SlotGaugeCheck a catchAmerican Lobster regulations in Virginia
Crustaceans · Shellfish & crabs · 2026 season
American Lobster size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia marine waters | April 1 – January 31 | 3.53–5.25 inch slot | No recreational possession limit printed in 4VAC20-110 |
Notes
- Measure carapace length: keep only 3-17/32 to 5-1/4 inches.
- No landing of lobster February 1 through March 31.
- Release egg-bearing and V-notched females; spearing lobsters is illegal; keep them whole on the boat.
Exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording
- Season
- No landing February 1 - March 31
- Size
- 3-17/32 to 5-1/4 inches carapace length
- Limit
- No recreational bag limit printed
- Virginia marine waters — as printed
- “It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any lobster less than 3-17/32 inches in carapace length or any lobster greater than 5-1/4 inches in carapace length ... E. It shall be unlawful to land lobster from February 1 through March 31. ... A. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any berried female lobster ... C. ... to possess a V-notched female lobster. D. It shall be unlawful to possess a lobster that has an outer shell that has been speared.”
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, captured 2026-09-21 (2026 season).
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Open SlotGauge for American LobsterAbout the american lobster
Lobster of the western North Atlantic
The American lobster is a species of lobster found on the Atlantic coast of North America, chiefly from Labrador to New Jersey. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, or Maine lobster. It is sometimes called the true lobster or common lobster, but those names are ambiguous. It can reach a body length of 64 cm (25 in), and a mass of over 20 kilograms (44 lb), making it not only the heaviest crustacean in the world, but also the heaviest of all living arthropod species. Its closest relative is the European lobster Homarus gammarus, which can be distinguished by its coloration and the lack of spines on the underside of the rostrum. American lobsters are usually bluish green to brown with red spines, but several color variations have been observed.
Read more about American lobster on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Virginia Marine Resources Commission, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for American Lobster in Virginia?
3.53–5.25 inch slot in Virginia state waters.
How many American Lobster can you keep per day in Virginia?
No recreational possession limit printed in 4VAC20-110.
When is American Lobster season in Virginia?
April 1 – January 31.
Is my American Lobster a keeper today?
A american lobster is a keeper today if it measures between 3.53 and 5.25 inches, with No recreational possession limit printed in 4VAC20-110.