We continue to work for you and advocate for healthy saltwater fisheries in Virginia. Here is a quick update:
Cobia—we were not able to sway VMRC on the recent changes to the cobia regs where there will now be a minimum size of 43 inches with the same catch limits as last year. We conducted a poll where many supported the new regulation and many did not. This change is driven by ASMFC and based on the fact that Virginia exceeded their share of the cobia catch in the past two years. It is estimated this change in size limits will reduce the overall harvest.
Menhaden—there will be a hearing at VMRC on April 22 at 9:30 to review another Petition for Rulemaking on menhaden. A link to the petition is here: 2024.12.18 VMRC – Menhaden – Petition for rulemaking.
Even though the public comment period has ended, it would be very helpful if anglers would show up in support of this petition. Admittedly, given the composition of the current VMRC board it seems unlikely they will approve the petition, but it is always good to keep this issue alive and never give up. As you know we have been dealing with this for several years and believe we have made progress in raising awareness among those who care about the bay as well as legislators, regulators and the media. As always there will be an opportunity to speak at the commission meeting. VSSA will make comments focusing on the fact that the industry continues to claim there is “no science to support these concerns” while also lobbying the General Assembly to kill funding for a VIMS study of bay menhaden (which has never been done). For the third consecutive year the Canadian industry was able to kill this funding back in February while our Governor ignores the issue. We recently published an editorial about this in the Richmond paper titled: Virginia’s “Canada First” Policy. Finally, we have been closely watching an ASMFC work group created to address possible actions to curb the harvest of bay menhaden during the critical period of osprey reproduction. Research has shown that chicks are starving due to lack of menhaden. The group is supposed to report to the larger menhaden board later this spring, but it seems unlikely anything significant will be done in time to affect the menhaden reduction fishing season which starts in a few weeks.
Striped Bass—this continues to be a challenge as they are still considered “overfished.” As a result, ASMFC is working on a draft addendum designed to consider further management actions for 2026 that will (hopefully) rebuild the stock by 2029. The Chesapeake Bay has experienced poor spawning success for several years which remains a huge concern for the future of this fishery. We will be watching this and advocating where needed.
As a reminder fully paid VSSA members now receive a 10% discount at Oceans East Tackle and Tacklecove.com. Just show your VSSA membership card.
We thank you for your continued support! Tight Lines!
March 18, 2025. Editorial by Steve Atkinson
Cobia Action Alert.
VMRC has a draft rule to change the cobia regulations for the 2025 season starting June 15 and ending Sept 20 (an extra 5 days). The draft rule changes the size limit from 40 inches to 43 inches with 2 fish per boat. The rule does away with the only 1 of the 2 fish can be over 50 inches. This is a quick yes or no poll asking if you support this change. Anglers can make their own input directly to VMRC by going to this page.
Loading ...Poll #1 – Speckled Trout.
Many of us have witnessed or seen photos of many dead speckled trout from the recent extreme cold. This fishery is one of Virginia’s most important and favorite among anglers. Would you support a closure of the recreational and commercial trout fishery until after the spring/early summer spawn in order to protect these fish and promote a healthy fishery for future years?
Loading ...Poll #2 – Sector Separation.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) are seeking input to manage Flounder, Black Seabass, Scup, and Bluefish separately for for-hire recreational fisheries from other recreational fishing modes (referred to as sector separation). There are several different “modes” or “sectors” within the recreational fisheries, referring to the different types of recreational fishing including shore-based fishing, fishing using a private or rented boat, and “for-hire” fishing from either a party boat (also known as a headboat) or charter vessel. This could result in different limits and seasons for charter captains and head boats than from the private recreational angler. More information on this proposal can be found below. Anglers are encouraged to submit your comments directly on the page below.
Loading ...VSSA Update December 2024
VSSA Membership continues to grow but more is needed. Our voice with regulators and politicians is stronger when we have a large member base. We are the only volunteer organization that consistently advocates for healthy saltwater fisheries in Virginia. As an incentive to join, we now are able to offer discounts through a couple local tackle shops and are working to add others to the list. So far, Oceans East and Tacklecove.com (enter code: VSSA25) both offer 10% discounts to our members. Just show your member ID card.
This season we participated in the ODU Monarch Cobia classic by offering a VSSA Calcutta of $250 to the angler who brought in the biggest Cobia that is ALSO a VSSA Member! We hope to participate on more tournaments in 2025 to give members more opportunities and encourage more people to join!
Make sure you let your friends know and encourage them to join VSSA Join – Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association (still only $25) if they want to make a difference in the quality of our fishing and the health of our bay as well an enjoy discounts at local businesses! (Get them a VSSA membership for Christmas!)
Menhaden Update: The war rages on and both the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club have joined in the battle to protect the bay. VSSA recently sent a letter to all State Delegates and Senators to update them on Menhaden and provide access to the menhaden documentary which is now free on our website at http://www.joinvssa.org. We are asking them to support sensible regulation including a menhaden study bill which will likely come before the General Assembly again in January. We are working with other partners like CBF and TRCP to share our side of the story. If you want to help, contact your state Delegate and Senator and ask them to support the VIMS menhaden study bill. You can also help by signing the TRCP petition at: Demand Better Science for Better Management of Chesapeake Bay Menhaden | Theodore Roosevelt Demand Better Science for Better Management of Chesapeake Bay Menhaden | Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
VSSA continues to speak with media outlets and politicians to raise awareness on these matters. Sadly, It is abundantly clear that the Youngkin administration will take no action on menhaden… Perhaps the next
governor will care more about the bay and Virginia’s 320,000 saltwater anglers.
From rockfish and menhaden to red drum and crabs, there’s no shortage of Chesapeake Bay fishery news. VSSA has been busy tracking the sportfishing issues that are important to you. Read on here: News – Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association
Best wishes for a happy holiday season…tight lines and plentiful fish in 2025!
To read our December Newsletter please click below: