Spot Regulations in Virginia (2026)

Leiostomus xanthurus

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

Bag limit

50 per person

Recreational Spot 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 spot 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 spot 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 spot before April 15 or after December 8 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 spot per day..

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