Can I Keep?Bluefish Regulations in Virginia (2026)
Pomatomus saltatrix
Recreational bluefish rules in Virginia saltwater, as published by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Bag limit
5 per person
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Bluefish rules in Virginia
- Where
- All waters
- Bag limit
- It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to harvest or possess more than five bluefish.
- When fishing from a 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 who are legally eligible to fish multiplied by the personal possession limits as described in this section.
Quick answers
How many bluefish can I keep in Virginia?
It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to harvest or possess more than five bluefish..
Compare Bluefish limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in Virginia
- Atlantic sharpnose shark
- Atlantic tarpon
- Bonnethead shark
- Cobia
- Hammerhead sharks (great, scalloped, smooth)
- King mackerel
- Recreationally permitted sharks
- Recreationally prohibited sharks
- Spanish mackerel
All Virginia saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Most anglers need a Virginia saltwater license or registry: get one here.