Fish guide
Spot
Leiostomus xanthurus.
Showing the fish for Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay mouth, VA.
Season in Virginia Beach
Peak months: Sep, Oct.
May 2026 small spot at public piers; October 2025 spot at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. NCDMF fall nearshore movement of larger spot. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Myrtle Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Outer Banks | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southern NC | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Charleston | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Georgia | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Piers and the first trough during the fall run.
Bottom, close in.
What to look for
Pier crowds with bloodworms in October.
Bait
Bloodworms (top bait), Shrimp bits, Fishbites bloodworm. Double-drop, #4 to #6 hooks, 1 to 3 oz.
Leader
15 to 20 lb.
Common mistakes
- Hooks too large
Landing
Simple.
Handling
- Minor spines
No special hazards.
Keep or release
Good eating and prime live bait. Check state rules.
Typical: About 8 in, 0.5 lb. Large: Over 0.75 lb. SC record 1 lb 1 oz.
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
- FishTalk Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, May 2026 (Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle, Ocean's East Bait and Tackle) (Angler knowledge)
- FishTalk Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, October 2025 (Angler knowledge)
- NC Division of Marine Fisheries species profile: spot (Official source)
- ASMFC 2017, Atlantic Sciaenid Habitats (Habitat Management Series 14): Spot chapter (Official source)
- SCDNR species profile: spot (Official source)
Is spot worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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