Virginia state waters, out to 3 miles
Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
VMRC 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Dusky sharkTaller first dorsal, shorter pectorals. Tell them apart
Sandbar sharkVery tall first dorsal set forward. Tell them apartKeep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Virginia state record
VMRC Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 2025 brochure · checked 2026-09-04
How to tell it
Slim, dark gray-bronze with long pectoral fins and a low first dorsal set behind the pectorals; smooth-feeling skin, an interdorsal ridge. More on the silky shark page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask3
Can you keep silky shark in Virginia?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Virginia. Release it in the water where you can. Federally prohibited shark (silky) — release in the water with minimal injury.
What is the Virginia record silky shark?
110 lb, Norfolk Canyon (1977).
How current is this Virginia silky shark rule?
Source: VMRC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 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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