Virginia Beach is home to many piers that offer excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Pier fishing is popular among both locals and visitors. There are several piers in the city that provide excellent opportunities for anglers at all levels, including beginners and seasoned pros. This article will explore the best pier fishing spots and what you should know to have a successful fishing experience.
Pier Fishing in Virginia Beach: Benefits
Let’s first examine what makes pier-fishing in Virginia Beach so attractive. The accessibility of the piers is one of the most attractive features. Pier fishing is easier than ocean fishing which requires a boat. This is a great option for those without a boat or families with children.
A variety of fish can be caught. You can target a variety of species depending on the location and season of the pier. These include flounder, bluefish, reddrum, and even sharks. Each pier is unique, so it is worth researching the species that are most often caught at each location.
Top Pier Fishing Spots In Virginia Beach
Let’s now take a closer at the best pier fishing spots on Virginia Beach.
1. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, located in the heart of the resort district, is the most popular fishing pier in the entire city. The pier stretches over 600 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean, and is famous for its excellent fishing of croaker and flounder. On the pier, you can rent fishing gear and buy bait and tackle. The pier is available 24 hours a days and charges a fishing fee.
2. Lynnhaven Fishing Pier
The Lynnhaven Fishing Pier, located on the Chesapeake Bay is a local favorite for its excellent fishing of flounder, red drum, and bluefish. The pier stretches over 1,000 feet into Chesapeake Bay and provides a relaxing fishing environment. The pier charges daily fishing fees and rents out bait and tackle.
3. Ocean View Fishing Pier
The Ocean View Fishing Pier, located in the Ocean View neighborhood, offers excellent fishing for bluefish, croaker and spot. The pier stretches over 1,500 feet in the Chesapeake Bay, offering stunning views of the water as well as the nearby beaches. The pier offers fishing equipment rentals and bait and tackle. The pier charges daily fishing fees.
4. Little Island Fishing Pier
The Little Island Fishing Pier, located in the southern part the city, is well-known for its excellent fishing of sheepshead, flounder, and tautog. The pier stretches over 400 feet into Back Bay, and provides a calm fishing environment. On the pier, you can rent fishing gear and buy bait and tackle. The pier charges daily fishing fees.
Tips for a Successful Fishery Trip
After we’ve covered Virginia Beach’s top pier fishing spots, let’s look at what you should know to have a successful fishing experience.
First, you’ll need fishing equipment. If you’re a regular fisherman, it’s worth buying your own equipment. A good pier-fishing setup includes a medium-to-heavy action rod, a spinning reel, and a variety hooks, sinkers and lures.
It’s also important to understand the Virginia Beach fishing regulations. All anglers older than 16 years old must have a Virginia fishing license. This can be bought online or from local retailers. Check the daily catch limits and size restrictions of each species you are targeting.
The type of bait you use depends on the fish species you are targeting. Live baits such as squids, bloodworms and minnows are popular options, as are artificial lures such as jigs or spoons. You should experiment with different baits to find out what works best in the given conditions.
It’s also important to follow good fishing etiquette when you are on the pier. This includes cleaning after yourself, properly disposing any litter or fishing lines, and respecting other anglers’ space.
Conclusion
Pier fishing in Virginia Beach offers a great way to experience the thrills of fishing while in a relaxed, accessible environment. You can create some memorable memories by doing some research and preparing for the fishing trip.