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Fishing regulations at Shelly 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
Black sea bass
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 when
landings in Virginia are established as:
o Season: May 11 through December 31
o 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
Synonyms
Atlantic croaker
Bag limit50
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
Edibility
Synonyms
Summer flounder
Bag limit4
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 size17.5" (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
Jan. 1 - May 31: minimum size = 16-inches
June 1 - Dec. 31: minimum size = 17.5-inches
Open year-round.
The above flounder restrictions apply to Virginia tidal waters, except that in Virginia's Potomac River tributaries the minimum size limit, closed season, and possession limit will be the same as established by the PRFC for the mainstem Potomac River.
Federal regulations are waived for Summer Flounder, and recreational anglers shall follow regulations for the state in which their catch is landed.
Citation 6 lbs or 26 inches.
Synonyms
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