What Fish Are Biting in Virginia Beach: Complete 2025 Fishing Guide

Virginia Beach offers some of the most diverse fishing opportunities on the East Coast. Whether you’re casting from the pier, surf fishing, or heading out to deeper waters, this comprehensive guide will help you know exactly what’s biting and when to catch them.

Current Fishing Conditions (March 2025)

Water Conditions

• Water Temperature: 52-58°F (varying by location and time of day)
• Clarity: Moderate to good, depending on recent weather patterns
• Tide Schedule: Check daily tide tables for optimal fishing times
• Ocean State: Generally calm during morning hours, picking up in afternoon

What’s Currently Biting

Striped Bass

• New Regulations: 19-24 inch slot limit in effect
• Best Locations:
  • Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
  • Cape Henry area
  • Along the oceanfront
• Preferred Baits:
  • Live eels
  • Bucktails with soft plastic trailers
  • Mojos in deeper water
• Peak Times: Dawn and dusk, especially during moving tides

Speckled Trout

• Size Range: Most catches 14-20 inches
• Hot Spots:
  • Rudee Inlet (particularly productive this month)
  • Lynnhaven Inlet
  • Elizabeth River
• Effective Lures:
  • MirrOlure MR17
  • Gulp Swimming Mullet
  • Z-Man soft plastics
• Best Technique: Slow retrieve in deeper channels

Tautog

• Current Limit: 4 fish per person
• Prime Locations:
  • Offshore wrecks
  • Bridge-Tunnel structures
  • Concrete ships at Kiptopeke
• Top Baits:
  • Fresh crab
  • Green crab
  • Fiddler crab
• Technique: Bottom fishing with braided line for better feel

Black Sea Bass

• Season Status: Open with 13-inch minimum size
• Where to Find Them:
  • Offshore wrecks (20+ miles out)
  • Deep structure areas
  • Artificial reefs
• Preferred Baits:
  • Squid strips
  • Cut bait
  • Jigs with soft plastics

Red Drum (Puppy Drum)

• Size Range: Most catches 18-26 inches
• Productive Areas:
  • Sandbridge
  • Little Island Pier
  • Inside Rudee Inlet
• Effective Baits:
  • Cut mullet
  • Live finger mullet
  • Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet
• Best Times: Incoming tide, especially early morning

Weather Impact on Fishing

• Wind Direction: Currently predominantly SW, ideal for surf fishing
• Recent Weather Pattern: Mild winter leading to earlier spring patterns
• Moon Phase: Check local lunar calendar for best fishing days
• Barometric Pressure: Stable conditions leading to active fish

Fishing Pressure

• Weekends: Moderate to heavy pressure at popular spots
• Weekdays: Light pressure, better opportunities for prime locations
• Charter Availability: Good availability for offshore trips
• Pier Fishing: Moderate activity, best early morning

Local Tips for March 2025

1. Focus on deeper channels during cooler morning hours
2. Switch to shallow flats as water warms in afternoon
3. Use lighter tackle for better feel in cold water
4. Keep bait presentation slow and deliberate
5. Check weather forecasts before planning offshore trips

Seasonal Fishing Guide

Winter (December-February)

Prime Species

• Striped Bass
  • Peak Season: December-January
  • Best Spots: CBBT, Cape Henry
  • Techniques: Trolling with Mojos, live eels at bridge pilings
  • Gear: Heavy spinning tackle, 30-50lb braided line
• Tautog
  • Peak: January-February
  • Locations: Offshore wrecks, CBBT structures
  • Bait: Fresh crab, green crab
  • Gear: Conventional bottom fishing setup
• Bluefin Tuna
  • Season: Late December-February
  • Areas: Offshore (20+ miles)
  • Methods: Chunking, trolling
  • Required: Special HMS permit

Winter Fishing Tips

• Focus on deeper waters where fish congregate
• Fish slower presentations
• Watch weather windows carefully
• Dress appropriately for cold conditions
• Best bite typically occurs mid-day when water is warmest

Spring (March-May)

Prime Species

• Cobia
  • First Appearance: Late May
  • Locations: Chesapeake Bay, oceanfront
  • Techniques: Sight fishing, live eeling
  • Gear: Heavy spinning gear, 30lb test minimum
• Red Drum
  • Peak: April-May
  • Spots: Sandbridge, Cape Henry
  • Methods: Surf fishing, inlet casting
  • Bait: Fresh cut mullet, blue crab
• Flounder
  • Season Start: Late April
  • Hot Spots: Rudee Inlet, CBBT
  • Rigs: Fish finder rig with live bait
  • Tips: Work channel edges on incoming tide

