In December, 2013, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission increased the size limit on eels used as bait by recreational anglers from six to nine inches. The possession limit was reduced from 50 to 25 eels per person per day.
The changes were required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission because the coast-wide eel stock is low and the species is being considered for listing as endangered.
For more information, visit http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/
source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission