Virginia Saltwater Fishing

Sunset at a Virginia fishing pier.

Fall is one of the best times to visit a saltwater fishing pier in Virginia. Many of the top fishing piers of the Mid-Atlantic Coast are found in Virginia. These include several Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal fishing piers.

On the Eastern Shore, anglers can fish from the Saxis Pier, Occohannock Pier, and the Kiptopeake State Park pier. Mid-way between the eastern and western shore is the Sea Gull Pier, located on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. On the Western Shore, Chesapeake Bay fishing piers include the Ocean View, Buckroe Beach, and James River piers. Oceanfront piers include the Lynnhaven, Virginia Beach and Sandbridge (Little Island) piers.

On most Virginia fishing piers, anglers fish with bottom rigs and baits such as bloodworms, squid strips, pieces of shrimp, cut peeler crab, mole crabs or the newer synthetic baits. Several piers feature T sections where anglers fish live baits for cobia, king mackerel, sharks, striped bass or other species.

During the fall, much of the fishing effort focuses on catching spot, croaker, bluefish, striped bass, tautog, flounder and sea bass, all species that arrive in schools as they begin migrating out of the Chesapeake Bay.

For catching smaller species such as spot and croaker, no special tackle is needed. A simple medium class spinning or baitcasting outfit and top and bottom rigs will catch most fish. For more intense fishing, pier specialists bring not only a favorite rod and reel but often arrive with a special pier cart or wagon, which carries rods, cooler, bait and other essentials. These pier carts allow fishermen to quickly set up as well as making the end of day pack up go a little easier.

Weather, tides and time of day can be a big factor on Virginia’s fishing piers. Wind and tides can dictate which side of the pier will be fishable. Some piers allow night fishing, which can sometimes be productive. When fishing a pier for the first time, its a good idea to all ahead if possible or talk to one of the regulars. Fishing regulations vary, so its a good idea to check with Virginia Marine Resources Commission before visiting a saltwater fishing pier.

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, a few anglers continue fishing as long as striped bass (rockfish) are caught from local piers.

As Virginia summer fishing nears an end, anglers begin gearing up for Fall spot and croaker runs. Spot and croaker are among the most sought after fish in Virginia during the early fall. Both species are known for their habit of schooling up and feeding heavily before moving into the ocean for the winter.

Spot and croaker fishing is easy; fishermen need only a sensitive rod and reel in good condition. Tackle is basic, consisting of top and bottom rigs and baits such as bloodworms, squid strips, pieces of shrimp, cut peeler crab or one of the processed bait products that do not need to be kept cold.

By late summer and early fall, piers and local fishing spots often experience excellent fishing for both species. As the season goes on, a larger class of spot arrive, known for their bronze or yellow coloring.

Spot and croaker fishing often improves until hurricanes or Noreasters pass thru Virginia. Many anglers prefer the fall as the summer crowds have left and the temperatures are cooler. During the fall runs, spot and croaker are joined by bluefish, sea trout, rockfish and others.

The term panfish describes small fish, many of which are caught by recreational anglers for food. They are named because they are small enough to be cooked whole in a pan. Among the most popular saltwater panfish found in Virginia waters are croakers, spot, porgy, white perch and pigfish.

Atlantic Croaker or “hardhead” are popular panfish common in Virginia. The fish get their names because of the “croaking” noise they make when removed from the water. Croakers are hard fighters and prolific feeders. They are caught on a variety of baits and lures. They are among the first fish to be caught in the spring and are caught over a wide range of habitats. Croaker can be caught from piers, jetties, inlets, in bays and from the surf.

Croaker baits include shrimp, crabs, squid, cut fish, bloodworms and more. In addition to cut baits, croaker are caught on a variety of jigs and other saltwater lures. They can also be caught in the shallows and grass beds using fly fishing gear.

Spot are among the most popular Virginia panfish. Spot can be identified by the distinctive dark spot above the pectoral fin. The species is abundant in coastal bays, creeks and other estuaries. They are especially common around fishing piers where they are caught in large numbers. Spot are caught using small hooks and baits such as bloodworms, crab or other baits which can be presented in small pieces.

White perch are small but tenacious fish that are found in rivers, creeks and bays. White perch prefer brackish water but can live in environments that range from fresh water to fully saltwater. These hardy panfish are caught with small baits such as grass shrimp or bloodworms, or by casting artificial lures or flies. Perch can be caught year round, even thru ice. They school up to spawn in early spring and can be caught in large numbers.

Scup or porgy are another saltwater panfish. They range from New England to North Carolina and are occasional visitors to Virginia coastal waters, inland waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Adult scup feed in schools of similar-sized individuals around piers, rocks, offshore ledges, jetties, and mussel beds. They move inshore in summer but return to deeper waters offshore or migrate southward when temperatures cool. Large scup generally occur farther offshore than do smaller, younger ones.

Pigfish are colorful members of the grunt family. They are marked with a bluish upper and a silver lower body, with a series of attractive stripes on the sides and bands on the snout and head. The species ranges from Massachusetts through the Gulf of Mexico and are common in Virginia during the summer and early fall. They are easily caught around piers, reefs and rough bottoms using small pieces of bait such as bloodworms, crab, squid or shrimp.

Help make a difference by attending the Fishing for Food event on Saturday, November 7 from 9 am-2 pm at the Buckroe Fishing Pier.

No registration necessary.

Rod rentals, Free fishing demos, Prizes and give-a-ways!

Minimum of 1 bag of non-perishable food items is equal to 1 same day fishing pier admittance.

If you are unable to attend the event, organizers will be collecting non-perishable food items all day Saturday and Sunday at the Buckroe Fishing Pier. Free fishing is only available to those who donate during the event. Passes only valid for Nov 7.

Top ten items needed

Peanut Butter
Canned Meats
Canned Vegetables
Cereal
Pasta
Chunky Soups
Canned Tuna
Juice
Macaroni & Cheese
Pasta

Fishing For Food is sponsored by the City of Hampton and Bass Pros Shops in support of the Food Bank.

Supporting the event will be Virginia Coastal Access Now (VCAN), putting on a pier fishing demo and providing “hands on” assistance on how to pier fish.

For more information stop by the Buckroe Fishing Pier, call 757-727-1486, 757-850-5134 or email gofish@hampton.gov