Chesapeake Bay News

Virginia is home to a wide variety of saltwater fishing, including excellent pier fishing. Visiting a fishing pier is something anglers of all ages are likely to enjoy. Pier fishing is easy to do, often requires no licenses or permits and allows anglers of all ages, sexes and skill levels to fish or just enjoy a day of fresh air.

Depending on the season and location, fishermen may catch trout, croakers, spot, pigfish, white perch, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, spadefish, small sharks, red drum, black drum or other fish on Virginia fishing piers.

Several Virginia saltwater fishing piers are easy to find and are suitable for first time visitors.

The Seagull Pier is a good local pier to fish from. It lies on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and extends into the bay. Trout, croakers, spot, bluefish, spanish mackerel, small sharks and even black drum are caught from the pier. Fishing can be productive and continues at night, when bait congregates under the lights, which attracts predators to the pier.

The Ocean View Fishing Pier offers anglers excellent fishing. The 1690′ long by 16′ wide pier features a 48′ wide T section at it’s end and extends into the Chesapeake Bay between the Chesapeake Bay bridge Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Tunnel.

The Saxis Fishing Pier on Virginia’s Eastern shore is an excellent local pier. The pier extends 200 feet into Saxis Harbor and terminates with a 100-foot t-head. The pier is handicapped accessible and ADA compliant. The pier is lit and is open 24 hours a day. Anglers visiting the Saxis Fishing Pier catch croakers, spot, white perch, trout, striped bass, bluefish, flounder and other Chesapeake Bay fish. Bait is available locally including peeler crab or soft crab baits. There is no fee to use the Saxis Fishing Pier although a valid saltwater fishing license is required.

Before visiting any saltwater fishing pier in Virginia, a good idea is to to contact the Virginia Marine Resources Commission or local tackle shops for fishing regulations.