Section 20. Recreational fishery possession limits; season closure; vessel allowance; prohibition on gaffing

A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to possess more than two amberjack or more than one cobia at any time. Any amberjack or cobia caught after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately. When fishing from any boat or vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit shall be for the boat or vessel and shall be equal to the number of persons on board legally eligible to fish multiplied by two for amberjack or one for cobia, except there is a maximum vessel limit of two cobia per vessel per day. That vessel limit may only include one cobia greater than 50 inches in total length. The captain or operator of the boat or vessel shall be responsible for any boat or vessel possession limit.

B. In 2016, it shall be unlawful for any person, fishing recreationally, to harvest or possess any cobia after August 30.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to gaff or attempt to gaff any cobia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR450-01-0065 § 2, Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 05, eff. January 1, 2002; Volume 23, Issue 12, eff. February 1, 2007; Volume 30, Issue 17, eff. April 1, 2014; Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. June 1, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.