A series of natural phenomena have combined off the Virginia coast to create some of the richest marine waters in the world. The bounty of these waters is readily apparent to recreational fishermen who pursue a seemingly endless variety of finfish species.

The Chesapeake Bay and its four great tidal rivers join to form the largest and most productive estuarine complex in North America. They supply a vast amount of nutrients into coastal waters and provide a huge spawning and nursery area for many species of fish.

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream flow north along the East Coast until they collide with the cool, plankton-rich waters of the Labrador Current flowing south. The intermixing of these currents occurs near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and in adjacent waters. This puts the southern coast of Virginia in the dynamic area where the Mid-Atlantic Bight and South Atlantic Bight are joined, and brings a huge mix of finfish species into local waters. In fact, Virginia is the southernmost range of real abundance for many temperate species of fish and the northern range of abundance for many subtropical species.

The large peninsula which forms the Eastern Shore of Virginia is flanked by a chain of uninhabited and unspoiled barrier islands. These islands protect a rich complex of marshes, bays and sounds which provide a haven for a variety of marine life.

The main portion of the Chesapeake Bay follows the ancient bed of the Susquehanna River. Dramatic forces during the Ice Age transformed the southern portion of this river into the vast estuarine complex that today is the Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay is the place where several of the great rivers in the eastern United States meet the ocean. The waters are variably salty and fresh, often changing based upon short term weather phenomena, long term weather or climatic patterns, tides and location.

Forces with seemingly little connection to the Chesapeake Bay can have major impacts on salinity levels. For example, heavy rains in western Virginia mountains may create flash floods which can send pulses of freshwater down major rivers. These pulses are called "freshets" as they reach the brackish waters of the rivers near the Chesapeake Bay, and these sudden changes in salinity can have pronounced impacts upon marine life.

Changing salinity levels are not the only dynamic forces impacting the Bay environment. Water temperatures vary dramatically on an annual basis. Winter often produces skim ice and even harder freezes on the lower Bay tributary rivers, and several times in this century portions of the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay have been covered with ice. Summertime surface water temperatures in shallow bays may approach 90 degrees. Sudden changes in temperature, which may occur during extended cold snaps in the fall or early winter, can cause water temperatures to drop dramatically resulting in severe stress to fish and other marine life.

Even events outside of the Bay can impact its water temperature regimen. Heavy snowfall early in the fall in the Blue Ridge mountains can result in a drastic lowering of the water temperatures in the tributary rivers running to the Bay. As these rivers feed into the Bay, the water temperature can be lowered rapidly with often severe impacts on marine life.

For these reasons, the marine life found in the Chesapeake Bay is among the hardiest and most adaptable found anywhere in the world.

While life in these dynamic surroundings is not easy, estuarine environments are extraordinary in their richness and diversity of life. Most of the commercially and recreationally important finfish species of Virginia spend a portion of their life in an estuarine environment.

Estuarine communities begin with intertidal salt marshes. These low areas, characterized by muddy tidal flats, spartina grasses, and small creeks, are nature's "buffer" zones. They provide filtering areas that trap nutrients and, in recent years, pollutants, preventing them from overburdening the tidal rivers and bays. The tidal marshes are teeming with life from the everpresent snails, fiddler crabs and worms to shrimps, "fundulus" minnows, blue crabs and juvenile fish.

Unfortunately, intertidal salt marshes and wetlands have been disappearing in modern times due to the increasing pressure to develop waterfront properties caused by the desire of more people to live near the coast. While this trend continues, the rate at which marshes and wetlands have been declining is slowing, as regulations have focused efforts on environmentally "friendly" development which provides protection for these critical and sensitive areas. Continued protection of tidal marshes and wetlands is a key component in maintaining the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and preserving much of the marine life in the Bay.

Seagrass, mainly eelgrass, thrives in shallow waters, often growing best in waters that are somewhat protected from excessive wave and current movements. Seagrass provides protection for many small fish and molting blue crabs, making this habitat attractive for numerous game fish.

In addition, seagrass beds serve a filtering role, helping sediments to trickle to the bottom which produces better water clarity. Seagrass beds dissipate wave energy, which helps to reduce shoreline erosion and improves water clarity. Ironically, many scientists believe excessive runoffs, a form of non-point source pollution which causes increased water turbidity, was responsible for killing many seagrass beds in the Chesapeake Bay during the 1970's. This may have been exacerbated by the huge impact of the torrential rains and massive floods associated with Hurricane Agnes in 1972. So, while seagrasses are important in preserving and improving water quality, it may have been poor water quality which killed massive seagrass beds 20 years ago.

During the last ten years, however, the Chesapeake Bay clean-up initiatives have focused on controlling agricultural and urban runoff, and seagrass beds are making comebacks. In many ways the health of seagrass beds may be a good measure of the health of the Bay, since seagrasses require good water quality, low in suspended sedimentary runoff, nutrients, pollutants and phytoplankton, to thrive.

