Virginia Saltwater Fishing Outlook: December

As winter sets in along Virginia’s coast and Chesapeake Bay, December fishing shifts toward hardy species that thrive in cooler waters. Water temperatures typically drop into the 40s, concentrating fish around structure like wrecks, reefs, bridges, and deep holes. Peak action often follows cold fronts, with calmer days ideal for offshore runs or bay trolling. Always check the latest Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) regulations for creel and size limits, as they can change. Weather permitting, bundle up and prioritize safety with shorter daylight hours. Here’s a rundown on key targets this month:

Bluefin Tuna

Ocean trollers, get ready. Giant bluefin tuna (100–300+ lbs) often show up around the Chesapeake Light Tower and along the Virginia Capes from late November into December. These fish are strictly catch-and-release for recreational anglers. You may catch, tag, and release bluefin tuna only under NOAA’s authorized catch-and-release or tag-and-release programs. When fishing with natural bait, non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are mandatory to reduce injury and improve post-release survival. Get the heavy tackle ready — the big ones are prowling!

Rockfish (Striped Bass)

December marks prime time for trophy rockfish in Virginia waters, with large migratory fish peaking in the main Chesapeake Bay and around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT). Concentrations build along the CBBT pilings, deep holes in the lower bay, and off the Virginia Capes at the bay’s mouth—Assateague surf can also hold fish early in the month. Troll artificial lures like spoons, bucktails, or swimming plugs near bridges and jetties, or bottom-rig eels in 30-50 foot depths. Expect 20-40 pounders.

Speckled Trout

Trout action tapers off some as waters cool, but holdouts linger in December in protected inlets and creeks. Focus on Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets, Eastern Shore bayside marshes, and the Mobjack Bay area (like the Piankatank River). Cast MirrOLures, bucktails, or soft plastics over grass flats on outgoing tides, or drift live or fresh shrimp and finger mullet near structure. Trophy potential remains but numbers drop—target 18-25 inch fish as the water temperature drop into the 40-45°F range this month. If cold snaps hit, shift to deeper holes.

Tautog

Cooler temps fire up tog fishing through December, with fish active as long as water stays above the low 40s. Hit ocean wrecks, lower bay reefs, and CBBT rocks—artificial reefs off Virginia Beach yield some of the best East Coast bites. Bottom-rig green crabs, fiddler crabs, or clams on a fish-finder rig, dropping over structure. Steady picks of 3-8 pounders are common; use heavy tackle to wrench them from crevices. This is a structure game—mark your spots with GPS.

Sea Bass

Black sea bass head offshore in December, seeking 20+ fathom depths over wrecks and ledges, making them a bonus for offshore trips. Lower Chesapeake Bay holds scattered fish, but ocean runs offshore pay bigger dividends. Jig diamond jigs tipped with squid strips or drop cut fish/clams on knocker rigs. Average 1-3 pounders, with occasional 5+ pound bulls; pair this with tautog for a mixed bag on reef sites.

Bluefish

Blues stick around through December, pushing into the bay and surf. Target Eastern Shore barrier islands, Chesapeake Bay channels, and coastal waters—schools of 1-5 pound “snappers” roam, with choppers up to 10 pounds offshore. Surfcast spoons or cut mullet, or troll metal lures and plugs offshore.

Red Drum

Winter reds are elusive in December, with most bull reds offshore or southbound. Puppy Drum are still available in creeks. Look for them in the same areas as speckled trout.

Overall, December favors nearshore structure and bay depths over surf or shallows. Tides matter—fish the flood for trout, slack for tog. Fuel up on hot coffee and layer for wind; local tackle shops report solid rockfish and tog limits. Tight lines!