 per person
Season: Closed Season: May 16 - June 30
Capture Citation: 9 Lbs
Release Citation: 23 IN.
State Record: 24 lbs 3 oz, 2012, Ken Neill, III
TILEFISH, BLUELINE
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: * see below
Season: May 1 through Oct 31
Capture Citation: 10 Lbs
Release Citation: NOT ELIGIBLE
State Record: 23 lbs 5 oz, 2009, Michael Akins
Three (3) fish per person on a recreational vessel; five (5) fish per person on a USCG uninspected for-hire vessel; seven (7) fish per person on a USCG inspected for hire vessel.
Regulation 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq.
Minimum Size Limit: None
Possession Limit: 8 Golden Tilefish per person
Capture Citation: 30 LBS
Release Citation: NOT ELIGIBLE
State Record: 56 lbs 8 oz, 2008, Aaron Sledd
TUNA (BLUEFIN)
Capture Citation: 100 Lbs
Release Citation: 60 IN.
Info: Managed by NMFS - http://www.hmspermits.gov/
State Record: 606 lbs, 2015, Chase Robinson
TUNA (YELLOWFIN, BIGEYE)
Capture Citation: 70 Lbs
Release Citation: NOT ELIGIBLE
Info: Managed by NMFS - http://www.hmspermits.gov/
State Record: Bigeye Tuna, 311 lbs, 2013, Vic Gaspeny
Yellowfin Tuna, 203 lbs 12 oz, 1981, Bruce C Gottwald, Jr.
WAHOO
Capture Citation: 35 Lbs
Release Citation: NOT ELIGIBLE
Info: Managed by SAFMC - http://www.safmc.net/
State Record: 122 lbs 1 oz, 2012, Susan Nelson
