23 Fish You Can Catch in Virginia Beach (Identification & Seasons)
February 17, 2026
Virginia Beach offers some of the most diverse fishing opportunities on the East Coast, with species ranging from inshore favorites to deep-sea giants. Whether you’re casting from the shore, fishing the Chesapeake Bay, or heading offshore into the Atlantic, understanding what’s biting and when can transform your fishing experience.
The waters around Virginia Beach host over two dozen sought-after species, each with distinct characteristics, seasonal patterns, and preferred habitats that every angler should know.
This guide covers 23 fish species you’ll encounter in Virginia Beach waters, from the iconic striped bass that dominates spring fishing to the powerful blue marlin that draws anglers miles offshore. You’ll discover identification features, prime fishing seasons, and habitat preferences that will help you target the right species at the right time with the appropriate fishing equipment.
1. Striped Bass (Rockfish)
The striped bass (Morone saxatilis) reigns as Virginia Beach’s most iconic game fish, drawing thousands of anglers to the area each spring and fall. These powerful fish feature distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silvery bodies, with adults typically weighing 10-30 pounds, though trophy specimens can exceed 50 pounds. Their aggressive strikes and strong runs make them a favorite among both recreational and charter anglers.
Peak season runs from April through June when massive schools migrate through the Chesapeake Bay and along the oceanfront. A secondary fall run occurs from October through December. According to local fishing guides, the best action happens during dawn and dusk hours when stripers actively feed near the surface. You’ll find them around structure like bridge pilings, jetties, and channel edges where baitfish concentrate.
Pro Tip: Striped bass respond well to live bait like spot, menhaden, and eels, but artificial lures including soft plastics and topwater plugs can be equally effective during active feeding periods.
2. Bluefish
Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) are aggressive predators known for their razor-sharp teeth and ferocious feeding behavior. These streamlined fish display blue-green backs fading to silver sides, with adults ranging from 3-15 pounds in local waters. Their reputation for striking anything that moves makes them excellent targets for anglers of all skill levels.
These fish arrive in Virginia Beach waters from April through November, with peak action during May and June, then again in September and October. Bluefish often travel in large schools, creating spectacular surface-feeding frenzies when they chase baitfish. You’ll encounter them both inshore around jetties and piers, and offshore in deeper waters. Their aggressive nature means they’ll hit various lure types, from metal spoons to soft plastics.
3. Flounder
Summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) are flatfish that lie on the ocean bottom, perfectly camouflaged against sand and mud. Both eyes appear on the left side of their body, which faces upward, while their underside remains white. These ambush predators typically weigh 1-5 pounds, with “doormat” flounder exceeding 8 pounds being highly prized catches.
The flounder season peaks from May through September, with the best fishing occurring in June and July when water temperatures reach optimal ranges. These fish inhabit sandy bottoms near structure, including wrecks, channel edges, and around bridge pilings in depths from 10-60 feet. Live minnows, squid strips, and Gulp! artificial baits work exceptionally well when bounced along the bottom near their hiding spots.
Important Note: Virginia regulations require flounder to meet minimum size requirements and daily catch limits. Always check current regulations before fishing, as rules can change seasonally to protect spawning populations.
4. Speckled Trout (Gray Trout/Sea Trout)
Speckled trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) are beautiful inshore fish characterized by numerous black spots covering their silver backs and dorsal fins. These popular game fish typically range from 1-4 pounds, with their delicate flesh making them excellent table fare. Their willingness to strike artificial lures and their presence in accessible inshore waters make them favorites among wade fishermen and kayak anglers.
Prime speckled trout season runs from April through November in Virginia Beach, with May, June, September, and October offering the most consistent action. These fish prefer grassy flats, oyster beds, and shallow creek mouths where water depths range from 2-8 feet. They feed actively during moving tides, particularly during dawn and dusk periods. Soft plastic jigs, topwater plugs, and live shrimp produce excellent results when worked near structure.
5. Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) are sleek, fast-swimming fish with brilliant silver sides marked by golden-yellow spots. These speedsters typically weigh 1-4 pounds and are known for explosive strikes and blistering runs. Their arrival signals the beginning of summer fishing season, and their aggressive feeding behavior makes them accessible to anglers fishing from piers, boats, and the surf.
