Fly Fishing Workshop at Northwest River Park
Date: December 5, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Northwest River Park
1733 Indian Creek Road
Chesapeake, VA
Anglers can attend a free fly fishing free workshop at Northwest River Park in Chesapeake Virginia. No experience is necessary and no is gear required.
The workshop will cover the basics of fly fishing equipment including rods, reels, line, terminal tackle and accessories. Club members will guide anglers through tying their first fly, offer instruction, and assist with hands-on practice casting. Anglers that wish to fish afterwards should bring their fishing license with trout stamp to the park.
The fly fishing free workshop is sponsored by: Bill Wills SE Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
RSVP at 757-421-7151
For more information, contact Northwest River Park, 757-421-7151
source: City of Chesapeake
Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Top Spot Fishing Areas in Virginia
This list includes popular areas in Virginia where anglers fish for spot. Included in this list are fishing piers, jetties, and public beaches.
Hampton Roads
Little Island Park Fishing Pier (Sandbridge)
Rudee Inlet (Virginia Beach)
Lynnhaven Pier (Virginia Beach)
Virginia Beach Pier (Virginia Beach)
Sea Gull Pier (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel)
First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach)
False Cape State Park (Virginia Beach)
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia Beach)
Ocean View Fishing Pier (Norfolk)
Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier (Hampton)
James River Fishing Pier (Newport News)
Newport News Park (Newport News)
Anderson Park - Monitor Merrimac Overlook Park (Newport News)
Portsmouth City Park (Portsmouth)
Lower Chesapeake Bay - Middle Peninsula to Northern Neck
Gloucester Point Landing Fishing Pier
Glebe Point Fishing Pier
Eastern Shore
Assateague Island National Seashore
Chincoteague Island Fishing Pier
Saxis Fishing Pier
Morley's Wharf Fishing Pier
Kiptopeake Fishing Pier
Friday, August 7, 2015
Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA)
The Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) is a narrow strip of land that is isolated by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chesapeake Bay to the west.
Part of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is home to a mix of agriculture, aquaculture, commercial fishing, and retirement living.
Among the jewels of Virginia's eastern shore are its wildlife refuges, state parks and towns such as Chincoteague, Onancock, Accomac, Nassawadox, Exmore and Cape Charles.
During his 1608 voyage to explore the Eastern Shore, Captain John Smith said that "... Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation."
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is also known as ESVA or Delmarva.
Eastern Shore of Virginia Towns
Chincoteague Island is a family-oriented vacation resort along the coast. Recreation on the island includes swimming, sunbathing, fishing, clamming, bird watching, nature cruises, eco tours, biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, miniature golf, Chincoteague ponies, the pony swim, fireman's carnival, Chincoteague decoy and art show, arts and crafts shows, the oyster festival and more.
Wachapreague is a small town on the eastern shore of Virginia. The town lies on a winding creek that leads to a series of small bays, tidal flats and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. Wachapreague is well known for its flounder fishing and deep sea fishing for tuna, marlin and other pelagic species.
Onancock is one of the most beautiful and oldest towns on the lower eastern shore. The town has restaraunts, shops, the harbor and other services within all within walking distance. Onancock is a popular overnight port for sailboaters. The creek into town offers quite dockage and is a nice location to stop off during Chesapeake Bay tours.
Onancock Creek extends roughly 10 miles and merges in the Chesapeake Bay. Along the creek are sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing and family outings. Further along the estuary are marshy stretches with grass beds, points and other scenic views. Anglers find a wide range of fishing spots within a short distance of Onancock.
Tangier Island is a small but beautiful island in the Chesapeake bay. Shallow water and marshy areas surround the island. The grass beds are home to countless young blue crabs which come to grow and shed. This fishery for shedder crabs, known as "peeler crabs" are a main source of income for watermen.
The commercial crabbers of Tangier Island catch crabs by traps, nets or scrapes and then hold them in tanks until they molt. The resulting soft shelled crab is a valuable seafood delicacy.
