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.
Showing the fish for Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay mouth, VA.
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)