It's a Fishing Day

Species

Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus maculatus · family Scombridae

Fast-running summer migrant. Runs the lower Chesapeake and VA Atlantic coast in schools from late June through September. Targeted by casting small metal jigs (Kastmaster, Hopkins) into busting fish, or trolling #1-#2 Clark spoons behind planers at 6-8 knots. Wire leaders not required — just use long-shank hooks and fluorocarbon.

Preferred conditions

Water temp
65–82°F (ideal 74°F)
Tide
incoming
Moon
either
Depth
5–40 ft
Active months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Best spanish mackerel conditions today

  1. Kiptopeke State Park Northampton, VA
    43/100
  2. Cape Charles Town Pier Northampton, VA
    43/100
  3. Rudee Inlet — Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, VA
    43/100

Regulations by jurisdiction

Virginia (tidal — VMRC)

tidal bay

Min size
14"
Creel
15

Virginia tidal waters (lower Chesapeake Bay and tributaries): 14-inch minimum fork length, 15 per day. No closed season; Spanish mackerel are a summer-only fishery in practice. VMRC regulation 4VAC20-540.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

atlantic

Min size
14"
Creel
15

Virginia Atlantic coast: 14-inch minimum fork length, 15 per day. Same VMRC regulation as tidal Bay. Summer fishery — fish present roughly mid-June through September.

Source · verified 2026-04-22