Can I Keep?Black drum Regulations in Virginia (2026)
Pogonias cromis
Recreational black drum rules in Virginia saltwater, as published by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
16 in minimum
Bag limit
1 per person
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Black drum rules in Virginia
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any black drum less than 16 inches in total length.
- Bag limit
- A. It shall be unlawful for any person using hook and line, rod and reel, or hand line to take or catch from Virginia tidal waters more than one black drum per day.
- B. When fishing from any boat or vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit shall be for the boat or vessel and shall be equal to the number of persons on board legally eligible to fish.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any black drum less than 16 inches in total length.
- Bag limit
- During any calendar year, the total allowable sum of commercial harvest of black drum from Virginia tidal waters shall be 120,000 pounds of whole fish.
- At such time as the total harvest of black drum reaches 120,000 pounds, it shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or land any black drum by any method for commercial purposes.
- A. It shall be unlawful for any registered commercial fisherman to take, catch, sell, or possess more than one black drum per day, without first having obtained a Black Drum Harvesting and Selling Permit from the Marine Resources Commission.
Quick answers
What is the black drum size limit in Virginia?
It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any black drum less than 16 inches in total length..
How many black drum can I keep in Virginia?
A. It shall be unlawful for any person using hook and line, rod and reel, or hand line to take or catch from Virginia tidal waters more than one black drum per day..
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More inshore in Virginia
All Virginia saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Most anglers need a Virginia saltwater license or registry: get one here.