NOAA Fisheries is encouraging the public to review and comment on a draft Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy. According to NOAA, the policy was developed in cooperation with anglers, the Regional Fishery Management Councils, and the Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions. Anglers … Continued
In Virginia, anglers can fish without a license during free fishing days, June 6, 7, and 8, 2014. The annual program allows part-time fishermen to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends without having to spend money for a … Continued
Virginia recreational anglers caught and released 2.5 million red drum in 2013, according to the federal Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). By comparison, anglers reported 61,330 in 2011 and 28,000 in 2010. Virginia’s 2012 red drum harvest is estimated to … Continued
In July, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission announced that the agency was easing recreational striped bass (rockfish) regulations for the 2012 fall fishing season. The simplified regulation removes the no-take slot limit of 28-34 inches that has been in place … Continued
Virginia Marine Police will begin enforcing the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program registration requirement after the Fourth of July weekend. The new registration program went into effect on Jan. 1, and requires adults who fishes in Virginia’s saltwaters, or for saltwater … Continued
Saltwater anglers may fish in Virginia without a license during the first weekend in June. Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner Steven G. Bowman endorsed the free saltwater fishing days, as permitted by state law. The state’s free fishing days, June 3-5, … Continued
Fall is one of the best times to visit a saltwater fishing pier in Virginia. Many of the top fishing piers of the Mid-Atlantic Coast are found in Virginia. These include several Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal fishing piers. On … Continued
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) has voted to increase the 2011 commercial and recreational harvest levels of both scup (porgy) and summer flounder, welcome news for a beleaguered Atlantic Coast fishing community. Following input from the Scup Monitoring Committee, … Continued
Steven G. Bowman, head of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, has declared that weekend of June 4-6, 2010 to be free saltwater fishing days, as permitted by state law. “This is a terrific chance to discover the joy of fishing … Continued
The term panfish describes small fish, many of which are caught by recreational anglers for food. They are named because they are small enough to be cooked whole in a pan. Among the most popular saltwater panfish found in … Continued