Fishing Resources

Maryland Fishing License online

Dept. of Natural Resources New & Information Service 

More Quick Tips for Saltwater Fishing...

 

5. How to catch small bait fish  
When I fish, I use a umbrella net. I drop it down but not to far and I throw small pieces of bread over the umbrella net then I pull the net up real fast and I catch at least 5 bait fish.

 

6. Stalking fish 
Avoid fishing in clear water unless you see bait fish actively or diving birds. Fishing in clear water spooks the fish too easily. So look for color water, its the best for fishing.

7. Summer fish  
If you are using lures, try a slower retrieve. Summertime fish are not as willing to chase baits. Reds should be in shallow water early, and later in the day, redfish should move to the edges of flats, where deeper cooler water is near.

8. Summer fishing  
When the water temperatures rise, as they do in the summer months, concentrate on deep water for trout in depths ranging from 4 to 6 feet. Free lined piggy perch or croaker should produce the best results.

9. Night fishing  
July is a great month for night fishing because you have 2 full moons and this way you can beat the heat of the hot sun during the day

10. Stalking fish  
Avoid fishing in clear water unless you see bait fish activity or diving birds. Fishing in clear water spooks the fish too easily so look for off color water for the best fishing.

11. Birds Hovering  
When you see seagulls hovering over the water, this means there are normally fish in that area. In order not to scare the fish, do not use your big motor when you get near the seagulls. Instead set up a drift or work your trolling motor as you get near or next to the seagulls in order not to scare the fish…

 

12. Using shrimp  
When using live shrimp for bait, try using larger than normal hooks such as #3 Treble or #3 Wide Gap. By using the larger hooks, the undersized fish that are released will have a much better chance of survival.

More Tips on Saltwater Fishing...

Virginia

Fisheries Regulations

 

Amberjack - Min size 32”. Limit 2 per person.

Black Sea Bass - Min size 12”. Limit 25 per person.

Blue Fish - Min size none. Limit 10 per person.

Cobia - Min size 37”. Limit 1 per person.

Croaker - Min size 9”. Limit 25 per person.

Drum (Black) - Min size 16”. Limit 1 per person, no more than 6 per boat. Open all year.

Drum (Red) - Slot size 18-26”. Limit 3 per person.

Summer Flounder - Min size 15”. Limit 2 per person. No closed season.

King Mackerel - Min size 27”. Limit 3 per person.

Rock Fish (Striped Bass ) - Chesapeake Bay– Spring season 5/16-6/15 Slot size 18-28”. Limit 2 per person. One of the two fish limit may exceed 34”. Coastal season (VA Territorial Sea out to 3-miles) 1/1-3/31 & 5/16-12/31. Min size 28”. Limit 2 per person. Fall season 10/4-12/31. Min size18-28”. Limit 2 per person or 1 fish 18-28” and 1 larger than 34” per person per day. No fish measuring 28-34” may be kept. Summer/Fall season 6/1-12/15 same as above but tributaries open. Ocean - open all year. Min size 28”. Limit 2 per person.

 

Shark - (All species Except Spiny and Smooth Dog Shark) Min size 54”. Fork length. Limit 1 per vessel.

Prohibited species: Atlantic Angel, Dusky, Sand Tiger, White, Big Eye Thresher. No size or possession limit on dog Sharks.

 

Spade Fish - No size limit. Limit 4 per person.

Spanish Mackerel - Min size 14”. Limit 15 per person. Open all year.

Speckled Trout - Min size 14”. Limit 10 per person.

 

Tautog—Min size 14”. Limit 7 per person.

 

Weakfish (Gray Trout) - Min size 12”. Limit 7 per person. Open all year.

 

 

For updated info. Call 757-491-5160

Regulations are subject to change.