Black Sea Bass

Virginia Beach offers some excellent Black Sea Bass fishing, particularly if you understand the seasonal movements of their forage. These fish are structure-oriented, so focus your efforts on reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures in the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic coast. The bite really heats up in the spring and fall as the water temperatures are most favorable. Summer can be productive too, but you may need to fish deeper to find cooler water. Natural presentations like squid, clams, or cut bait on a bottom rig are consistently effective. Don't be afraid to experiment with jigging as well, especially around wrecks. A practical tip: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel pilings are a well-known hotspot, but be mindful of strong currents there. Also, pay close attention to the VMRC (Virginia Marine Resources Commission) regulations, as they can change seasonally to manage the fishery.