Virginia Pier Fishing - Recreation for the Entire Family

Virginia is home to a wide variety of saltwater fishing, including excellent pier fishing. Visiting a fishing pier is something anglers of all ages are likely to enjoy. Pier fishing is easy to do, often requires no licenses or permits and allows anglers of all ages, sexes and skill levels to fish or just enjoy a day of fresh air.

Depending on the season and location, fishermen may catch trout, croakers, spot, pigfish, sheepshead, sea bass, tautog, pompano, white perch, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, spadefish, small sharks, red drum, black drum or other fish on Virginia fishing piers.

Spring can be a good time to visit some of the Virginia piers. Early season fishing can include runs of croaker, striped bass, bluefish or even drum fish. Summer fishing is more consistent, with catches varying depending on the environment of the pier. Bayside pier catches will be dominated by panfish such as croakers, spot, trout and perch, while ocean piers see some of the exotic catches such as Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, spadefish, pompano, sharks and other species.

Perhaps the most popular season to fish from Virginia's piers includes the timespan from mid August day thru October. This is when anglers from all over the state flock to their favorite pier for the runs of fish. Most anglers by far come to catch Norfolk spot, known simply as "spot". The small but delicious panfish arrive in large schools, to the delight of anglers from 4 to 104 years of age. Spot are easy to catch and tend to bite regardless of weather, tides or time of day. Anglers use a light rod, small hooks and morsels of baits that include bloodworms, artificial bloodworm baits, squid, shrimp, clams or crabs. While most anglers target spot, others will specialize in other species during the late summer and early fall runs. Fishermen at the pier ends may set specialized rigs for sharks or cobia, while other specialists might go after for tautog, sea bass, sheepshead or pompano.

Several Virginia saltwater fishing piers are easy to find and are suitable for first time visitors.

The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is located right on the beach at 15th Street & the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach Virginia. The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a very popular and productive fishing spot. Anglers of all ages, sexes and skill levels congregate to enjoy a fun day on the pier. The pier is located on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Seagull Pier is a good local pier to fish from. It lies on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and extends into the bay. Trout, croakers, spot, bluefish, spanish mackerel, small sharks and even black drum are caught from the pier. Fishing can be productive and continues at night, when bait congregates under the lights, which attracts predators to the pier.

The Ocean View Fishing Pier offers anglers excellent fishing. The 1690' long by 16' wide pier features a 48' wide T section at it's end and extends into the Chesapeake Bay between the Chesapeake Bay bridge Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Tunnel.

The Saxis Fishing Pier on Virginia's Eastern shore is an excellent local pier. The pier extends 200 feet into Saxis Harbor and terminates with a 100-foot t-head. The pier is handicapped accessible and ADA compliant. The pier is lit and is open 24 hours a day. Anglers visiting the Saxis Fishing Pier catch croakers, spot, white perch, trout, striped bass, bluefish, flounder and other Chesapeake Bay fish. Bait is available locally including peeler crab or soft crab baits. There is no fee to use the Saxis Fishing Pier although a valid saltwater fishing license is required.

Before visiting any saltwater fishing pier in Virginia, it is a good idea to contact the Virginia Marine Resources Commission or local tackle shops for fishing regulations.