Oyster rocks and bars are the major types of natural "reef communities" in the Chesapeake Bay. A host of small invertebrates are attracted to the oyster rocks and contribute to the "food chain". In turn, these live bottom areas attract a host of small finfish, which are sought out by even larger game fish.

Oysters are filter feeders, straining small plankton and nutrients from the water column, which is an important component of maintaining the Chesapeake Bay's water quality. At the start of the 20th century oyster rocks rising ten feet off the bottom were not uncommon. Oysters were so numerous they were thought to be able to filter an amount of water equivalent in volume to the entire Chesapeake Bay in less than a week. Disease, pollution and overharvesting have reduced oyster populations to a fraction of that level, and today's population of oysters would take nearly a year to filter the water volume of the Chesapeake Bay. Rebuilding the oyster population is a major priority of fishery managers in Virginia.

The Chesapeake Bay offers a tremendous variety of recreational fishing opportunities, but no fish is more symbolic of the Bay than the striped bass.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest spawning and nursery area for striped bass on the East Coast. As much as 80% of the coastwide migratory population is thought to be native to the Bay.

Striped bass, like shad and herring, are anadromous; this means they spend the majority of their lives in saltwater but return to freshwater rivers to spawn. They can be caught in virtually every portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers. In addition, stripers can be found at some place in the Bay every day of the year. The resurgence of striped bass populations in recent years from the population collapse in the 1970's, which nearly culminated in their listing as a threatened species, is one of the spectacular success stories of modern fisheries management.

Striped bass provide just one of several opportunities for small boat fishermen to do battle with adversaries which may weigh 50 pounds or more. In addition, the Bay offers seasonal runs of cobia, red drum and black drum. Red drum and black drum appear in Bay waters in mid-April, while cobia usually appear on the Memorial Day weekend.

The reappearance of seagrass beds in several locations in the Bay may be the reason speckled trout populations have grown in recent years. Since the late 1980's, speckled trout populations have been increasing, and the favorite haunts of this popular game fish are shallow water flats with abundant seagrass beds.

The Chesapeake Bay is a summertime home for many species of "panfish". Summer flounder, croaker, spot, and small gray trout are the favorite targets for many anglers bouncing baits along the bottom. Small bluefish and spanish mackerel can be taken by a variety of methods using artificial lures and bait, and in recent years anglers have started to learn the methods which are productive for catching the visiting populations of spadefish and sheepshead.

Tautog can be found over wrecks and obstructions in the lower Chesapeake Bay all year but are most active when the water is cool. They remain active throughout the winter, as long as water temperatures remain in the low 40's, or higher.

The coastal waters off Virginia are a part of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, which begins at Cape Hatteras, NC and extends well into New England. The waters in this area are classified as temperate, which means they enjoy a moderate temperature regimen, neither hot nor cold. This does not necessarily mean the waters are always hospitable for marine fish, however, since temperate waters are marked with a wide variance of water temperatures during the course of a year.

The surface water temperature off the Virginia coast, as measured at the Chesapeake Light Tower during the thirty year period of 1961-1990 showed an annual temperature range of approximately 45 degrees. In the winter, the water temperature often fell to 36 degrees and often reached 81 degrees in the middle of the summer. During that 30 year period the temperature extremes recorded were 33 degrees for a low and 83 degrees for the high --- a range of 50 degrees.

The impacts of such a wide temperature range on fish are profound. Temperatures at the warm and cold extremes of the range are not suitable for many species. The result is a transient population of marine fish in the coastal zone, with most species of fish migrating into and out of the area seasonally, depending upon their preference for warm or cool water. Those species which remain in waters of the Mid-Atlantic Bight year round may move to deeper waters to winter, where they often exhibit sluggish behavior characterized by reduced feeding activity.

Other forms of marine life also are impacted by the wide annual variance in water temperature. Plankton thrives in the late spring, summer and early fall, but is conspicuously absent in the winter months. The result is a breakdown in the food chain, resulting in fewer available food supplies for fish that do not migrate.

The relatively flat, featureless sand bottom that lies under the surface of most coastal waters off Virginia is not the type of environment preferred by most fish. Natural "live bottom" areas, such as the coral reefs often found in southern waters and rock outcroppings of northern waters, are few in this region.

The natural structures in coastal waters which are attractive to fish are underwater hills and lumps, such as the Southeast Lumps, the 26 Mile Hill and the Cigar. However, the most preferred bottom structures in local waters may have been produced by man. The coastal bottom is littered with the sunken hulks of vessels torpedoed by the German Navy's U-boats during World War II, and an active artificial reef program continues to sink habitat for fish. These artificial reefs harbor fish year round, including the best fishing for tautog and sea bass on the East Coast.

