In July, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission announced that the agency was easing recreational striped bass (rockfish) regulations for the 2012 fall fishing season. The simplified regulation removes the no-take slot limit of 28-34 inches that has been in place … Continued
A 122-pound, 1-ounce wahoo, caught on June 23rd by Susan Nelson, of Whiteford, MD, has been certified as the new Virginia State Record by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Nelson’s catch surpassed the existing record of 109 pounds, caught nearly … Continued
In Virginia, the fall season usually brings outstanding fishing for yellowfin tuna. From 30 fathoms out to the offshore canyons, yellowfin tuna and other species are caught in good numbers. During fall offshore fishing, trolling is usually the most common … Continued
Pier jigging can be extremely effective for catching saltwater fish. A variety of jigs work well on piers, including traditional ball-head jigs, bucktail jigs, speck rigs, metal jigs, gotcha plugs, sabiki rigs, and other lures. Anglers use jigs to catch … Continued
Catching kingfish from the surf is a summertime tradition along the Virginia Coast. Also known as whiting or roundheads, these fish can be caught in good numbers with basic surf fishing equipment. The common names “kingfish”, “roundheads”, and “whiting” are … Continued
Virginia’s summer flounder fishery is one of the commonwealth’s most valuable saltwater fisheries. Each year, thousands of anglers visit Virginia coastal towns to fish for flounder. Economic benefits of the Virginia recreational flounder fishery affect local recreational fishing industries as … Continued
Jack G. Travelstead was recently named as commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Mr. Travelstead has served with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission since 1981. He has been chief of the Fisheries Management Division since 1984, and deputy commissioner … Continued
Deep dropping off the Virginia coast for grouper, tilefish, black sea bass, and other deep sea species has gained popularity in recent years. In the future, these and other offshore fisheries could be impacted by new deep sea coral management … Continued
Each year, from November to April, fishermen and other mariners encounter whales as they migrate along the Virginia coast. During this time, the Coast Guard, in partnership with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service, enforces the Ship Strike … Continued
2012 Virginia black sea bass regulations will include a 12.5 inch minimum size, possession limit of 25 fish, and open seasons from May 19 – October 14 and November 1 – December 31, according to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries … Continued