Spring Fishing Tips

• Monitor water temperatures closely
• Focus on warming shallow waters
• Use lighter tackle as water warms
• Best fishing during afternoon hours
• Watch for bait migrations

Summer (June-August)

Prime Species

• Spanish Mackerel
  • Peak: July-August
  • Areas: Oceanfront, pier areas
  • Techniques: Fast trolling, casting spoons
  • Gear: Light spinning tackle, wire leaders
• King Mackerel
  • Best Time: Late July-August
  • Locations: Offshore waters
  • Methods: Slow trolling live bait
  • Equipment: Wire leaders, downriggers
• Cobia
  • Prime: June-July
  • Spots: Chesapeake Bay buoys
  • Techniques: Sight casting, live bait
  • Tips: Look for rays on surface

Summer Fishing Tips

• Start early to beat the heat
• Focus on dawn/dusk periods
• Use live bait when possible
• Watch for bird activity
• Consider night fishing

Fall (September-November)

Prime Species

• Red Drum
  • Peak: September-October
  • Locations: Surf zones, inlets
  • Methods: Bottom fishing, sight casting
  • Bait: Fresh cut mullet, crabs
• Striped Bass
  • Season: October-November
  • Areas: Inlets, CBBT
  • Techniques: Live bait, artificial lures
  • Tips: Focus on structure
• Speckled Trout
  • Prime: October-November
  • Spots: Lynnhaven, Rudee Inlet
  • Lures: Mirrolures, soft plastics
  • Best: During falling tides

Fall Fishing Tips

• Watch for bait migrations
• Focus on inlet mouths
• Use larger baits
• Best fishing during mullet run
• Monitor water temperature changes

Seasonal Equipment Recommendations

• Winter: Heavy conventional gear, quality foul weather gear
• Spring: Mix of medium and heavy spinning gear
• Summer: Light tackle, plenty of live bait gear
• Fall: Various setups for different species

Seasonal Regulations to Consider

• Different seasons have varying bag limits
• Some species require special permits
• Size limits may change seasonally
• Check regulations before each trip
• Certain areas may be closed seasonally

Weather Considerations by Season

• Winter: Watch for nor’easters
• Spring: Monitor wind patterns
• Summer: Afternoon thunderstorms
• Fall: Hurricane season impacts

Best Fishing Locations

Rudee Inlet

Current Conditions (March 2025)

• Water Temperature: 54-56°F
• Water Clarity: Good to excellent
• Best Tide: 2 hours before to 2 hours after high tide
• Access: Public parking available, boat ramp on site

Target Species

• Speckled Trout (14-20 inches)
• Puppy Drum (18-26 inches)
• Small Stripers (within slot limit)
• Flounder (as waters warm)

Fishing Techniques

• Drift fishing with live bait
• Jigging soft plastics along channel edges
• Trolling small swimming plugs
• Bottom fishing with cut bait

Hot Spots Within Inlet

• Bridge pilings
• Rock walls
• Channel drop-offs
• Marina docks
• Jetty tips

Virginia Beach Fishing Pier

Current Status

• Length: 1,000 feet
• Operating Hours: 24/7 during peak season
• Facilities: Bait shop, rod rentals, cleaning station
• No license required when fishing from pier

Regular Catches

• Kingfish
  • Best Bait: Bloodworms, Fish-Bites
  • Peak Season: Late spring through fall
• Spot
  • Best Bait: Fresh shrimp, bloodworms
  • Peak Time: Summer months
• Croaker
  • Best Bait: Squid, shrimp
  • Prime Time: Late spring through summer
• Spanish Mackerel
  • Best Lures: Gotcha plugs, small spoons
  • Peak Season: July-September
• Bluefish
  • Best Bait: Cut mullet, metal lures
  • Prime Time: Spring and fall runs

Pier Fishing Tips

• Early morning and evening are prime times
• Check tide tables for best fishing periods
• Different species frequent different depths
• Watch for bird activity indicating bait schools

Lynnhaven Inlet

Access Points

• Lynnhaven Boat Ramp
• Beach access points
• Lesner Bridge area
• Long Creek area

Target Species

• Striped Bass
  • Location: Bridge pilings, channel edges
  • Best Baits: Live eels, bucktails
• Speckled Trout
  • Location: Grass flats, creek mouths
  • Best Lures: MirrOlures, soft plastics
• Red Drum
  • Location: Inlet mouth, sand bars
  • Best Baits: Cut mullet, live spot
• Flounder
  • Location: Channel edges, structure
  • Best Baits: Live minnows, Gulp! baits

