Category: Angling News & Tips

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

dock

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

bait

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

Taropn

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/

Virginia’s Artificial Reefs, Fish Magnets

INSHORE REEFS The inshore artificial reefs in the lower Chesapeake Bay are man-made structures, that are easy for anglers to get to. They provide habitat for various marine species, they are designed to mimic natural reefs and enhance the biodiversity and productivity of the bay. There are a number of artificial reefs that have been …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/07/virginia-reefs/

Tip, Fresh Bait And Red Drum

blue crabs

If you want to catch red drum, also known as redfish or channel bass, in the Chesapeake Bay, you need to use fresh bait. Red drum are one of the most sought-after sportfish in the bay, especially the large ones that can weigh over 50 pounds. Red drum feed mainly on blue crabs, which are …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/22/tip-why-fresh-bait-for-red-drum/

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Sheepshead Tips

If you are looking for a fun and challenging fish, you should try fishing for sheepshead at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT). Sheepshead are a prized fish that put up a good fight and taste delicious. They are also very tricky to catch, as they have human-like teeth that can easily crush shells and …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/16/chesapeake-bay-bridge-tunnel-sheepshead-tips/

World Class Red Drum Fishing, Virginia Beach

  If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you realize that Virginia’s coastal waters are about to become home to a “World Class Fishery”. One of the most amazing fish you can catch, red drum, also called channel bass, redfish, or simply drum. These fish are huge and powerful, weighing up to 90 pounds or more. They …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/04/28/world-class-fishing-developing-off-virginia-beach/

Dr. Ken Neill breaks another record

Virginia anglers know that wreck fishing for tautog can be pretty rewarding in the spring.  One angler who is very familiar with the joys of tautog fishing is Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program volunteer tagger, Dr. Ken Neill. Since joining the program at its inception in 1995, Dr. Neill has tagged more than 3,700 fishes for …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/04/10/dr-ken-neill-breaks-another-record/