Spanish Mackerel (also known as Spanish Mackerel, Spanish, Spanish Mack) in Virginia. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the VMRC guide, 2026.
In Virginia, the minimum legal size for Spanish Mackerel is 14 in and the daily bag limit is 15 per person. There is no closed season in VA.
No closed season
Applies statewide in Virginia tidal/marine waters (VMRC jurisdiction). Virginia state (tidal/marine) waters: VMRC rule 4VAC20-540 — 14 in TL minimum, 15 per person, no season, no max/slot. FEDERAL: the South Atlantic recreational limit is also 15 fish (10 in fork length federal min) — no material practical difference for VA recreational anglers in state waters. Species is the US S. maculatus.
These limits are pulled from the VMRC recreational saltwater fishing regulations. Last verified September 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. Virginia Marine Resources Commission updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
Virginia requires a saltwater fishing licence for anglers aged 16–64 in tidal waters; unlicensed anglers aged 16+ must instead register free with the Fisherman Identification Program (FIP). Virginia saltwater licences.
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