The coastal zone might best be described as a giant migratory corridor, which is a function it performs for a tremendously diverse mix of finfish species. For the most part, fishermen are attempting to intercept these interlopers as they head toward their ultimate destinations.

The coastal waters from Cape Hatteras to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay are where the Mid-Atlantic Bight joins the South Atlantic Bight, and fish indigenous to both areas mingle seasonally. The warm Gulf Stream current mixes with the cold Labrador Current over the edge of the Continental Shelf, and many species ride these waters into this "mixing bowl". This is why anglers in this area are provided with a myriad of fishing opportunities.

Some of the warm water species migrating to coastal waters during the summer months include amberjack, cobia, king mackerel, spanish mackerel, crevalle jack, spadefish, and even a few tarpon and barracuda. Species which move to northern waters during the heat of the summer, but are present in the spring and the fall include striped bass, bluefish, bluefin tuna, atlantic bonito, and little tunny.

The surf zone and near shore waters host a variety of feisty, and tasty, game fish, including flounder, bluefish, speckled trout, gray trout, red drum, spanish mackerel, striped bass, kingfish (roundheads), croaker, spot, and pompano. Many of these species are most abundant in the late spring or the early fall as they are migrating to their summer and winter haunts. A particularly good time to find large numbers of fish moving through near shore waters is after cold fronts and storms in the early fall, which sparks the urge for many species to school and begin their migrations south.

The western edge of the Gulf Stream current brings warm, tropical waters into the mid-Atlantic region. The Gulf Stream comes closest to the coast of the United States off southern Florida, but the eastward protrusion of Cape Hatteras into the Atlantic causes the Gulf Stream to pass within 25 - 30 miles of the coast at this point. The warm current then begins to veer to the northeast as it meets with the Labrador Current. The western edge passes off the Virginia coast along the edge of the 100 Fathom Curve, which is 60 - 70 miles offshore.

These indigo blue waters are incredibly rich with life, from the blooms of small plankton and invertebrates often associated with lines of drifting Sargassum weed to magnificent blue marlin.

The ocean bottom in the area of the 100 Fathom Curve provides the best natural structure in ocean waters off the Virginia coast. Here, the Continental Shelf ends and water depths plummet. Sheer rock walls, rock outcropppings and mounds abound on the bottom. In the space of a few miles, water depths tumble from 100 fathoms to over 2000 fathoms. The Norfolk and Washington Canyons are two areas where deep waters intrude well into the Continental Shelf.

The sharply changing terrain of the bottom causes subsurface currents to veer toward the surface, creating "upwellings" of cooler water which push nutrients to the surface. Swirling eddies of warm water break off the Gulf Stream and often head west onto the Continental Shelf. Cool water eddies also invade shelf waters from the southern moving Labrador Current. These types of actions cause sharp water temperature changes to occur at the surface and bring nutrients into areas, which attract other marine life including game fish.

Many anglers believe the Gulf Stream waters harbor the most magnificent game fish found anywhere in the world. For a combination of power, speed and "grayhounding" jumps, no fish in the ocean can match the magnificent blue marlin. Reaching sizes in excess of 1000 pounds, the blue marlin is considered the ultimate test of angling skill and sheer endurance. Its smaller cousin, the white marlin, is the most acrobatic of the billfish and can be particularly tough for anglers to hook. Both species are readily available off the Virginia coast, and in the late summer and early fall some of the best fishing for white marlin in the world occurs off Virginia.

Three additional members of the billfish family are regularly encountered off the Virginia coast, although none can be considered abundant. Sailfish and spearfish regularly surprise anglers trolling for their larger and more abundant cousins, and anglers fishing in the offshore canyons at night during the latter part of the summer have the chance to hook a swordfish.

The wahoo has the reputation as the fastest game fish in the ocean, and the dolphin, with its dazzling blue, green and yellow coloration, is among the most beautiful. Both are plentiful off the Virginia coast, particularly around floating structure such as boards, pallets and other "flotsam", and around concentrations or "lines" of Sargassum weed.

The tunas are well represented in Gulf Stream waters, with yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna the most abundant and most sought after by local charterboat fleets. Schools of albacore, blackfin tuna and skipjack tuna also are occasionally encountered.

The area on the fringes of the Gulf Stream, which is teeming with life, is a prime location to find the ocean's top predator --- the shark. Great hammerhead sharks often can be seen swimming near the surface in the ocean canyons, but seldom attack a trolled bait. Blue sharks are most numerous in offshore waters, but the mako shark is the predator most prized by recreational fishermen. The mako is noted for its blistering speed, twisting jumps, and quality on the dinner table. The spring and early summer is the time to find mako sharks off the Virginia coast, since they prefer cooler waters and often follow schools of bluefish and tuna on their northern migrations.

