Recreational Fishing

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Recreational Fishing
Fisherman Identification Progam
Artificial Reefs
VA Saltwater Fisherman's Journal


License Types
NOAA Marine Recreational Information Program
Saltwater Fishing Tournament
Recycling Fishing Line


Recreational Fishing Regulations

Saltwater Recreational Hook & Line Fishing Regulations

February 28, 2023: The Commission voted to terminate Recreational Cobia Mandatory Reporting Program (RCMRP) at the Tuesday, February 28th Commission meeting. Anglers no longer need a recreational permit to target cobia in Virginia waters. We encourage voluntary cobia reporting (especially release data) using the Virginia Saltwater Journal (www.vasaltwaterjournal.com) to help assist with stock assessment data. Otherwise, the 2023 recreational regulations remain the same: season open June 15-September 15; 1 fish per person, 2 fish per vessel possession limit; and a prohibition on gaffing. The minimum size is 40" total length with one allowed on a vessel >50" total length.

Recreational Crabbing

Recreational Shellfishing & Non-Hook & Line Fishing

Shark Identification Information (shark regulations vary by species, shark species can be difficult to differentiate, please visit this link to learn more on how to properly identify the species of sharks).

Recreational Fishing License

Recreational Saltwater Fishing License Requirements

Get your Saltwater Fishing License Online!

Recreational Saltwater Fishing Licensing Agents

No Cost Recreational Species Permits - for selected species like cobia a no cost permit may be needed by an angler in addition to their regular paid license.  Use the web link to the left to obtain your free permit.  Note that these permits may only be available during the time of year a specific recreational fishery is occuring.

Saltwater License Development Fund website with Recreational Fishing Information

Other Forms and Regulations

Charter Boat, Commercial Fish Pier or Rental Boat Business in Virginia Tidal Waters

Spear fishing Restrictions

Fishing Information

About Circle Hooks

Virginia Recreational Assessment Program

VA Saltwater Journal

Saltwater Gamefish Records

Registering for a Trophy Fish Citation

Saltwater Anglers Guide

Artificial Reef Locations

Handling and Releasing Fish

What You Should Do When You Catch a Tagged Fish

Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program

Boat ramps funded and managed by the Department of Game & Inland Fisheries

Public Access Fishing Sites

 

Hotlines:

VA Stranding Team Hotline
(757) 385-7575 [ Website | What to do about a stranded marine animal? ]

Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline
(888) 238-6154 [ Website | Report Form ]

Boating Safety

US Coast Guard Boating Safety

Other Recreational Info

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournment

Saltwater Recreational Finfish Landings Statistics from NMFS

Tuna Permit and Fishing Information

Virginia Charter Boat Association


Page updated: 02:23 PM Monday, May 22, 2023
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Important Links

VMRC Mobile
Chesapeake Bay Plate
VRSFDF
Buy Recrecational Licenses
Fisherman Identification Program
VMRC Regulations
Recreational Fishing Regulations
Anglers Guide