Table of Contents
What fish are biting at the James River Pier?
Pier Anglers catch croaker, spot, flounder, trout and striped bass.
What time is best to fish pier?
Generally speaking, the best time to fish from a pier is either early morning or sundown. This is when moving tides attract a lot of baitfish to the area, which in turn, brings out the big and hungry of the fish world, too.
How much does it cost to fish on the James River Pier?
The James River Pier, located at the foot of the James River Bridge, is now open summer hours – 8am – 11pm (Mondays and Tuesdays) and 24 hours beginning 8am Wednesdays through 11pm Sundays). The cost is $9 for adults and $7 for seniors and children 6-12.
Do you need a fishing license to fish on a pier in VA?
A Virginia Saltwater Fishing License is not required for pier fishing, but is for fishing on the beach.
How much does it cost to fish on the pier at Virginia Beach?
Fishing on the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier To fish off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, it costs $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. A favorite among tourists and locals, there’s much to do on the pier other than just fishing. To simply walk along the fishing pier and take in the sights, it costs $2.
What fish are running in the James River?
The Non-Tidal James River offers fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, muskellunge (muskie), redbreast sunfish, rock bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and flathead catfish.
What is the best bait for pier fishing?
Bait: Popular types of pier fishing bait include bloodworms, shrimp, squid, anchovies and sardines. These should all be available at your local pier or bait shop. Note: Live bait is ideal so try to find a shop that offers this option.
What side of pier do you fish on?
In the fall, fish are migrating south, so you want to fish the north side of the pier so you can cast your lure north and retrieve it back south toward you.
Is it better to fish at night or day?
Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.
How long is James River Fishing Pier?
The fishing pier is located in Newport News on the James River near the base of the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. The concrete fishing area is approximately 1600 feet long and 8 feet wide.
Where can I fish on the James River?
In the tidal James system, the best fishing for crappie occurs in tidal tributaries, as well as the James River mainstem near Jones Neck and Turkey Island. To find these tasty fish look for submerged structure such as downed trees and pier pilings in the vicinity of channel drop-offs.
Is the James River fresh or saltwater?
The bay is an estuary, an area where fresh water flowing from land meets salt water from the sea. Scientists consider the bay to consist of its main part near the coast as well as its tidal tributaries, so that would include the James up to Richmond. The James’ water remains fresh until just below Hopewell.
What is the fine in Virginia for fishing without a license?
Fishing, hunting, or trapping without a license is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to $500 in fines. Often these are pre-payable offenses with fines less than $500. However, if you prepay you are pleading guilty to a criminal offense and it cannot be erased from your record.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Virginia?
Persons 65 years of age or older do not need a saltwater license but must comply with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) requirements. Any person not fishing but aiding a disabled license holder.
Can you fish on Sundays in VA?
Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day unless otherwise posted at Department-owned lakes, ponds, streams, or boat access sites.
What fish are biting now in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach Pier and surf anglers are finding bluefish, spanish, flounder, croaker, sea mullet and small spot.
Do you need saltwater fishing license in Virginia?
A recreational saltwater fishing license is required in Virginia’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay, its tidal tributaries, and Virginia’s Territorial Sea.
What’s biting at James River Bridge?
Anglers fishing at James River Bridge Fishing Pier may catch croaker, spot, striped bass, flounder, gray trout, red drum, kingfish, channel catfish, blue crabs, and other species.
Has there ever been a shark in the James River?
(WTVR)—Two bull sharks were caught in the Potomac River, and it wouldn’t be the first time a shark was caught in a Virginia river. He is a fixture along the banks of the James River, and “Catfish TC”, as he is known, is quite content on solid ground, thank you very much.
What is the biggest fish in the James River?
The biggest Channel Catfish caught measured 31 inches long and weighed just over 13.5 pounds, while the biggest Flathead Catfish measured 44.5 inches and weighed 47.8 pounds. The length-frequency histograms show the number of each species collected by inch group (Figure 1).
What size rod is best for pier fishing?
Experts say that the best size fishing rod for pier fishing is about 7 to 8 feet in length.
What size reel is good for pier fishing?
2500-4000 reels are most of the time all you need for pier fishing. This size range allows you to fit 100-200 yards of most lines we use off piers. Larger reels can do well too, but they don’t feel balanced with pier rods that are typically short.
What size hooks for pier fishing?
Fishing Hooks For most of the baits you’ll use, sizes 4 to 2/0 will work. Remember to select hook size based on the size of your bait.
What weight should I use for pier fishing?
From firsthand experience, 2-3 oz weights work well in most cases and provide adequate stability. This is the range that I use the most when pier fishing and I rarely need to upsize the lead.