These fish migrate through Virginia Beach from May through October, with peak numbers appearing in June, July, and August. Spanish mackerel travel in large schools, often feeding near the surface on small baitfish. Look for diving birds and surface disturbances indicating feeding activity. Small silver spoons, gotcha plugs, and sabiki rigs with small jigs produce consistent catches when cast into feeding schools or trolled behind boats.
6. Roundhead/Kingfish (Whiting/Croaker)
Kingfish (Menticirrhus saxatilis) are bottom-dwelling fish with elongated bodies and a distinctive dark diagonal bar behind their pectoral fins. These smaller fish typically weigh 1-3 pounds but are prized for their excellent eating quality and willingness to bite. Often called Virginia mullet or roundhead, they’re a staple catch for surf fishermen along Virginia Beach’s oceanfront.
Kingfish are present from April through November, with the best surf fishing occurring from June through September. They inhabit sandy bottoms in the surf zone and near inlet areas, feeding on small crustaceans and marine worms. Bottom rigs baited with fresh shrimp, squid, or bloodworms work effectively when fished in the first and second sandbars. These fish often bite during the day, making them perfect targets for family fishing trips.
Key Insight: Kingfish are often the first species new anglers catch when surf fishing in Virginia Beach, making them excellent confidence-builders while you wait for larger species to bite.
7. Spadefish
Atlantic spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) are distinctive disk-shaped fish with prominent vertical black bars across their compressed silver bodies. Adults typically weigh 2-8 pounds and are known for their excellent table quality. Their unique appearance and challenging fight make them interesting targets for anglers fishing around structure.
Spadefish season runs from June through September in Virginia Beach waters, with July and August providing peak action. These fish congregate around wrecks, artificial reefs, bridge pilings, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel complex. They feed on jellyfish, small crustaceans, and invertebrates, requiring specialized techniques. According to experienced charter captains, small pieces of clam on tiny hooks work best, often fished on multiple-hook rigs near structure in 20-60 feet of water.
8. Red Drum (Redfish)
Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) are powerful copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tail. These hard-fighting fish range from smaller “puppy drum” of 2-8 pounds to massive “bull reds” exceeding 40 pounds. Their strength and endurance make them one of the most sought-after inshore species along the Virginia coast.
Red drum are available year-round in Virginia Beach, but fall fishing from September through November is legendary when large schools of bull reds migrate along the beaches. Smaller fish inhabit inshore waters around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths throughout summer months. Large drum often feed in the surf zone during fall, creating exciting opportunities for shore-based anglers. Cut bait, live spot, and large soft plastic lures produce consistent results when fished near structure or in the surf.
9. Black Drum
Black drum (Pogonias cromis) are robust bottom-feeders with dark gray to bronze coloring and multiple barbels under their chin used for locating food. These fish can grow quite large, with adults commonly weighing 20-60 pounds and occasional giants exceeding 100 pounds. Their powerful jaws crush shellfish with ease, making them formidable opponents on light tackle.
Peak season for black drum occurs during spring months from April through June when they spawn in the lower Chesapeake Bay and near inlet areas. A secondary fall run happens in October and November. These fish prefer oyster beds, channel edges, and areas with hard bottom structure where they feed on crabs, clams, and other shellfish. Fresh blue crab, clam, or shrimp fished on bottom rigs near structure produces the best results. Larger specimens are typically released due to the presence of parasites in older fish.
Pro Tip: Black drum feed primarily by smell and touch rather than sight, so fresh, smelly bait works better than visual presentations. Fish your baits directly on the bottom near oyster beds for best results.
10. Croaker
Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) are small bottom-dwelling fish named for the distinctive croaking sound they produce using their swim bladder. These brass-colored fish with diagonal stripes typically weigh 0.5-2 pounds and are among the most abundant species in Virginia Beach waters. Their willingness to bite and excellent flavor make them popular targets for family fishing trips.
