Atlantic croaker Regulations in Virginia (2026)

Micropogonias undulatus

Recreational atlantic croaker rules in Virginia saltwater, as published by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Bag limit

50 per person

Recreational Atlantic croaker rules in Virginia

Where: All waters
Bag limit: A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally with any gear type to harvest or possess more than 50 Atlantic croaker per day.
Possession: B. When fishing from a recreational vessel, the possession limit shall be equal to the number of persons on board who are legally eligible to fish multiplied by the personal possession limits as described in subsection A of this section.

When intended for use as live bait for a charter or for-hire vessel, it shall be unlawful to possess more than 50 live Atlantic croaker for bait per day, multiplied by the customer capacity of the charter or for-hire vessel.

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: All waters
Season: It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with any gear type to harvest or land any Atlantic croaker before January 15 of the current calendar year.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally with any gear type to harvest or possess more than 50 Atlantic croaker per day..

Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Most anglers need a Virginia saltwater license or registry: get one here.