Virginia's Eastern Shore, a peninsula which begins at the border between Virginia and Maryland and extends to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, is flanked on the east by a stretch of uninhabited barrier islands. Between the barrier islands and the mainland is a network of shallow bays, channels, and saltwater marshlands, which are among the richest and most productive remaining on the Atlantic coast. This barrier island complex, which includes more than 70 miles of coastline, is the longest stretch of natural beach remaining on the East Coast.

The barrier islands are narrow strips of sand which are frequently overwashed by high tides and storms. The winds and surging waters associated with coastal storms are constantly reshaping the islands. New inlets form as old ones close, marshes are covered as portions of the island move to the west, and the shape of the beach changes as new points, sloughs and sandbars are formed. The dynamic nature of these islands is the primary reason permanent settlement by man is impractical, and why these islands remain in a natural state.

The islands provide the mainland with protection from the devastating impacts of coastal storms, particularly northeasters and hurricanes. The primary energy of the tides and waves is absorbed by the islands, buffering the mainland from the severest forces of erosion.

The islands are a nesting sanctuary for at least 23 species of colonial nesting birds, including the extremely rare piping plover. They also provide resting and feeding areas for many other species of migratory shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl.

The marshlands behind the barrier islands function in the same manner as the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay. They provide a "buffer" zone for run-offs coming from the mainland. Sediments, nutrients and pollutants are trapped in the marshes, and organic material is slowly released into the water. This provides an indispensable source of nutrients to this estuarine system, while maintaining water quality by preventing too many nutrients, sediments or pollutants from entering the system at one time.

The nutrients provide a source of food for a variety of marine life, including juvenile fish and shellfish and make this area a major nursery ground for several species of fish. The richness of the waters also attracts a variety of game fish.

However, even the seaside bays and marshes, in their relatively undisturbed condition with some of the best water quality remaining on the Atlantic coast, have not escaped the infirmities which have affected most coastal areas. Run-off from the mainland occasionally enters the seaside marshes in quantities that overburden the system with sediment and contaminents. Submerged seagrass beds, which were abundant in many seaside waters at the start of the twentieth century, disappeared in the 1930's and have shown no sign of returning. Oysters and oyster rocks provided natural "reef communities" in many places along the seaside in years past, but only a fraction of the oyster population remains today.

The summer flounder is the undisputed king of the Eastern Shore's Seaside for recreational fishermen. They are abundant from April through September in virtually every inlet, bay and channel behind the barrier islands.

Seaside waters also harbor good populations of gray trout (weakfish), black drum, red drum, bluefish, croaker, spot, kingfish (roundheads), and spanish mackerel. The only viable recreational fishery for tarpon in Virginia occurs in the "back country" marshes of the southern portion of the seaside.

The relatively protected waters behind the barrier islands make this an ideal place for anglers with small boats to fish. Access is easy with most seaside communities providing excellent launching facilities.

Surf fishing can be superb on the barrier island beaches, highlighted by the fall fishery for big red drum. Bluefish, striped bass, gray trout, flounder, kingfish, croaker, and spot roam the beaches seasonally.

Assateague Island, the northernmost barrier island, is a part of the National Seashore system operated by the National Park Service. A causeway provides access for surf fishermen, who can park at numerous areas along a road which runs behind the oceanfront dunes. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed to drive on designated portions of the beach at certain times of the year. Information about usage of the beach may be obtained from Assateague Island National Seashore, P.O. Box 38, Chincoteague, VA 23336, (757) 336-6577.

Most of the remainder of the barrier islands and some of the marshland is owned by the Nature Conservancy, which insures these areas will be protected in their natural state. The only access available to these islands is by boat from the mainland, then a walk down the beach to a favorable spot for surf fishing.

The protection and conservation of marine resources has never been more important than it is today. The populations of many popular fish species have been stressed, and in many cases the causes and solutions are complex. Saltwater recreational fishermen are a part of the process which impacts marine resources. Every time we head out on the water to enjoy a day of fishing, we affect the marine environment.

Understanding the changing conditions which have affected marine resources, many a direct result of an increasing population, is an important part of realizing what must be done to protect them for the future.

Coastal and estuarine water quality, in places like the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers, has declined due to a myriad of actions which have taken place for decades. Oil and chemical spills, sewage outfalls and run-off, pesticide and fertilizer run-off from farms, industrial pollution and dredging have adversely affected water quality. Poor water quality can impact the ability of fish to reproduce, find a steady food supply, and survive the stress of life in the dynamic marine environment. The trend of declining water quality has been reversed in many areas in recent years, but major improvement will be a long term process. In the interim, marine life must cope with water conditions which are less than optimal.

Habitat destruction has caused the loss of valuable spawning and nursery areas for many marine animals. Construction of bulkheads, fill operations, dredging and channelization, and sub-standard water quality have caused wetlands and submerged seagrass beds to disappear at alarming rates. This loss of habitat also contributes to declining water quality.