Fishing Techniques by Area

• Inlet Mouth
  • Drift fishing live bait
  • Casting to breaking fish
  • Working the jetties
• Back Bay Areas
  • Popping cork rigs
  • Soft plastic grubs
  • Live bait under floats

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Best Sections

• First Island
• Second Island
• Third Island
• Fourth Island
• High Rise Bridge section

Target Species

• Sheepshead
  • Location: Pier pilings
  • Best Bait: Fiddler crabs, sand fleas
• Tautog
  • Location: Structure areas
  • Best Bait: Fresh crab, clams
• Flounder
  • Location: Channel edges
  • Best Bait: Live minnows, strip baits
• Cobia (seasonal)
  • Location: Surface near buoys
  • Best Bait: Live eels, sight casting

Fishing Methods

• Anchoring near structure
• Drifting live bait
• Jigging artificial lures
• Sight fishing for cobia

Safety Considerations

• Check weather forecasts before heading out
• Monitor tide and current conditions
• Bring proper safety equipment
• Follow local regulations and warnings
• Keep emergency contacts handy

Best Times to Fish Each Location

• Rudee Inlet: 2 hours before to 2 hours after tide change
• Pier: Dawn and dusk prime times
• Lynnhaven: Moving tides best
• CBBT: Slack tide periods optimal

Seasonal Location Tips

• Spring: Focus on inlets and pier
• Summer: All locations productive
• Fall: Inlets and CBBT prime
• Winter: Deep water structure spots

Fishing Tips and Techniques

Best Baits by Season

Winter (December-February)

• Cut Mullet
  • Best for: Striped bass, bluefish
  • Presentation: Cut into 2-3 inch chunks
  • Tip: Soak in fish oil for added attraction
• Live Eels
  • Target: Trophy striped bass
  • Rigging: 7/0 circle hook through the nose
  • Areas: CBBT pilings, channel edges
• Jigs
  • Types: Bucktails, rubber-skirted
  • Weight: 2-4 oz for deep water
  • Colors: White, chartreuse for clear water

Spring (March-May)

• Soft Plastics
  • Styles: Paddle tails, curl tails
  • Sizes: 3-5 inches
  • Colors: Pearl, electric chicken, new penny
• Live Minnows
  • Species: Mud minnows, finger mullet
  • Rigging: Fish-finder rig
  • Best for: Flounder, speckled trout
• Shrimp
  • Presentation: Live or fresh dead
  • Rigging: Double-hook setup
  • Target: Multiple species

Summer (June-August)

• Live Bait
  • Types: Spot, croaker, mullet
  • Areas: Around structure, inlets
  • Storage: Use quality live well
• Squid
  • Preparation: Cut into strips
  • Rigging: High-low rig
  • Target: Bottom species
• Cut Bait
  • Types: Fresh bunker, spot
  • Size: Match local baitfish
  • Storage: Keep iced

Fall (September-November)

• Artificial Lures
  • Types: MirrOlures, Rapala, spoons
  • Retrieve: Vary speed and action
  • Times: Dawn/dusk prime time
• Live Spot
  • Size: 4-6 inches ideal
  • Rigging: Snell knot setup
  • Target: Red drum, stripers
• Mullet
  • Presentation: Live or cut
  • Areas: Surf, inlet mouths
  • Time: During mullet run

Recommended Gear

Rod Selection

• Surf Fishing
  • Length: 10-12 feet
  • Action: Medium-heavy to heavy
  • Power: Enough to cast 4-8 oz
• Pier Fishing
  • Length: 7-9 feet
  • Action: Medium
  • Power: Versatile for multiple species
• Inlet Fishing
  • Length: 6.5-7.5 feet
  • Action: Fast
  • Power: Medium to medium-heavy

Reel Recommendations

• Surf Reels
  • Size: 6000-8000 series
  • Gear Ratio: 5.2:1 to 6.2:1
  • Line Capacity: 300+ yards
• Inshore Reels
  • Size: 3000-4000 series
  • Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 to 7.1:1
  • Features: Sealed drag system

Line Selection

• Monofilament
  • Uses: Main line for pier fishing
  • Strength: 15-20 lb test
  • Benefits: Stretch, abrasion resistance
• Braided Line
  • Uses: Main line for casting distance
  • Strength: 30-50 lb test
  • Benefits: Sensitivity, no stretch
• Fluorocarbon
  • Uses: Leader material
  • Strength: 20-40 lb test
  • Benefits: Low visibility