Cape Charles Virginia is a historic town near the tip of the Delmarva peninsula. The town was a bustling center of business in the 1800's and first half of the 20th century, with most of its business related to the railroad which terminated in the harbor where rail cars were transferred to barges for transport across the Chesapeake Bay. The rail hub still exists and remains in use.
Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine, Wineries, Viticultural Area
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine Trail hosts three wineries along the Land Between Two Waters. The Eastern Shore's three wineries produce a good selection of varietals, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.
Virginia's Eastern Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located on the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, an area that is characterized by sandy soils and weather that is influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters.
Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing is extremely popular with something for nearly everyone. Anglers fishing in the Chesapeake Bay or along the Atlantic Coast fish from the surf, jetties, piers, inlets, bridges or by boat. The many variations of saltwater fishing allow anglers of any age, skill level or physical condition a chance to enjoy the sport.
Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely with anglers choosing to fish with bait, artificial lures, fly fishing gear or other techniques. Along the coast is surf fishing, jetty fishing and inshore fishing. Atlantic Ocean fishing offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing and other activities.
The Eastern Shore offers ponds, rivers and creeks where freshwater species of fish thrive. The waterways are known for excellent freshwater fishing, especially for largemouth bass, pickerel and other cover-seeking species.
Eastern Shore of Virginia Seafood
The Eastern Shore is famous for its seafood, especially oysters, clams, blue crabs and saltwater fish. Wild blue crabs are harvested by watermen from the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. Blue crabs are served steamed, as soft crabs, or in dishes such as crab cakes.
The region is also known for shellfish. The seaside areas of Virginia produce some of the highest quality oysters on the USA east coast. Clams are also important to the seafood industry of the Eastern Shore. Local clam aquaculture operations produce clams which are prized for steaming or eaten raw.
Part of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore of Virginia is home to a mix of agriculture, aquaculture, commercial fishing, and retirement living.
Among the jewels of Virginia's eastern shore are its wildlife refuges, state parks and towns such as Chincoteague, Onancock, Accomac, Nassawadox, Exmore and Cape Charles.
During his 1608 voyage to explore the Eastern Shore, Captain John Smith said that "... Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation."
The Eastern Shore of Virginia is also known as ESVA or Delmarva.
Eastern Shore of Virginia Towns
Chincoteague Island is a family-oriented vacation resort along the coast. Recreation on the island includes swimming, sunbathing, fishing, clamming, bird watching, nature cruises, eco tours, biking, hiking, boating, kayaking, miniature golf, Chincoteague ponies, the pony swim, fireman's carnival, Chincoteague decoy and art show, arts and crafts shows, the oyster festival and more.
Wachapreague is a small town on the eastern shore of Virginia. The town lies on a winding creek that leads to a series of small bays, tidal flats and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. Wachapreague is well known for its flounder fishing and deep sea fishing for tuna, marlin and other pelagic species.
Onancock is one of the most beautiful and oldest towns on the lower eastern shore. The town has restaraunts, shops, the harbor and other services within all within walking distance. Onancock is a popular overnight port for sailboaters. The creek into town offers quite dockage and is a nice location to stop off during Chesapeake Bay tours.
Onancock Creek extends roughly 10 miles and merges in the Chesapeake Bay. Along the creek are sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing and family outings. Further along the estuary are marshy stretches with grass beds, points and other scenic views. Anglers find a wide range of fishing spots within a short distance of Onancock.
Tangier Island is a small but beautiful island in the Chesapeake bay. Shallow water and marshy areas surround the island. The grass beds are home to countless young blue crabs which come to grow and shed. This fishery for shedder crabs, known as "peeler crabs" are a main source of income for watermen.
The commercial crabbers of Tangier Island catch crabs by traps, nets or scrapes and then hold them in tanks until they molt. The resulting soft shelled crab is a valuable seafood delicacy.