Finally, the demand for marine fishery resources has increased markedly. The numbers of recreational fishermen tripled from 1955 to 1985 and has continued to grow. Similarly, the demand for seafood increased 20% from 1984-1994 and has continued to grow. This increase in demand for fishery resources coupled with the use of increasingly sophisticated and efficient gear has put a severe strain on many fishery resources.

The result is marine fisheries which have become highly regulated, but in many cases the regulatory process cannot keep pace with the decline in fish stocks.

We must recognize the important part the recreational fishery plays in this complex fisheries management web; and, we must work to develop a personal commitment to resource conservation, while developing and adhering to a high standard of angling ethics.

1. KNOW AND ABIDE BY ALL FISHERY REGULATIONS. Bag limits and size limits are established for one purpose - to provide a level of protection for fish stocks. Remember, bag limits are limits, not goals which must be achieved every trip. In many cases we should consider holding our catches to even stricter standards than required by regulation.

 2. REPORT VIOLATIONS OF FISHERY REGULATIONS. Do not tolerate illegal and irresponsible fishing practices. Voluntary support of fishery regulations is necessary because there are too few enforcement officers to cover the huge water area in Virginia.

 3. PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE FISHING. Take only the fish you intend to eat, and carefully release the rest. Studies have shown that released fish have an excellent chance of surviving.

 4. KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY HANDLE FISH. Releasing fish requires more than just "throwing fish back in the water". Know the best ways to handle fish, so they will not be injured, and use the proper tools to unhook your fish. A good source of information on handling fish is the brochure "Careful Catch" published by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, (804) 780-1392 or (410) 268-8816.

 5. DISPOSE OF ALL TRASH PROPERLY. Do not throw any trash into the water, save it for disposal onshore. Fishing line and other plastic items are particularly harmful, often entangling fish and other marine life. Plastic sandwich bags look like jellyfish and are eaten by sea turtles, which often die as a result. Oil, gasoline, antifreeze and cleaning products cause pollution and can be toxic to marine life.

 6. PRACTICE SAFETY AFLOAT. Learn basic boating skills, have proper safety equipment on board, and know boating regulations.

 7. SHOW RESPECT AND COURTESY TO OTHERS. Fishing is a fun, relaxing activity, as long as respect is accorded others. Treat other fishermen the way you want to be treated; don't crowd them or create conflicts with them. Similarly, respect other people using the waters (e.g. boaters, divers) and respect property rights of people living on the water. One of the most important things anyone can have is a good reputation, and fishermen should work to cultivate a good reputation and image.

 8. SHARE THE SPORT OF FISHING WITH OTHERS. Fishing is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Share the gift of fishing with others, especially youngsters. Lead by example, practice and share all of the ethical guidelines contained in this article.

One of the biggest problems faced by many anglers is how to get big fish from the water into a boat.

Traditional angling practices call for the use of a gaff, which is a large barbless steel hook attached to a pole with a handle. The gaff is stuck into the fish and used to hoist the fish aboard.

Serious injuries are inflicted upon fish when they are gaffed. With the proliferation of size limits and creel limits on saltwater fish necessitating the release of many fish, the expanding interest in catch-and-release fishing, and the growing number of tagging programs, many anglers have abandoned the use of gaffs. In some cases, such as the landing of striped bass in Virginia, the use of gaffs is no longer legal.

Landing nets are a good alternative to gaffs in most situations. Landing nets come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate most large fish, including the often volatile cobia. In fact, large fish landed with a net usually are more docile and easier to handle than fish which have been stuck with a gaff. This reduces the chances for injuries to the fish and the angler.

Landing fish with a net is relatively easy. The fish should be led head first into the net, and the hoop should be immediately lifted clear of the water. When attempting to land a large fish, do not lift the fish into the boat using the net handle. This may result in the handle bending or breaking, causing damage to the net and loss of the fish. When the hoop is lifted clear of the water, grab the edges of the hoop and lift the fish into the boat.

Control over a large fish often can be maintained if the net is not dropped on the deck in the cockpit of the boat. Rest the fish on the deck, while continuing to hold the sides of the hoop above the floor. This continues to suspend the fish within the confines of the net, while most the weight of the fish is resting on the deck. The fish can be unhooked while in the net, then the fish can be measured and released or placed in the fish box.

Fishermen have known for centuries that fish congregate around shipwrecks and natural anomalies on the bottom of coastal waters, such as oyster rocks, exposed bed rock and coral reefs. This has resulted in attempts to artificially recreate these types of habitat in virtually every body of water in the world.

The attempt to replicate productive, natural fish habitat has led to the use of a variety of materials, from U. S. Army tanks and Christmas trees to derelict automobiles and their tires. A variety of ships and even some kitchen sinks have been sunk by enterprising reef builders. Some materials have worked well, while others seemed to disappear with the tide.

All of these efforts were attempts to create artificial reefs, which are man-made or natural materials intentionally placed upon the bottom of marine or freshwater environments to provide habitat for fish.