Croaker are present from May through October, with peak abundance occurring in July and August. They inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms in bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters, often in large schools. Simple bottom rigs with small hooks baited with bloodworms, squid, or peeler crab work effectively. These fish bite actively during daylight hours and are commonly caught from piers, boats, and the surf. Many anglers target croaker specifically for their sweet, mild flesh that’s perfect for pan-frying.
11. Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) are stocky reef fish with dark coloring and distinctive white markings. Males develop a pronounced hump on their head during spawning season. These fish typically weigh 1-4 pounds, with larger specimens reaching 6-8 pounds. They’re highly prized for their firm, white flesh and are among the most popular species for offshore bottom fishing.
The season runs from May through December, with summer and fall months providing the most consistent action. Black sea bass inhabit hard-bottom areas, wrecks, and artificial reefs in depths from 30-150 feet. They readily strike cut bait, squid, and small jigs bounced near the bottom.
According to local fishing reports, the Chesapeake Light Tower and various inshore wrecks consistently produce limits of quality sea bass during peak season. These fish often bite aggressively once you locate a school on structure.
12. Cobia
Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) are large, powerful fish with elongated brown bodies and distinctive white lateral stripes. These fish commonly weigh 30-60 pounds, with trophy specimens exceeding 100 pounds. Their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table quality make them one of the most sought-after species in Virginia Beach waters.
Cobia season peaks from May through September, with June and July offering the best opportunities. These fish migrate north along the coast during spring, often following rays and feeding near buoys, channel markers, and floating debris.
Sight-casting to visible fish is a popular technique, using live eels, large jigs, or bucktail lures. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel complex is legendary for cobia fishing, where anglers target fish cruising near the pilings and islands. Many successful anglers use heavy spinning or conventional reels to handle these powerful fish.
Key Insight: Cobia have excellent eyesight and can be surprisingly selective. When sight-fishing, accurate casts and natural presentations are crucial for triggering strikes from these intelligent predators.
13. Tuna (Bluefin, Yellowfin, Bigeye)
Multiple tuna species visit Virginia Beach’s offshore waters, including bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus). These powerful pelagic fish are built for speed and endurance, with streamlined bodies and crescent-shaped tails.
Bluefin can exceed 500 pounds, while yellowfin and bigeye typically range from 20-150 pounds in local waters. All three species are highly prized for their fighting ability and exceptional sashimi-grade meat.
Tuna fishing occurs from spring through fall, with different species dominating at various times. Yellowfin and bigeye are most common from June through October in waters 30-100 miles offshore. Bluefin tuna appear during winter and early spring months from December through April, often closer to shore.
These fish require specialized tackle and techniques, including trolling spreads, chunking, and jigging in depths exceeding 100 feet. Professional offshore charter services provide the expertise and equipment needed for successful tuna fishing.
14. Wahoo
Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) are among the fastest fish in the ocean, with elongated bodies featuring brilliant blue vertical bars on silver sides. These speedsters typically weigh 20-80 pounds in Virginia Beach waters, with their incredible speed producing explosive strikes and blistering runs. Their firm, white flesh rivals tuna for table quality.
Wahoo season runs from June through November, with peak action occurring in August, September, and October. These fish inhabit offshore waters beyond the continental shelf, typically in depths exceeding 100 feet near temperature breaks and current edges. High-speed trolling with skirted lures, ballyhoo, or artificial baits produces the best results. Wire leaders are essential due to their razor-sharp teeth. Many anglers targeting other offshore species like tuna varieties encounter wahoo as bonus catches.
15. Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)
Dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus), also called mahi-mahi or dorado, are brilliantly colored fish with blue-green backs, golden sides, and distinctive blunt foreheads in males. These fast-growing fish typically weigh 10-30 pounds, with larger “bull” dolphin exceeding 50 pounds. Their acrobatic jumps, aggressive strikes, and excellent eating quality make them favorite offshore targets.
Dolphin season peaks from June through September when warm Gulf Stream waters move closest to Virginia Beach. These fish inhabit offshore waters beyond 20 miles, often concentrating near floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Trolling with ballyhoo, skirted lures, or artificial baits produces consistent action. Once you locate a school, live baiting or casting jigs can result in multiple hookups. According to experienced captains, keeping one hooked fish in the water often holds the school near the boat for additional catches.