Cape Charles Virginia is a historic town near the tip of the Delmarva peninsula. The town was a bustling center of business in the 1800's and first half of the 20th century, with most of its business related to the railroad which terminated in the harbor where rail cars were transferred to barges for transport across the Chesapeake Bay. The rail hub still exists and remains in use.
Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine, Wineries, Viticultural Area
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine Trail hosts three wineries along the Land Between Two Waters. The Eastern Shore's three wineries produce a good selection of varietals, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.
Virginia's Eastern Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located on the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, an area that is characterized by sandy soils and weather that is influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters.
Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing is extremely popular with something for nearly everyone. Anglers fishing in the Chesapeake Bay or along the Atlantic Coast fish from the surf, jetties, piers, inlets, bridges or by boat. The many variations of saltwater fishing allow anglers of any age, skill level or physical condition a chance to enjoy the sport.
Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely with anglers choosing to fish with bait, artificial lures, fly fishing gear or other techniques. Along the coast is surf fishing, jetty fishing and inshore fishing. Atlantic Ocean fishing offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing and other activities.
The Eastern Shore offers ponds, rivers and creeks where freshwater species of fish thrive. The waterways are known for excellent freshwater fishing, especially for largemouth bass, pickerel and other cover-seeking species.
Eastern Shore of Virginia Seafood
The Eastern Shore is famous for its seafood, especially oysters, clams, blue crabs and saltwater fish. Wild blue crabs are harvested by watermen from the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters. Blue crabs are served steamed, as soft crabs, or in dishes such as crab cakes.
The region is also known for shellfish. The seaside areas of Virginia produce some of the highest quality oysters on the USA east coast. Clams are also important to the seafood industry of the Eastern Shore. Local clam aquaculture operations produce clams which are prized for steaming or eaten raw.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
2013 Virginia Recreational Flounder Regulations
According to Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), anglers will be fishing under new recreational flounder regulations for the 2013 season. The recreational minimum size limit for flounder will be 16 inches with a creel limit of (4) fish. The new minimum size for summer flounder is the lowest in Virginia since 2001. No seasonal closures are expected during 2013 fishing season.
source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission
source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Virginia Back Bay Largemouth Bass Restoration
Beginning in the spring of 2012, a three-year largemouth bass restoration project will be implemented by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) in the Back Bay estuary of Tidewater Virginia.
The Back Bay largemouth bass restoration program comes after an experimental stocking of approximately 75,000 surplus largemouth bass fingerlings in 2009 proved successful.
According to DGIF, approximately 125,000 fingerling largemouth bass will be stocked in Back Bay in late May of this year. The young bass will be F-1 hybrids, a cross between the northern strain largemouth bass and the Florida strain largemouth bass.The fingerlings will be chemically marked to allow DGIF staff to track their movement, survival, and distribution within Back bay.
Back Bay was noted in the late 1970s as one of the top trophy bass fisheries in the nation. This outstanding bass fishery peaked in 1980, when 240 citation-sized largemouth bass (bass that weighed at least eight pounds) were reported to be caught in the bay. In recent years, the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Back Bay has increased to levels not seen since the early 1980's.
source: Virginia DGIF
The Back Bay largemouth bass restoration program comes after an experimental stocking of approximately 75,000 surplus largemouth bass fingerlings in 2009 proved successful.
According to DGIF, approximately 125,000 fingerling largemouth bass will be stocked in Back Bay in late May of this year. The young bass will be F-1 hybrids, a cross between the northern strain largemouth bass and the Florida strain largemouth bass.The fingerlings will be chemically marked to allow DGIF staff to track their movement, survival, and distribution within Back bay.
Back Bay was noted in the late 1970s as one of the top trophy bass fisheries in the nation. This outstanding bass fishery peaked in 1980, when 240 citation-sized largemouth bass (bass that weighed at least eight pounds) were reported to be caught in the bay. In recent years, the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Back Bay has increased to levels not seen since the early 1980's.
source: Virginia DGIF
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Virginia Fisherman Identification Program Enforcement
According to Virginia Marine Police, the agency will begin enforcing the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program registration requirement after the 2011 Fourth of July weekend.
