If you’re an avid fisher (or wish to become one), you have come to the right place. The Chesapeake Bay has a rich offering of sport and recreational fishing opportunities.
Some of the most popular species to look out for include drum, sea bass, rockfish, flounder, spot, speckled trout, croaker, and bluefish.
Like most places, you cannot simply head out on your boat and reel in whatever you please. The Department of Game & Inland Fisheries takes great measures to ensure sustainability and transparency. Spend some time learning about Virginia’s recreational fishing regulations, and also be sure to obtain the proper fishing license before you get out on the water.
If you want the full scoop on the how, when, and where to catch, check out theVirginia Marine Resources Commission’s Angler Guide. The PDF offers readers a full fishing calendar, best methods for catching, and which locations are most favorable per species — it’s basically a cheat sheet for saltwater fishing in Virginia.
Charter Fishing
Want to get a group of friends together for an all-day fishing trip but don’t have a boat? Don’t worry, there are a number of awesome fishing charters located throughout both the Virginia and Maryland regions of the Chesapeake Bay.
Here are a few located in VA to get you started:
- Miss Linda (White Stone, VA)
- York River Charters (Gloucester Point, VA)
- Captain Tom (Deltaville, VA)
- Midnight Sun Charters (Heathsville, VA)
- Mister J’s Pleasure Saltwater Charters (Urbanna, VA)
- Four Winds Chartering (Hampton, VA)
- Captain Hogg’s Charters (Hampton, VA)
Taking a charter is a great option if you are looking for a guaranteed great day of fishing on the Bay. Charter captains are pros at what they do, so they know all of the best places and ways to catch fish. Plus, they’ll provide the fishing tackle, bait, and ice to keep your catch fresh!