Pro Tip: Dolphin are often found under floating debris and weed lines. When trolling offshore, always investigate any floating objects, as they frequently hold schools of hungry mahi-mahi.
16. Marlin (Blue marlin, White marlin)
Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and white marlin (Kajikia albida) represent the pinnacle of offshore sportfishing in Virginia Beach waters. Blue marlin are massive fish with cobalt blue backs and silver sides, commonly weighing 200-500 pounds with giants exceeding 1,000 pounds. White marlin are smaller but equally spectacular, typically ranging from 40-80 pounds with distinctive rounded dorsal fins. Both species are known for spectacular aerial displays and powerful runs that test angler skill and equipment.
Marlin season runs from June through October, with peak activity occurring in July, August, and September. These fish inhabit deep offshore waters beyond 50 miles, near underwater canyons, temperature breaks, and areas where baitfish concentrate. Trolling large skirted lures, ballyhoo rigs, or artificial baits at varying depths produces strikes. Most serious marlin anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve these magnificent fish. The pursuit requires specialized heavy tackle, experienced crews, and multi-day offshore trips to productive fishing grounds.
17. Sailfish
Atlantic sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) are spectacular billfish with enormous dorsal fins that they raise during feeding and when threatened. These fish display brilliant blue backs with vertical bars and typically weigh 40-80 pounds. Their incredible speed, acrobatic jumps, and the visual spectacle of their raised sails make them highly sought-after game fish.
Sailfish appear in Virginia Beach’s offshore waters from July through October, with September typically offering peak opportunities. These fish inhabit waters beyond 30 miles offshore, often near temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish schools concentrate.
Trolling techniques similar to those used for marlin work effectively, with lighter tackle providing more sporting fights. Many charter operations specifically target sailfish during fall months when they migrate through Virginia waters. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with sailfish to maintain healthy populations.
18. Tilefish
Golden tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) are colorful deep-water fish with golden-yellow sides, blue-green backs, and distinctive fleshy crests on their heads. These bottom-dwellers typically weigh 5-20 pounds, with larger specimens reaching 30-40 pounds. Their firm, lobster-like flesh makes them highly prized for the dinner table, though they remain relatively unknown compared to other offshore species.
Tilefish are available year-round but are most actively targeted from May through November when offshore conditions are favorable. These fish inhabit deep waters from 300-900 feet along the continental shelf edge, living in burrows they excavate in muddy bottoms. Specialized deep-dropping techniques using electric reels or manual cranking bring these fish up from extreme depths.
Cut bait, squid, or clam fished on the bottom produces consistent results. The long trip to tilefish grounds and the effort required to retrieve fish from such depths means this fishery remains a specialized pursuit for dedicated offshore anglers.
19. Pompano
Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) are beautiful silver fish with deeply forked tails and yellow coloring on their fins and bellies. These fish typically weigh 1-3 pounds and are considered among the finest eating fish in the ocean. Their powerful runs relative to their size and excellent table quality make them prized catches for surf fishermen.
Pompano pass through Virginia Beach waters during their spring and fall migrations, with the best fishing occurring in May and June, then again in September and October. These fish feed in the surf zone along sandy beaches, often in the troughs between sandbars where they hunt for sand fleas, small crabs, and mollusks.
Small jigs tipped with shrimp, sand fleas, or specialized pompano rigs with bright beads work effectively when cast into the surf and retrieved slowly along the bottom. Their runs are unpredictable, with some years producing excellent catches while other years see few fish reach Virginia waters.
Common Mistake: Many anglers fish too fast when targeting pompano. These fish feed on the bottom and require slow presentations with frequent pauses to trigger strikes.
20. Sheepshead
Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) are distinctive fish with bold vertical black bars on silver bodies and human-like teeth adapted for crushing shellfish. These fish typically weigh 2-8 pounds, with their challenging bites and excellent eating quality making them popular targets around structure. Their teeth and feeding behavior require specialized techniques that separate successful sheepshead anglers from frustrated ones.