The new registration program went into effect on Jan. 1, and requires adults who fishes in Virginia’s saltwaters, or for saltwater species in tidal freshwater, to register with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission if they are exempt from buying a saltwater fishing license. Anglers who buy a Virginia saltwater fishing license of any type are automatically registered.
Virginia anglers who must register each year with the Fisherman Identification Program include: Those who fish on a boat licensed to cover all anglers; from a commercial pier or private property; who are age 65 and older; and those who fish in tidal freshwater for anadromous species such as striped bass, shad or other marine species.
Anglers may register annually in the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program by going to www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP now or by calling toll-free 800-723-2728 at any time of the day, any day of the week.
Anglers with a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license or a Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License do not have to register with the state FIP. Their contact information will be collected when they buy a license.
Anglers under the age of 16 also are exempt from registering. Also exempt from registration are paying customers of licensed charter boats or head boats.
source: VMRC
The new registration program went into effect on Jan. 1, and requires adults who fishes in Virginia’s saltwaters, or for saltwater species in tidal freshwater, to register with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission if they are exempt from buying a saltwater fishing license. Anglers who buy a Virginia saltwater fishing license of any type are automatically registered.
Virginia anglers who must register each year with the Fisherman Identification Program include: Those who fish on a boat licensed to cover all anglers; from a commercial pier or private property; who are age 65 and older; and those who fish in tidal freshwater for anadromous species such as striped bass, shad or other marine species.
Anglers may register annually in the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program by going to www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP now or by calling toll-free 800-723-2728 at any time of the day, any day of the week.
Anglers with a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license or a Potomac River Fisheries Sport Fishing License do not have to register with the state FIP. Their contact information will be collected when they buy a license.
Anglers under the age of 16 also are exempt from registering. Also exempt from registration are paying customers of licensed charter boats or head boats.
source: VMRC
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
2011 Virginia Free Fishing Days
Virginia saltwater anglers may fish without a license during the first weekend in June. The free fishing days (June 3-5, 2011) will allow anglers to fish without having to buy a saltwater license.
No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational saltwater rod and reel fishing during free fishing days. All fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions, will remain in effect.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has declared the weekend of June 3-5, 2011 to be free fishing days in the state’s freshwaters as well, except in designated stocked trout waters.
source: VMRC
No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational saltwater rod and reel fishing during free fishing days. All fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions, will remain in effect.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has declared the weekend of June 3-5, 2011 to be free fishing days in the state’s freshwaters as well, except in designated stocked trout waters.
source: VMRC
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Things To Do on Virginia Fishing Piers
 |
| Croaker |
Depending on season and location, Virginia pier fishermen may catch croakers, spot, sea trout, speckled trout, striped bass, pigfish, white perch, pompano, sheepshead, porgy, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, spadefish, sharks, red drum, black drum or other fish on Virginia fishing piers.
Fishing is only one of many activities that are popular on Virginia's public and private piers. Other activities include exercise, sunbathing, kite flying, crabbing, photography, painting, sightseeing, and more.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Legislation Creates State Angler Identification System
The General Assembly has passed Senator Northam’s SB668 to exempt Virginia anglers from having to pay the $25 fee associated with the Federally-mandated National Saltwater Angler Registry.
SB668 has been amended to create a state-level angler identification system, similar to the Hunter Identification Program run by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
This solution will allow Virginia to maintain the recreational boat license, as well as the license exemptions for piers, rental boats, senior citizens, and private shoreline. The state program will be administered through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and will be paid for through increases of up to $5 on individual licenses, and up to $10 on boat licenses.
Instead of paying the Federal government to register, anglers with a Virginia license will be registered automatically, and anglers exempted from Virginia licensing requirements will only have to call in and obtain an identification number free of charge.
