NOAA Fisheries has announced a February recreational season in 2018 for the black sea bass fishery. The current black sea bass recreational management measures of a 12.5-inch minimum size and 15-fish possession limit apply during the February 1-28 federal season. … Continued
A 6-pound 12-ounce gray triggerfish has been certified as the initial Virginia State Record for the species by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. The record-setting triggerfish was caught on November 1, 2017 by Dave Walden of Yorktown, VA. The fish … Continued
A recently released summary of recreational fishing statistics from NOAA Fisheries provides an insight into the popularity of recreational fishing in the Mid Atlantic region. Mid-Atlantic Recreational Fishing Statistics Highlights: In 2015 2 million anglers took 12.4 million fishing trips … Continued
According to Fisheries of the United States, 2015, the 2015 U.S. marine recreational finfish catch, including fish kept and fish released (discarded) on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts (including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico), was an estimated 351 million … Continued
Fall is peak time for catching striped bass in Virginia. Known locally as rockfish, the striped bass is an iconic species of fish in region. Striped bass are caught using a wide range of fishing techniques including chumming, live bait … Continued
The Sea Gull Fishing Pier on The Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Tunnel’s first Island will be closed to the public during the construction of new parallel tunnel at the Thimble Shoal Channel. The Thimble Shoal Channel tunnel project is expected … Continued
The recently completed phase II extension of the James River Fishing Pier is now open to the public. The completion of Phase II adds 1,112 linear feet to the existing pier, providing a recreational 2,364 total feet of pier length. … Continued
The dolphin, also known as dolphinfish or Mahi Mahi, is one of Virginia’s most popular offshore fish species. Along the Virginia Coast, dolphin are caught from May thru October using a variety of techniques. Dolphin are known for their brilliant … Continued
This article describes unusual and odd looking saltwater fish that are caught or seen by fishermen in Virginia. Northern Puffers The northern puffer is an odd looking fish that is caught in Virginia waters. Also known as swelling toad, blow … Continued
June 3, 4, and 5, 2016 have been designated as Free Fishing Days in Virginia. No fishing license of any kind will be required for rod and reel fishing in freshwater or saltwater, except in designated stocked trout waters, on … Continued