Prime sheepshead season occurs from April through November in Virginia Beach, with May, June, and September offering the most consistent action. These fish inhabit areas with hard structure, including bridge pilings, jetties, docks, and oyster bars where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and mollusks.
Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or small pieces of shrimp fished on small hooks near structure produce the best results. According to local fishing experts, detecting sheepshead bites requires concentration, as these fish nibble bait delicately before committing to a full bite.
21. Stingrays (commonly encountered by anglers along beaches)
Several stingray species including cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) and southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) are frequently encountered in Virginia Beach waters. These flat-bodied fish have long, whip-like tails armed with venomous barbs. Cownose rays typically weigh 15-35 pounds and travel in large schools, while southern stingrays are solitary bottom-dwellers weighing 10-50 pounds. Though not typically targeted, rays often take baits intended for other species.
Stingrays are present from May through October, with peak numbers occurring during summer months when water temperatures are warmest. Cownose rays often feed in shallow waters and near the surface, while southern stingrays bury themselves in sandy bottoms.
Many anglers consider rays nuisance catches, though they provide strong fights on light tackle. When handling rays, extreme caution is necessary due to their venomous tail barbs. Most anglers cut the line near the hook rather than attempting to remove hooks from rays. The presence of large ray schools often indicates that other predatory fish species like cobia are nearby.
22. Blue Catfish (in nearby waters)
Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) are large freshwater fish with slate-blue backs and white bellies. These fish can grow enormous in Virginia waters, with specimens regularly exceeding 50 pounds and trophy fish reaching 100 pounds or more. Their powerful fights and widespread availability make them popular targets in rivers and tidal freshwater areas near Virginia Beach.
Blue catfish are available year-round in the James, Chickahominy, and other tidal rivers feeding the Chesapeake Bay. Summer and fall months from June through October typically provide the most active fishing. These fish inhabit deep holes, channel edges, and areas with current where they ambush prey.
Cut bait, live bait, or prepared stink baits fished on bottom rigs produce consistent results. The invasive blue catfish population in Virginia has exploded in recent decades, providing unlimited fishing opportunities without harvest restrictions. Many anglers specifically target these fish for their excellent eating quality and the challenge of landing trophy-sized specimens.
23. Bluegill & Freshwater Bass (in local freshwater/Back Bay areas)
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) provide excellent freshwater fishing opportunities in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and nearby freshwater ponds. Bluegill are small panfish with distinctive blue coloring on their gill covers, typically weighing 0.25-0.5 pounds. Largemouth bass are larger predators with prominent jaws, commonly weighing 2-6 pounds with trophy fish exceeding 10 pounds. Both species are perfect for family fishing trips and introducing beginners to the sport.
These freshwater species are available year-round, with spring and summer months from April through September providing the most active fishing. Bluegill inhabit shallow areas near vegetation where they feed on insects and small invertebrates. Simple bobber rigs with worms or crickets work perfectly. Largemouth bass prefer areas with cover including lily pads, fallen trees, and vegetation edges.
Artificial lures like plastic worms, topwater plugs, and spinnerbaits produce excellent results. Back Bay offers a peaceful alternative to saltwater fishing, with calm waters perfect for kayak fishing and wade fishing. Many local anglers visit these areas when ocean conditions are rough or when introducing children to fishing in safer, more controlled environments.
Key Insight: Back Bay’s brackish waters create a unique ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater species sometimes overlap, offering diverse fishing opportunities within minutes of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront.
Virginia Beach’s waters offer incredible diversity for anglers of all skill levels, from surf fishing for kingfish and pompano to offshore battles with marlin and tuna. Understanding each species’ seasonal patterns, habitat preferences, and feeding behaviors dramatically improves your success rates.
Whether you’re targeting inshore favorites like speckled trout and red drum, reef-dwelling species like black sea bass and sheepshead, or venturing offshore for cobia and mahi-mahi, Virginia Beach delivers world-class fishing opportunities throughout the year.
The key to consistent success lies in matching your techniques and timing to the species you’re pursuing, using the right tackle and bait, and understanding how seasonal migrations and water conditions affect fish behavior in these productive coastal waters.