Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish in Saltwater in Virginia?

In Virginia, the requirements for fishing licenses in saltwater can be a bit complex. The general rule is that anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid saltwater fishing license to fish in tidal waters, including the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean up to the three-mile limit. However, there are some exceptions and additional regulations to be aware of.

Saltwater Fishing License Requirements

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) issues saltwater fishing licenses for recreational use. These licenses are required for fishing with a rod-and-reel, handline, spear or gig, cast net, or up to two eel pots.

The following saltwater fishing licenses are available in Virginia:

Individual Annual License: $12.50 for residents, $47.00 for non-residents
10-Day Temporary License: $5.00 for residents, $15.50 for non-residents
Saltwater Recreational Boat License: $38.00, covers all anglers on the boat
Lifetime Licenses: Available for residents under various age and disability categories, ranging from $90.00 to $250.00 depending on age

Licenses can be purchased from authorized agents, by phone at 1-800-986-2628, or online at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.

License Exemptions and Reciprocity

There are a few exemptions from the saltwater fishing license requirement in Virginia:

Residents under 16 years of age
Persons 65 years of age or older (must comply with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program)
Legally blind persons
Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability of 30% or greater
Tenants fishing on the land they rent, with the landowner’s permission

Virginia also has reciprocal agreements with Maryland and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission for saltwater fishing licenses:

Anglers with valid licenses from either Virginia or Maryland can fish in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributary rivers, and seaside bays and creeks
Anglers with valid licenses from either Virginia or the Potomac River Fisheries Commission can fish in the mainstem of the Potomac River to the lower border of Washington, D.C.

It’s important to note that while these reciprocal agreements allow anglers to fish in Virginia waters with a license from another jurisdiction, they do not exempt anglers from having to register with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) if they are fishing without a Virginia license.

Freshwater Fishing Licenses

In addition to saltwater fishing licenses, Virginia also requires separate freshwater fishing licenses for fishing in inland waters.

The following freshwater fishing licenses are available:

Annual License: $23.00 for residents, $47.00 for non-residents
5-Day Temporary License: $10.50 for residents, $21.00 for non-residents
Trout License: $17.50 for residents, $47.00 for non-residents (required in addition to the annual or temporary license for fishing in stocked trout waters)

Residents under 16 years of age and persons 65 years of age or older are exempt from the freshwater fishing license requirement.

Other Permits and Stamps

In addition to fishing licenses, anglers may need to obtain additional permits or stamps depending on their fishing location and activities:

National Forest Permit: $4.00 per day or $23.00 per year, required for fishing in National Forests (with some exceptions)
State Forest Use Permit: $16.00, required for fishing, hunting, trapping, mountain biking, and horseback riding on state forests
Shad, Herring, and Mullet Permit: $4.50, required to take these species

It’s important for anglers to be aware of these additional requirements and obtain the necessary permits before fishing in Virginia’s saltwater and freshwater areas.

In conclusion, while Virginia does require saltwater fishing licenses for most anglers 16 and older, there are some exceptions and reciprocal agreements to be aware of. By understanding the licensing requirements and obtaining the necessary permits, anglers can enjoy fishing in Virginia’s diverse and abundant waters while staying compliant with the law.