Virginia Pier Fishing Guide: Best Spots with No License Required
Introduction
Are you looking to go saltwater fishing in Virginia but don't want to purchase an individual saltwater fishing license? There is a perfect solution for beginners, families, and tourists. In Virginia, if you fish from a public pier that is officially licensed by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), an individual fishing license is completely waived! The pier's admission fee covers the licensing requirements. Here is a local guide to the best fishing piers in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk areas.
1. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
• Location: 14th Street on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
• Overview: This is the most famous and accessible fishing spot for tourists and locals alike. It is located right in the heart of the boardwalk area.
• Local Tips: It is excellent for night fishing during the summer season. The pier features a bait and tackle shop where you can rent rods and buy fresh bait. The admission fee covers your fishing license for the day.
2. Ocean View Fishing Pier (Norfolk)
• Location: Located on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk.
• Overview: This is one of the longest freestanding fishing piers in North America. It offers a premium fishing experience with fantastic views.
• Local Tips: It features a full-service seafood restaurant, a bait shop, and very clean restroom facilities, making it the ideal spot for a family day trip. The waters here are calmer than the open ocean, and you can catch plenty of local species such as Spot, Croaker, and Flounder.
3. Essential Gear for Pier Fishing
Fishing from a high ocean pier requires slightly different equipment than beach or boat fishing. To ensure a successful trip, consider adding these essential items to your gear:
• A Drop Net: Since pier platforms are high above the ocean water, reeling a large fish straight up can break your line. A round drop net is highly recommended to safely scoop and lift big fish.
• A Wheeled Fishing Cart: Pier fishing often involves walking long distances from the parking lot to the end of the pier. A durable, heavy-duty fishing cart is essential to comfortably carry your heavy coolers, bait, tackles, and rods.
Virginia Pier Fishing Guide: Best Spots with No License Required
Introduction
Are you looking to go saltwater fishing in Virginia but don't want to purchase an individual saltwater fishing license? There is a perfect solution for beginners, families, and tourists. In Virginia, if you fish from a public pier that is officially licensed by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), an individual fishing license is completely waived! The pier's admission fee covers the licensing requirements. Here is a local guide to the best fishing piers in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk areas.
1. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
• Location: 14th Street on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
• Overview: This is the most famous and accessible fishing spot for tourists and locals alike. It is located right in the heart of the boardwalk area.
• Local Tips: It is excellent for night fishing during the summer season. The pier features a bait and tackle shop where you can rent rods and buy fresh bait. The admission fee covers your fishing license for the day.
2. Ocean View Fishing Pier (Norfolk)
• Location: Located on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk.
• Overview: This is one of the longest freestanding fishing piers in North America. It offers a premium fishing experience with fantastic views.
• Local Tips: It features a full-service seafood restaurant, a bait shop, and very clean restroom facilities, making it the ideal spot for a family day trip. The waters here are calmer than the open ocean, and you can catch plenty of local species such as Spot, Croaker, and Flounder.
3. Essential Gear for Pier Fishing
Fishing from a high ocean pier requires slightly different equipment than beach or boat fishing. To ensure a successful trip, consider adding these essential items to your gear:
• A Drop Net: Since pier platforms are high above the ocean water, reeling a large fish straight up can break your line. A round drop net is highly recommended to safely scoop and lift big fish.
• A Wheeled Fishing Cart: Pier fishing often involves walking long distances from the parking lot to the end of the pier. A durable, heavy-duty fishing cart is essential to comfortably carry your heavy coolers, bait, tackles, and rods.