“As is the norm with compromises, this one is not perfect,” said Northam. “However, it does accomplish the goals of exempting Virginians from Federal fees and fines, and also allows us to keep the boat license, as well as all existing license exemptions.”
The legislation was introduced in response to a VMRC study that provided options on how Virginia could comply with the Federal mandate. The bill was reported from a conference committee and passed the Senate and House of Delegates. It will now go to Governor McDonnell for his signature.
SB668 has been amended to create a state-level angler identification system, similar to the Hunter Identification Program run by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
This solution will allow Virginia to maintain the recreational boat license, as well as the license exemptions for piers, rental boats, senior citizens, and private shoreline. The state program will be administered through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and will be paid for through increases of up to $5 on individual licenses, and up to $10 on boat licenses.
Instead of paying the Federal government to register, anglers with a Virginia license will be registered automatically, and anglers exempted from Virginia licensing requirements will only have to call in and obtain an identification number free of charge.
“As is the norm with compromises, this one is not perfect,” said Northam. “However, it does accomplish the goals of exempting Virginians from Federal fees and fines, and also allows us to keep the boat license, as well as all existing license exemptions.”
The legislation was introduced in response to a VMRC study that provided options on how Virginia could comply with the Federal mandate. The bill was reported from a conference committee and passed the Senate and House of Delegates. It will now go to Governor McDonnell for his signature.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Lake Smith and Lake Lawson near Virginia Beach
The Lake Smith and Lake Lawson natural area is a network of three wooded waterfront peninsulas that will serve as Virginia Beach’s newest designated Natural Resource Area. The city recently acquired the area through its Open Space Acquisition Program.
The city is developing a master plan with citizen input to provide recreational programming, development and management of Parks and Recreation properties at Lake Smith and Lake Lawson. Improvements are to include a boat ramp, parking facilities, and trails with construction taking place in the next 12 to 18 months.
The city is developing a master plan with citizen input to provide recreational programming, development and management of Parks and Recreation properties at Lake Smith and Lake Lawson. Improvements are to include a boat ramp, parking facilities, and trails with construction taking place in the next 12 to 18 months.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Chincoteague Island Coast Guard to Host Open House for Mariners
The Coast Guard base on Chincoteague Island is scheduled to host an event for mariners to come and meet locally based federal and state law enforcement officers March 10 at 6:30 p.m.
The event will provide an opportunity for mariners to meet some of their local enforcement officers, ask questions and learn about new and existing regulations.
Regardless of whether mariners operate a commercial, charter, or recreational vessel; subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about recreational and commercial fishing, or questions about laws pertaining to safety gear.
Boaters without specific questions are invited to come and listen to the discussion or pick up information on Boating Safety, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety, Fishing Regulations, or to come and schedule a Courtesy Marine Examination.
The following are participating agencies and agency departments:
* U.S. Coast Guard Station Chincoteague
* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
* U.S. Park Service (NWR)
* Virginia Marine Resources Commission
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
* U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructors and Courtesy Marine Examiners
* U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Commercial Fishing Safety Examiners
The session will be held at Tarr Hall, in the Galley Facility, located on the base.
source: USCG press release
The event will provide an opportunity for mariners to meet some of their local enforcement officers, ask questions and learn about new and existing regulations.
Regardless of whether mariners operate a commercial, charter, or recreational vessel; subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions about recreational and commercial fishing, or questions about laws pertaining to safety gear.
Boaters without specific questions are invited to come and listen to the discussion or pick up information on Boating Safety, Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety, Fishing Regulations, or to come and schedule a Courtesy Marine Examination.
The following are participating agencies and agency departments:
* U.S. Coast Guard Station Chincoteague
* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
* U.S. Park Service (NWR)
* Virginia Marine Resources Commission
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
* U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructors and Courtesy Marine Examiners
* U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Commercial Fishing Safety Examiners
The session will be held at Tarr Hall, in the Galley Facility, located on the base.
source: USCG press release
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