Virginia state waters, out to 3 miles
Apr 1 - Jun 30 closure is a 2026-specific measure; normally open year-round
VMRC 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
WeakfishSpots form diagonal rows, not scattered. 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
Round black spots scattered on back, dorsal and tail; two canine teeth; soft mouth. More on the spotted seatrout page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Spotted seatrout in other states12 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for spotted seatrout in Virginia?
14 in min. Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many spotted seatrout can you keep in Virginia?
5/person (only 1 over 24 in).
When is spotted seatrout season in Virginia?
2026: closed Apr 1 - Jun 30, otherwise open. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the Virginia record spotted seatrout?
16 lb, Masons Beach (1977).
How current is this Virginia spotted seatrout 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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