Greater Amberjack (also known as Amberjack, AJ, Reef Donkey) in Virginia. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the VMRC guide, 2026.
In Virginia, the minimum legal size for Greater Amberjack is 32 in and the daily bag limit is 2 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 (including open dates, depth and area) 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 (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
VMRC chapter 4VAC20-510 regulates 'amberjack' generally (latest amendment eff. April 1, 2025, retaining the 32-in minimum — the 43-in proposal noticed in March 2025 applied to cobia, NOT amberjack). The 32 in / 2-fish state limits apply in Virginia tidal waters. The season nuance is federal, not state. Virginia STATE (tidal) waters: VMRC rule 4VAC20-510 — 32 in TL minimum, 2 per person, vessel limit = persons aboard x 2, NO closed season for amberjack (the June 15–Sept 20 season in this chapter applies to COBIA only). FEDERAL/OFFSHORE: greater amberjack is federally managed in the South Atlantic EEZ with an annually-set recreational season closure (historically the April 1–30 spawning closure) set by NOAA Fisheries — confirm current federal dates + open area before offshore harvest. Most VA encounters are offshore where the federal season governs.
These limits are pulled from the VMRC recreational saltwater fishing regulations. Last verified June 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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