Virginia is again celebrating free fishing days today through Sunday, when no fishing license is required.
Recreational rod and reel fishing during the weekend does not require fishing licenses of any kind. Fishers in designated stocked trout waters will still be required to have freshwater and trout licenses. All regulations dealing with size, season, limits and gear restrictions remain in effect.
“We have some of the best rivers, lakes and streams for fishing in the country and we would love it if the non-fishing public would give it a try,” said Bob Duncan, executive director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, in a news release. “Virginia has always been recognized as an angling destination — from blue ribbon trout streams in the mountains, to world-class saltwater fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.”
Fishers who catch large saltwater fish can post their catch information to the Virginia Saltwater Fisherman Journal, which is an online site fishery managers use to monitor fish populations. Posters can also access information about other catches.
“I hope anglers and boaters of all ages take advantage of both free fishing days and the Saltwater Fisherman Journal,” said Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner John Bull said in the news release. “Fishing is a great recreational past-time, and fosters a sense of stewardship of our natural environment.”
For more information about fishing regulations and limits, visit the VMRC website. Freshwater catch regulations are available on DGIF’s website and via the free DGIF app Hunt Fish VA.
