Spot Fishing in Virginia
When spot are caught across Virginia, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spot catch through the year
Recreational catch in Virginia by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching spot in Virginia
Spot catches in Virginia run hardest around Sep-Oct, with the strongest two-month windows in Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 67% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Virginia fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch spot in Virginia?+
Catches peak around Sep-Oct (September and October). The strongest two-month windows are Sep-Oct and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release spot in Virginia?+
Across Virginia, about 67% of the spot caught are kept and 33% are released. That works out to roughly 8.8M kept and 4.3M released in 2024.
How many spot are caught in Virginia?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 13M spot caught by recreational anglers in Virginia in 2024, making it the #1 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spot data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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