Black Sea Bass Fishing in Virginia
When black sea bass are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Sea Bass catch through the year
Recreational catch in Virginia by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching black sea bass in Virginia
Black Sea Bass catches in Virginia run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 3% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Virginia fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch black sea bass in Virginia?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release black sea bass in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 3% of the black sea bass caught are kept and 97% are released. That works out to roughly 69K kept and 2.1M released in 2024.
How many black sea bass are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 2.2M black sea bass caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #4 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this black sea bass data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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