A great portion of the bottom in coastal waters and the Chesapeake Bay consists of soft mud or shifting sand. This relatively stark, featureless environment offers little attraction for many types of marine life. Natural and artificial reef areas provide places for a variety of marine life to live and food to eat.

The surface area, or hard substrate, of an artificial reef provides a place for encrusting organisms such as barnacles, mussels and tube worms to grow. Unable to live on soft or shifting bottom, these organisms attach themselves to hard surfaces. Most feed by filtering plankton and other small organisms from the water. Once this initial "fouling" community is established a wide variety of crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp, and soft-bodied organisms, such as worms, appear. Then, the "food chain" continues to expand with the appearance of predators like tautog, which feed on crabs and mussels, and sea bass, which feed on crabs and shrimp.

Artificial reefs provide shelter for a variety of marine organisms. Fish and crabs seek out the nooks and crannies in artificial reefs to hide from predators. Fish use the larger interior areas of the structure to get away from wave action and currents, enabling them to expend less energy. Deflected currents and eddies carry food to fish waiting to ambush an easy meal.

Reef dwelling fish appear to prefer low profile structures with numerous cavities. Tautog and sea bass, for example, can be found inside artificial reef structures, and tautog often nestle into holes or cavities in or between structures.

Other species of fish, although not considered reef dwellers, can be found on artificial reefs. Schooling baitfish, such as anchovies, silversides, scad and menhaden, are attracted to high profile structures. These larger structures, such as shipwrecks, towers and bridges, may offer a point of orientation in an otherwise featureless environment and protection in their shadows.

Predators, possibly attracted by the abundance of food and the sense of protection afforded by reefs, are always present. Amberjack, bluefish, king mackerel, cobia, striped bass, and sharks are some of the species found around coastal and Chesapeake Bay reefs.

Virginia's current Artificial Reef Program, which is managed by the Marine Resources Commission, traces its roots back over 40 years. In the 1950's recreational fishermen spearheaded efforts resulting in the sinking of automobile bodies, tires and over 100 surplus U.S. Navy landing craft and pontoon barge sections off Virginia Beach.

The Marine Resources Commission became formally involved in reef building as the authorized recipient of six World War II Liberty ships in the early 1970's. These were scrapped and cleaned to U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers requirements, with great care taken to remove all oil and fuel residue. All six vessels were sunk in offshore waters to form the popular Triangle Reef off Virginia Beach and the Parramore Reef off Wachapreague.

During the 1970's and early 1980's, the Artificial Reef Program primarily used "materials of opportunity" to create artificial reefs. Concrete pipe, ships, and automobile tires were used most often. In addition to simple deployments, attempts were made to use these materials to develop structures that provided stability, durability and a maximum amount of surface area and interior space. For example, tires were split and sunk vertically into concrete bases and concrete pipe was bundled into pyramids.

Currently, the Artificial Reef Program is manufacturing all concrete structures to augument the materials of opportunity which are still in use. High profile structure is created with concrete "igloos". These structures are 7-1/2 feet in height with a base spanning over 12 feet and weigh approximately 12,000 pounds. Low profile habitat is created with concrete tetrahedrons, which have a profile of approximately 40 inches and a weight of 500 pounds. The tetrahedron shape was chosen for its low center of gravity, which makes the unit very stable.

All of the reef materials used by the Artificial Reef Program are placed upon permitted reef sites and meet rigorous state and federal environmental standards.

Loran coordinates are provided for the major structures at each reef site. It is a good idea to remember there is some variation among Loran units, so Loran coordinates seldom match exactly. A good way to locate a particular reef structure is to steer to the published Loran coordinates for the structure and drop a small buoy. Then, run a circular or grid pattern around the buoy until the structure appears on a depth sounder. A second buoy can be deployed directly over the structure, and the exact Loran coordinates should be recorded.

Yellow buoys designate the locations of all permitted reefs in the Artificial Reef Program. However, these buoys may not be stationed directly over any structure. Buoys may be stationed in the center or on the perimeter of a reef site, or within a short distance of the published Loran coordinates for structures on the reef site.

Storms, collisions and vandalism can cause the yellow buoys to be moved from their intended locations. Buoy status reports are available from the Artificial Reef Program office. If a yellow reef buoy is missing from a reef site, or appears to be improperly located, contact the Artificial Reef Program so corrective measures can be taken. The program address and phone number follow:

ARTIFICIAL REEF SITES
(Click on Name of Reef to see chart)

Angler's Reef is located approximately 2.5 nautical miles WNW of the mouth of Onancock Creek. The permitted site is rectangular with the perimeter defined by Loran lines. More than 1600 concrete tetrahedrons have been deployed on the bottom in a circular pattern around the yellow buoy marking the site.