Advanced Techniques

Reading Water

• Look for:
  • Bird activity
  • Bait movements
  • Current breaks
  • Structure edges
  • Temperature changes

Tide Strategies

• Incoming Tide
  • Fish move toward shallow water
  • Focus on creek mouths
  • Work along channel edges
• Outgoing Tide
  • Fish stage in deeper holes
  • Target pinch points
  • Fish moving water

Weather Impact

• Barometric Pressure
  • Rising: Tough fishing
  • Stable: Best conditions
  • Falling: Active fish
• Wind Direction
  • Northeast: Challenging conditions
  • Southeast: Good for surf fishing
  • Southwest: Ideal for most fishing

Conservation Practices

• Use circle hooks when possible
• Practice catch and release techniques
• Handle fish with wet hands
• Revive fish before release
• Follow bag and size limits

Night Fishing Tips

Based on our night fishing guide:

• Use glow sticks or LED lights
• Choose reflective lures
• Focus on structure
• Keep setup simple
• Bring proper lighting

Safety Considerations

• Check weather forecasts
• Wear appropriate PFD
• Bring first aid kit
• File float plan
• Carry emergency contact info

Fishing Regulations and Licenses

• Virginia Saltwater Fishing License required
• No license needed when fishing from Virginia Beach Pier
• Check current size and bag limits before fishing
• Some species require special permits

FAQ

Q: What fish are biting right now in Virginia Beach? The current spring bite (March 2025) includes striped bass (19-24 inch slot limit), speckled trout, tautog, black sea bass, and red drum. The specific species available vary based on water temperature and seasonal patterns.

Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish from the Virginia Beach Pier? No, the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier covers fishing licenses for all anglers fishing from their facility. However, if you plan to fish from the surf, boat, or other locations, you’ll need a Virginia Saltwater Fishing License.

Q: What’s the best time of day to fish in Virginia Beach? Dawn and dusk typically provide the best fishing opportunities. The first and last light periods are particularly productive for striped bass, red drum, and speckled trout. During summer months, night fishing can be excellent for species like bluefish and spot.

Q: Where can I find live bait in Virginia Beach? Local tackle shops near the fishing piers and marinas sell live bait. Popular locations include:

• Lighthouse Tackle (near Rudee Inlet)
• Princess Anne Distributors
• Long Bay Pointe Marina Bait & Tackle Most shops offer live minnows, spot, mullet, and fresh frozen options.

Q: What’s the best season for fishing in Virginia Beach? Late spring through early fall offers the most diverse fishing opportunities. However, each season has its target species:

• Spring: Cobia, red drum, flounder
• Summer: Spanish mackerel, cobia, spot
• Fall: Striped bass, speckled trout
• Winter: Tautog, sea bass, striped bass

Q: What are the best fishing spots for beginners in Virginia Beach? The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier and Rudee Inlet are ideal for beginners. These locations offer:

• Easy access
• Rental equipment available
• Higher chances of catching fish
• Helpful local anglers
• Protected waters in Rudee Inlet

Q: What size hooks should I use for Virginia Beach fishing? Hook sizes vary by target species:

• Spot and Croaker: Size 2-4 hooks
• Flounder: 2/0 to 4/0 hooks
• Striped Bass: 5/0 to 7/0 hooks
• Bluefish: 3/0 to 5/0 hooks

Q: Are there any fishing tournaments in Virginia Beach? Yes, Virginia Beach hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year:

• Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout (winter)
• Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament (summer)
• Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament (August)
• Fall Striped Bass Tournament (autumn)

Q: What’s the best bait for surf fishing in Virginia Beach? For surf fishing, the most effective baits include:

• Fresh cut mullet
• Bloodworms
• Fish-Bites
• Fresh shrimp
• Sand fleas (for pompano)

Q: What fishing regulations should I be aware of in Virginia Beach? Key regulations include:

• Striped bass slot limit: 19-24 inches
• Valid fishing license required (except on pier)
• Species-specific bag limits
• Seasonal restrictions for certain species
• Special permits for some species (like cobia)

Conclusion

Virginia Beach’s fishing scene in 2025 continues to offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re targeting trophy fish or just looking to catch dinner, understanding what’s biting and when will help you make the most of your fishing experience.

Remember to check local regulations and fishing reports before heading out, as conditions and regulations can change throughout the year. Tight lines!