VIRGINIA SPEAR FISHING RESTRICTIONS

ALL REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE MONTHLY

Anyone fishing with a spear or gig in Virginia's portion of the Chesapeake Bay or in the saltwater, tidal tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay needs a saltwater fishing license [ Code 28.2 - 302.1 ].

It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest fish for commercial purposes by any method of spear fishing. [ 4 VAC 20-995-40 ].

It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch or possess any sturgeon [ 28.2 - 303 ].

It shall be unlawful to possess a lobster that has an outer shell that has been speared [ 4 VAC 20-110-30 ].

It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to take any shark using any gear other than handline or rod and reel [ 4 VAC-20-490-30 ].

For all other species of finfish, recreational possession and size limits shall apply.



Page updated: 03:27 PM Thursday, May 25, 2023
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