The structures are located approximately 100 feet from the buoy in a band 200 feet wide.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 44 00/75 53 00

This reef is located approximately three nautical miles east of Plumtree Point, off the mouth of the Back River. Forty concrete igloos have been placed on the bottom in an "X" shaped pattern, the centers of the igloos 50 feet apart. The legs of the "X" run NW - SE and NE - SW. A buoy has been placed at the center of the "X". Concrete tetrahedrons have been placed along each side of the northern legs of the reef, while concrete pipe augments the southern legs.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 08 12/76 13 54

The remains of the Wolf Trap Degaussing Station (The "Cell"), which is marked by Coast Guard obstruction buoy WT2, is the major structure on this circular reef site. Concrete tetrahedrons and "tire-in-concrete" units (TICs) have been deployed in a circular pattern around a yellow artificial reef buoy stationed on the referenced Loran coordinates. The Cell Reef is located due west of the mouth of Hungars Creek on the Eastern Shore Bayside.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 24 06/76 03 25

*Top of this structure is extremely irregular and portions may be very close to the surface; boaters are advised to exercise caution.

This circular reef site is situated NNW of the mouth of Cherrystone Creek east of buoy 38A. Over 2900 TICs have been scattered around two buoyed locations, with the northern buoy marking a cluster of concrete igloos and the southern buoy marking stacks of concrete pipe. Tidal currents tend to be strong in this area.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 19 04/76 02 33

Originally referred to as the ODU Reef, this circular reef site is located 2500 yards west of the entrance to Little Creek, approximately 900 yards off the beach. The original reef site was a rectangular grid with 40 concrete igloos deployed south of the center, which is marked by a buoy. Immediately north of the center are 1000 tons of concrete bridge rubble, supplied and deployed at no cost by McLean Contracting Company. Concrete tetrahedrons have been scattered among the igloos and in the northern portion of the reef.

Latitude/Longitude: 36 56 32.5/76 12 11.5

The Gwynn Island Reef is a circular reef site located 1.35 nautical miles NE of the "Hole in the Wall". The site is buoyed in the center and features a variety of sunken structures, including 3762 tons of bridge decking supplied and deployed at no charge by McLean Contracting Company.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 28 51/76 14 19

This rectangular reef site, with its perimeter defined by Loran lines, is located approximately 5.5 nautical miles east of the Great Wicomico River Light. More than 1600 concrete tetrahedrons have been deployed on the bottom in a circular pattern around the yellow buoy marking the site. The structures are located approximately 100 feet from the buoy in a band 200 feet wide.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 48 06/76 09 06

Occohannock Reef saw initial development in early 1997. Rectangular in configuration, with its perimeter bounded by Loran lines, the site is centered approximately 4 nautical miles WNW of the mouth of Occohannock Creek. A yellow buoy will mark the center of the reef. The initial deployment consisted of 1200 concrete tetrahedrons positioned in the center portion of the reef site. For information about additional deployments of reef materials, contact The Artificial Reef Program at VMRC.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 34 21/76 00 42

A pair of Liberty Ships, the Page and Mona Isle, are the main structures on this circular reef site located 8.7 nautical miles on a bearing of 102 degrees from the Parramore Coast Guard Tower. The ships were acquired and sunk through the efforts of the Seaside Sport Fishing Improvement Association, which was the original permitee of this reef site. The Liberty Ships are located at the extreme southern end of the reef site, while TICs are scattered around the center of the site.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 32 36/75 26 18

Centered approximately .6 nautical miles WSW of the Chesapeake Light Tower, the Tower Reef was originally permitted to the Tidewater Artificial Reef Association of Virginia. TARAV was responsible for the placement of more than 100 pontoon sections and numerous landing craft and other vessels on the site. Virginia's Artificial Reef Program added two barges and four drydock sections to the reef and scattered thousands of TICs on the circular site. The Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics deployed the deck barge and the Chesapeake Corporation deployed the hopper barge at no cost to the Artificial Reef Program.

Latitude/Longitude: 36 54 04/75 43 30

Four Liberty Ships and a Coast Guard cutter are the main structures on this rectangular reef site, which is located 16.5 nautical miles on a bearing of 73 degrees from the Chesapeake Light Tower. The Tidewater Artificial Reef Association of Virginia was the original permitee of this site and was instrumental in acquiring the four Liberty Ships.

Latitude/Longitude: 36 59 00/75 21 24

This small reef was developed as an offshore test site for experimental reef structures, and no additional materials have been added to the site. The reef is located approximately 3.8 nautical miles from the Parramore Coast Guard Tower.

Latitude/Longitude: 37 34 00/75 32 00

An angler's first thought upon catching a large fish in Virginia is to wonder if it is big enough to earn a Citation from the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament.

The Tournament, which was inaugurated in 1958 to promote and develop Virginia's abundant recreational fishing resources, is the premier state-sponsored angling awards program in the country. Over the years it has significantly enhanced the quality, quantity, and enjoyment of fishing in Virginia.

