Federal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters) · Virginia lists none of its own
Federal waters in the Southern New England / Mid-Atlantic cod area: no retention since June 30, 2026 (NOAA). State waters may differ.
NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
HaddockBlack lateral line and the thumbprint blotch. Tell them apartNot listed by Virginia: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
PollockGreenish, faint line, pointed snout. Tell them apartNot listed by Virginia: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Virginia state record
VMRC Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 2025 brochure · checked 2026-09-04
How to tell it
Blotchy brown-green with a PALE lateral line arching over the pectorals, a chin barbel, and a square tail. More on the Atlantic cod page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic cod in other states10 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask3
Can you keep Atlantic cod in Virginia?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Mid-Atlantic federal waters waters, and Virginia lists no rule of its own. Release it in the water where you can. Federal waters in the Southern New England / Mid-Atlantic cod area: no retention since June 30, 2026 (NOAA). State waters may differ.
What is the Virginia record Atlantic cod?
35 lb, Off Wachapreague (1969).
How current is this Virginia Atlantic cod rule?
Source: NOAA GARFO 2026, last checked Sep 25, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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