Top fish species at Chincoteague Bay
Check which species have trophy potential in Chincoteague Bay
Chincoteague Bay fishing reports
Continue browsing catches and catch locations in the Fishbrain app
When are Striped Bass biting on Chincoteague Bay?
Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Chincoteague Bay. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.
Fishing regulations at Chincoteague Bay, MD
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 Maryland 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
Summer flounder
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.
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.
The recreational minimum size:
- January 11, 2025 – May 31, 2025: 16 inches
- June 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025: 17-1/2 inches
Federal regulations are waived for Summer Flounder, and recreational anglers shall follow regulations for the state in which their catch is landed.
Striped bass
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.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.
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.
MD Snagging
It is illegal to intentionally snag a striped bass.
MD Spawning Areas
It is illegal to fish for striped bass by any means or practice catch-and-release of striped bass in designated spawning areas from March 1–May 31.
MD Spear
It is illegal to take or shoot striped bass with a spear gun and spear in the tidal waters of the state.
MD Gaff
It is illegal to remove a striped bass from the water with a gaff or a cast net.
MD Culling
It is illegal to cull striped bass.
MD Multiple Hooks
It is illegal to use more than two hooks or two sets of hooks for each rod or line. Artificial lures or plugs with multiple hooks are considered 1 set of hooks.
MD Striped Bass Hooks
In the Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays, and their tidal tributaries anglers must always use non-offset circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or processed baits (treble hooks are prohibited) when targeting striped bass.
MD Land Whole
It is illegal to possess any cut up or filleted striped bass at any time aboard any boat on the tidal waters of Maryland. Striped bass must be landed whole.
Regulations shown are for Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays, and their tributaries. Recreational anglers may keep one striped bass per person per day. The striped bass must be a minimum of 28 inches and may not exceed 31 inches in length.
Anglers must always use non-offset circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or processed baits (treble hooks are prohibited) when targeting striped bass. For more information, see Striped Bass and Circle Hooks
Striped bass may not be caught, harassed or possessed in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which stretches from 3 to 200 miles off the coast.
For information about striped bass regulations in teh Chesapeake Bay & Tidal Tributaries regulations, YOU MUST SEE Maryland Striped Bass Map.
Sandbar shark
It is unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell, or exchange this species.
Gigging
Harvest by gigging prohibited.
Snagging
Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.
Spears
Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.
Multiple Hooks
Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.
FAQ about Chincoteague Bay fishing
- Summer flounder - 28 members reported to have caught this fish
- Striped bass - 11 members reported to have caught this fish
- Sandbar shark - 13 members reported to have caught this fish
- @s.nagle reported a nice Dusky smooth-hound.
- @Eule reported a nice Atlantic horseshoe crab.
- @griffinlewis4603 reported a nice Spotted seatrout.
- @ethan-frederick reported a nice Red drum.
- @travblev reported a nice Spotted seatrout.
Free trial available