Category: Angling News & Tips

News: Quota Transfer: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category Fishery

NOAA bulletin. NOAA Fisheries adjusts the Atlantic bluefin tuna General category January through March 2025 subquota by transferring quota from the General category December 2025 time period to the General category January through March 2025 time period. This action provides further opportunities for General category fishermen to participate in the January through March General category …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/01/10/news-quota-transfer-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-general-category-fishery/

News: February Black Seabass Season Information

  Interested in the special recreational black sea bass season this February? The free permit for vessel captains is now available online or from your local VMRC licensing agent. Find out more about permitting and reporting requirements for the February black sea bass season here.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/01/06/news-february-black-seabass-season-information/

News: NOAA Fisheries Bluefin Tuna Bulletin Released

Recreational Daily Retention Limits for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Revert to Default Limit and Trophy Fishery Re-opens on January 1, 2025 Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit for recreational fishermen will revert to the default limit of 1 school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73” curved fork length) per vessel per day/trip. This …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2024/12/29/noaa-fisheries-bluefin-tuna-bulletin-released/

2024 Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament Results

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Competition at the highest level of this sport involves many factors. Skill, presentation, local knowledge, angling prowess, boat handling and team chemistry all come into play. The stakes are especially high when the field is comprised of the top boats on the Eastern seaboard. So when one team wins the championship trophy twice in four …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2024/08/26/2024-f-wayne-mcleskey-memorial-trophy-results/

NOAA FISHERIES NEWS: Recreational Tilefish Permitting and Reporting Requirements

News Release: If you own or operate a private recreational vessel and target blueline or golden tilefish from Virginia northward, you must have a private recreational tilefish permit and submit a trip report within 24 hours of completing a trip (even if HMS species were also targeted). These requirements extend to for-hire or commercial vessels …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2024/05/14/noaa-fisheries-news-recreational-tilefish-permitting-and-reporting-requirements/

Virginia Anglers: What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, Virginia’s waters come alive with fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into what awaits you. Tautog Action (March) By the end of March, tautog enthusiasts can rejoice! These hard-fighting fish are known for their tasty …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2024/03/08/virginia-anglers-what-to-expect-in-the-coming-weeks/

Enhancements To Gwynn’s Island Artificial Reef

The Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia and Maryland, non-profit organizations dedicated to the conservation of marine resources, recently partnered with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to improve the Gwynn’s Island Artificial Reef Site, a popular fishing destination in the Chesapeake Bay. The project involved deploying 54 reef balls and 250 pyramids, totaling more than 24 …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2024/02/18/enhancements-to-gwynns-island-artificial-reef/

Special recreational Black Sea Bass season

The (VMRC) Virginia Marine Research Commission, has voted to open a special recreational black sea bass season February 1-29, 2024. Interested in participating? Vessel captains/operators can click below for their free permit. Don’t forget to report this month’s harvest! Questions? Call (757) 247-2200 or email: [email protected] Recreational Species Permits (virginia.gov)

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2024/01/24/special-recreational-black-sea-bass-season/

ASMFC Releases Update to Striped Bass Rebuilding Plan for Public Comment

  Atlantic Coast’s Multi-State Striper Board Approves Addendum That Seeks to Curb Decline of America’s Top Game Fish. (Beaufort, NC) – At its annual meeting this week, the Striped Bass Management Board (Board) of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approved for public comment Addendum II of the fishery management plan designed to control fishing mortality …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/10/20/asmfc-releases-update-to-striped-bass-rebuilding-plan-for-public-comment/

Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

spanish mackerel

The weather is not very favorable for fishing in Virginia Beach this week, as a cold front is lingering in North Carolina and bringing some instability to the area. Mid-week there is also a chance of strong winds, as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches. However, there are still some fish to be caught if you are …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/08/28/virginia-beach-saltwater-fishing-report-6/

2023 White Marlin Open Winners

The 2023 White Marlin Open was a thrilling event that showcased some of the best anglers and boats in the world. The tournament, held in Ocean City, Maryland, from August 7 to 11, attracted over 400 boats and offered a record-breaking purse of $10 million. Here are some of the highlights from the five-day fishing …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/08/12/2023-white-marlin-open-winners/

August Is Mid-Atlantic Marlin Tournament Time

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If you are a fan of billfish fishing, you won’t want to miss the exciting tournaments happening in the mid-Atlantic region next month. The weigh-ins are open to the public and are a spectacle to behold, as huge fish are hoisted and measured on the scales. Here are a few highlights! The 50th White Marlin …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/27/august-is-mid-atlantic-marlin-tournament-time/

Virginia Flounder Season! Fun to catch, great for dinner!

Flounder are fun to catch and delicious to eat! These flat fish feed near the bottom, so you need to present your bait or lure close to where they are hiding. There are several effective tactics for catching them. One of the most popular methods is drifting with a baited rig, such as a Fluke …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/17/flounder-fun-to-catch-good-to-eat/

Baits 101 for Beginners: The Best Fresh and Live Baits for Fishing the Chesapeake Bay

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If you’re new to fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, you might be wondering what kind of baits to use to catch the most fish. The Chesapeake Bay is home to a variety of fish species, from panfish like spot, croaker, and perch, to larger predators like striped bass, bluefish, red drum, and cobia. Depending on …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/12/baits-101-for-beginners-the-best-fresh-and-live-baits-for-fishing-the-chesapeake-bay/

Virginia’s Tarpon Season

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VBSF Staff Virginia tarpon are a prized catch for anglers who enjoy a thrilling fight and a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics. These silver giants can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, making them one of the most sought-after game fish in the state. Virginia tarpon season typically runs from …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/28/virginias-tarpon-season/