Virginia Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater kayak fishing is extremely popular in Virginia, with anglers catching a variety of species. Throughout the state, fishing habitats range from tidal creeks and sheltered estuaries to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

In much of the state, flounder fishing is possible by kayak. The eastern shore has hundreds of miles of narrow creeks and shallow bays, many of which are accessible by kayak.

Popular launching areas for flounder fishing on the eastern shore include Chincoteague Island, Gargathy, Accomac, Wachapreague, Quinby, and Oyster.

Flounder are also caught by kayakers around the concrete ships at Kiptopeake State Park and in the creeks and bays on the southern tip of the penninsula.

In Hampton Roads, kayakers fish the Lynnhaven River,  Rudee and other areas for flounder.

Many of these same areas offer excellent fishing for croaker, spot, kingfish, bluefish, trout, and other species.

Striped bass, known locally as rockfish, are another popular fish in Virginia. Advanced level kayak anglers target these species in areas such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT), Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT), Rudee Inlet, concrete ships, and others.

Along the Chesapeake Bay, kayak launching areas are available near most towns.  From Point Lookout, south to Norfolk and all along the Eastern shore, kayakers will find a variety of areas suitable for saltwater fishing.

Many of these launch areas provide access to Virginia’s most productive rivers where striped bass, croaker, trout and other species are likely to be found.

Rather than go downstream, many anglers prefer fishing the backwater coves and small creeks that feed into rivers or the bay itself. These areas often have excellent fish habitat, especially grass beds, tidal rips, oyster beds and other fish attracting structure.

These shallow, remote areas are home to some of Virginia’s most sought after species, including monster red drum, striped bass, speckled trout and even tarpon.

The following tips may be useful to saltwater kayakers:

Pack light whenever possible. Re-use items. A lunch cooler can double as fish storage. Bring only essential lures and rigs, packed and ready to use

Always check weather forecasts and tidal information before making a trip. Wear a PFD at all times and carry safety equipment.

Research potential fishing areas before launching. Study a navigational chart, topographical map or maps.google.com to find and analyze fishing spots before a trip.

Visit the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website for fishing regulations, safety tips, launching locations, and other information. Additional launching areas can be found in most state parks.

To find productive kayak fishing areas, talk to local anglers or join a fishing club.

Consult a field guide to saltwater fish to learn more about fish identification.

Along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, thousands of acres of coastal bays, shallow flats and small creeks feed into the Atlantic Ocean. As these estuaries flow towards the Atlantic, they carry baitfish and other food sources which attract a wide range of larger fish species. Understanding tides and knowing their cycles is essential when fishing these tidal environments. In most areas, fish feed based on tidal flow, moving in order to ambush baitfish and other prey.

Often coastal creeks form exaggerated curves along their path. The pattern of turns and straight sections form important structures. When water flows in a straight narrow path, the section acts like a funnel, causing tidal water to rush thru considerably stronger than in other parts of the creek.

Sharp bends in creeks are important areas to investigate. During tidal flow, currents race around the curves, creating rips and other areas where water mixes or collides. On the extreme outside of these hair pin curves, steep edges may rise abruptly to shallow areas where little or no tidal movement occurs. These areas offer protection for baitfish and other food sources. Channel edges along these flats can be productive areas to fish for flounder, bluefish, seatrout, croakers, small sharks and other species.

Eddies in tidal creeks and inlets can be excellent places to fish. In some areas, eddies form during running tides, trapping baitfish and crustaceans. Casting, jigging or pitching live baits into the opposing currents can be effective for catching flounder, striped bass, bluefish, gray trout, drum, cobia or other fish that prey on smaller fish.

In coastal bays, accessible areas near mud flats and grass beds can be good spots to fish. These areas offer spawning habitat as well as nursery environments for young fish. Adult fish move in and out of these areas in spring to spawn and may also lurk nearby waiting for young fish or crabs to stray out of protected areas.

Kayak fishermen can sometimes reach more shallow water habitat than power boaters. Most coastal creeks and bays have small coves, marshes or other areas that are shallow and full of obstructions. Although these areas present some challenges to reach, they can hold incredible numbers of fish.

Soon, the new Birdneck Canoe and Kayak Launch Site will be open on the Lynnhaven River. The public is invited to attend an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 7 at 9 a.m. at the launch site – at the end of Old Virginia Beach Road, west of Birdneck Road.

Enjoy the ceremony and then a paddling trip until noon. You can bring your own canoe or kayak and join the paddling trip, or you can rent a kayak, paddle and personal flotation device for the morning from Wild River Outfitters. Reservations must be made in advance for boat rentals. Please call Lynnhaven River NOW at 962-5398.