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Assateague Bay

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

Virginia, United States

4.0·18 catches

Top fish species at Assateague Bay

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Check which species have trophy potential in Assateague Bay

Assateague Bay fishing reports

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Atlantic stingray

24 in · 16 lb 5 oz

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Black drum

length · weight

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Gray weakfish

length · weight

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Summer flounder

length · weight

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length · weight

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General info

Assateague Bay is a part of an ocean located in Accomack County, Virginia, United States. It is most popular for fishing Bluefish, Black sea bass, and Gray weakfish.

Location

37°58′20″N 75°18′42.6″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Assateague Bay, VA

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Virginia can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Bluefish

Bluefish

Regulation boundaryVirginia State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Restrictions & requirements

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Additional information
No minimum size. Bag limit = 5 per person on for-hire or charter vessels For more information, see Virginia MRC SW Rec Fishing Rules Citation 16 lbs or 36 inches
Edibility
Good, but may contain elevated mercury levels. Catch, Clean, Cook Bluefish by DMFD
Synonyms
Pomatomus saltatrix
Season open: May 11 - December 31
Black sea bass

Black sea bass

Regulation boundaryVirginia State Waters
Bag limit15

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size13" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Additional information
The 2026 recreational black sea bass measures in Virginia waters or federal waters whenlandings in Virginia are established as:o Season: May 11 through December 31o Minimum size limit: 13"o Bag limit: 15 fish per person Regulations for black sea bass caught in federal waters are subject to change. Please contact NMFS.For more information, see Virginia Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations.Black sea bass total length shall be measured along the lateral midline from tip of nose to tip of tail excluding the caudal fin filament.Citation 5 lbs
Edibility
Excellent according to Adam L.
Synonyms
Centropristis striata
Season open: year-round
Gray weakfish

Gray weakfish

Regulation boundaryVirginia State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size12" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Restrictions & requirements

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Additional information
aka Grey Trout Citation 9 lbs or 30 inches.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Cynoscion regalis, Grey Trout
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Local laws and licenses

Virginia fishing license

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Reviews of Assateague Bay

4.0
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1 ratings

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Cities nearby

Greenbackville

4.9 miles away

Captains Cove

6.1 miles away

Stockton

8.5 miles away

Girdletree

10.0 miles away

Atlantic

11.6 miles away

Snow Hill

14.5 miles away

Pocomoke City

14.7 miles away

Makemie Park

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West Pocomoke

17.1 miles away

Newark

21.0 miles away

Metompkin

21.4 miles away

Saxis

22.6 miles away

Powellville

24.9 miles away

Berlin

25.3 miles away

Princess Anne

26.4 miles away

Tasley

27.6 miles away

Eden

28.2 miles away

Fairmount

28.4 miles away

Willards

29.1 miles away

Crisfield

29.4 miles away

Fruitland

29.5 miles away

Pittsville

29.6 miles away

Allen

30.1 miles away

Frenchtown-Rumbly

30.4 miles away

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FAQ about Assateague Bay fishing

📍 Where is Assateague Bay located?
Assateague Bay is a part of an ocean located in Accomack County, Virginia, United States. Its coordinates are:
37°58′20″N 75°18′42.6″W
.
🎣 Where on Assateague Bay is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Assateague Bay by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Assateague Bay?
The most common species in Assateague Bay are:
📢 What are the latest Assateague Bay fishing reports?
The latest Assateague Bay fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Assateague Bay right now?
According to fishing regulations at Assateague Bay, some of the species in season this November include: Striped bass, Spotted seatrout, Blacktip shark, Black sea bass, and Bonnethead shark. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Assateague Bay?

Fishing in Virginia requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, available online or from licensed agents.

In Virginia, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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