Spanish Mackerel Fishing in Virginia
When spanish mackerel are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spanish Mackerel 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 spanish mackerel in Virginia
Spanish Mackerel catches in Virginia run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 70% 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 spanish mackerel in Virginia?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. 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 spanish mackerel in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 70% of the spanish mackerel caught are kept and 30% are released. That works out to roughly 329K kept and 140K released in 2024.
How many spanish mackerel are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 469K spanish mackerel caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #14 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spanish mackerel data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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