Black Sea Bass (also known as Sea Bass, Black Will) in Virginia. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the VMRC guide, 2026.
In Virginia, the minimum legal size for Black Sea Bass is 13 in and the daily bag limit is 15 per person. Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Virginia rules before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current Virginia rules before keeping fish.
Atlantic / Chesapeake Bay state waters; large federal (MAFMC/NMFS) offshore fishery with separate rules STATE waters: 13 in min, 15 per person, with an annually-set open season. VMRC notes: 'Regulations for black sea bass caught in federal waters are subject to change. Please refer to NMFS for regulations in federal waters.' Fishing the February state season requires a Recreational Black Sea Bass Permit from VMRC. Potomac River tributaries defer to PRFC.
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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