Fish guide
Spiny Dogfish (non-target)
Squalus acanthias. Also called Dogfish, Dogs.
Cool-season nuisance that takes squid and cut bait meant for other fish.
We picked these fish for Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay mouth, VA, the region closest to Columbus, Ohio, based on the approximate location of your internet connection (IP geolocation, looked up on our own server). It is about 436 miles away; FishOS covers the coast from Maine to Florida and the Gulf of America, and adds regions as they are checked. Pick another region if that is not where you fish.
Season in Virginia Beach
Maryland DNR: highest concentrations from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras, prefer 45 to 55 F; Kiptopeke averages 42 to 47 F December to March (NCEI). (Our inference)
Season by region
| Long Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Maine | JFMAMJJASOND |
| New Hampshire | JFMAMJJASOND |
| North Shore MA | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Rhode Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Outer Banks | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
South Shore surf and nearshore water in spring and late fall as the packs pass.
Anywhere, often in packs.
Handling
- Sharp spine in front of each dorsal fin
- Rough skin
Hold it behind the head clear of both spines, or pin it with a towel; unhook with pliers or cut the line.
Keep or release
Usually released.
Typical: 24 to 36 in. Large: unknown.
Limits
FishOS has not checked the VA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission before you keep a fish.
Sources
- Maryland DNR Fish Facts: Spiny Dogfish Shark (Official source)
- NOAA NCEI Coastal Water Temperature Guide: monthly average water temperatures, all stations (Official source)
- NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-NE-150: EFH source document, spiny dogfish (1999) (Official source)
- NOAA Fisheries: Atlantic spiny dogfish (Official source)
- DNREC Delaware Fish and Shellfish Facts: Spiny Dogfish (Official source)