Can I Keep?Spanish mackerel Regulations in Virginia (2026)
Recreational spanish mackerel rules in Virginia saltwater, as published by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
14 in minimum
Bag limit
15 per person
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Spanish mackerel rules in Virginia
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- A. Minimum size limit for Spanish mackerel is established at 14 inches in total length.
- Bag limit
- A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing with hook-and-line, hand line, rod and reel, spear, gig, or other recreational gear to possess more than 15 Spanish mackerel or more than three king mackerel.
- Possession
- B. When fishing from a boat or vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limits shall be for the boat or vessel and shall be equal to the number of persons on board legally eligible to fish multiplied by 15 for Spanish mackerel or multiplied by three for king mackerel.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- A. Minimum size limit for Spanish mackerel is established at 14 inches in total length.
- Bag limit
- A. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or land in Virginia any amount of Spanish mackerel in excess of 3,500 pounds from any vessel in any one day, except as specified in subsection B of this section. B. When a commercial closure in federal waters for the Northern Zone Atlantic Migratory Group Spanish Mackerel is announced by the National Marine Fisheries Service, it shall be unlawful for any person to possess or land Spanish mackerel in Virginia in excess of 500 pounds from any vessel in any one day.
- This federal closure and state water per trip possession limit will be posted on the Marine Resources Commission website.
Quick answers
What is the spanish mackerel size limit in Virginia?
A. Minimum size limit for Spanish mackerel is established at 14 inches in total length..
How many spanish mackerel can I keep in Virginia?
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing with hook-and-line, hand line, rod and reel, spear, gig, or other recreational gear to possess more than 15 Spanish mackerel or more than three king mackerel..
Compare Spanish mackerel limits in other states →
More offshore & pelagic in Virginia
- Atlantic sharpnose shark
- Atlantic tarpon
- Bluefish
- Bonnethead shark
- Cobia
- Hammerhead sharks (great, scalloped, smooth)
- King mackerel
- Recreationally permitted sharks
- Recreationally prohibited sharks
All Virginia saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Most anglers need a Virginia saltwater license or registry: get one here.