SlotGaugeCheck a catchBlack Sea Bass regulations in Virginia
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Black Sea Bass size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia marine waters | May 11 – December 31 | 13 inch minimum | 15 per person per day |
Notes
- Federal-waters rules are set by NMFS and may differ.
Exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording
- Season
- May 11 through Dec 31
- Size
- Minimum Size Limit: 13
- Limit
- 15
- statewide — as printed
- “BLACK SEA BASS (SEA BASS) Minimum Size Limit: 13 Possession Limit: 15 Season: May 11 through Dec 31”
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, captured 2026-09-21 (2026 season).
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About the black sea bass
Species of fish
The black sea bass is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a sea bass from the subfamily Serraninae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the groupers and anthias. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, where it is an important species for commercial and recreational fisheries.
Read more about Black sea bass 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 Black Sea Bass in Virginia?
13 inch minimum in Virginia state waters.
How many Black Sea Bass can you keep per day in Virginia?
15 per person per day.
When is Black Sea Bass season in Virginia?
May 11 – December 31.
Is my Black Sea Bass a keeper today?
A black sea bass is a keeper today if it measures at least 13 inches, with a daily limit of 15.