Anglers who catch fish meeting established minimum weights, or who catch and release fish meeting established criteria, are awarded handsome wall plaques, called Citations. There are no entry fees for the program and no pre-registration requirements, although recipients must possess a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license, must be fishing from a boat or pier which possesses the appropriate "blanket" saltwater fishing license, or must be exempt from licensing due to age. More than 28 different species of fish are eligible, from the diminutive spot to bruising blue marlin. An angler need only weigh his fish, or register his release, at one of over 100 designated weigh stations located primarily at marinas, tackle shops and piers throughout the state. If the fish qualifies, the angler will be mailed a Citation plaque at the end of the year. Anglers are eligible to earn one Citation plaque per species, annually.

Since its inception in 1958, the Tournament has awarded more than 110,000 Citation plaques for outstanding catches - an average of almost 3,000 per year. Bluefish have produced the most tournament awards, with more than 13,000 Citations issued during the program's rich history. Flounder have yielded over 11,000 awards, with white marlin producing over 10,000 awards (almost all for released fish).

Special recognition is given to anglers who earn Citation awards for several species of fish in a single year. Anyone winning Citation awards for 6 different species of fish in a single year, automatically qualifies as a Virginia Expert Saltwater Angler. The angler receives a certificate and a specially designed patch to mark his achievement.

The top award given each year goes to the Virginia Saltwater Angler of the Year. This is the person who earns Citation awards for the most species of fish during the year. The Tournament also recognizes the angler who catches and releases the most species of fish qualifying for release Citations with the Virginia Release Angler-of-the-Year Award. Recipients receive a special Citation award.

One of the goals of many saltwater fishermen is to become a Virginia Master Angler. This award is based upon the cumulative number of Citations an angler earns over a period of years. To qualify an angler must earn 25 Citations in a minimum of five species. Recipients receive a certificate and a specially designed patch. Additional levels of Master Angler recognition are accorded to anglers when their Citation total reaches 50, and for every ten Citations after 50. These levels are marked with a Chevron patch denoting the number of Citations earned.

The Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament maintains and certifies state records for more than 50 species of marine gamefish commonly found in Virginia waters. Special "State Record" Citations are awarded to anglers who catch fish that are certified as new records.

Registering a fish for state record recognition is not complicated, but the requirements must be strictly followed. Potential state record fish must be weighed on the scales of an official weigh station of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament and all aspects of the catch must conform to the rules of the Tournament. In addition, the special state record application form must be filled out in its entirety and must be accompanied by a clear, side-view photograph of the fish. Finally, the actual fish must be preserved and viewed by a member of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament State Record Committee. Weigh stations and anglers should contact the Tournament Director or a member of the committee as soon as possible of potential record fish. These officials will assist in the weighing and the completion of the necessary paperwork. Each weigh station has a state record folder with complete information about state record requirements and a list of all members of the State Record Committee.

One of the most popular programs operated by the Tournament is the Junior Angler Awards Program. The program seeks to encourage youngsters to enjoy saltwater fishing and develop a conservation ethic by releasing fish alive.

Open to all children under the age of sixteen, this program challenges youths to catch and release six species of saltwater fish during the year. There are no minimum sizes limits and almost all species of fish qualify.

Participation in this program is free. Successful youngsters receive a handsome certificate, suitable for framing, signed by Virginia's governor along with a patch and decal featuring the program's logo.

More information and brochures about the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, the State Record Program, the Junior Angler Awards and fishing opportunities and facilities in Virginia can be obtained from:

The Tournament and all of its programs are a division of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

Tagging fish (mark and recapture) is one of the primary methods fishery biologists use to gather information about the migration, movement and growth of fish. This type of information is essential to understanding the life history and population status of fish species, which, in turn, determines the need for management measures to protect fish. In these days of declining fish stocks, this knowledge is an important key to properly managing our marine finfish.

The Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program (VGFTP) was implemented in 1995 to provide recreational fishermen in Virginia with an opportunity to assist in these conservation and management efforts. This was achieved in several ways: 1) by having recreational fishermen assist in a quality-oriented tagging program; 2) by promoting catch-and-release fishing; 3) by educating anglers about proper fish handling and release techniques to reduce release mortality; and, 4) by fostering a conservation ethic which challenges saltwater fishermen to work for the protection of their resources.

The VGFTP is a tightly focused tagging effort. Participants are limited in number and trained in tagging and fish handling techniques. Specific species of fish are targeted, which allows the program to address specific informational gaps that exist.

Program participants are issued both large and small tags, so they may use a tag that is suited to the size of the fish. Dart tags with teflon heads are the primary tag type used by program participants, although some work is being done with "t-bar" tags.

The result is a large group of trained taggers available on short notice and on the water all year. They provide a cost effective means to run a continuous tagging effort for recreationally important fish and a mechanism to take advantage of special situations which may develop, such as an exceptionally strong spawn and recruitment by a particular species in a year. Large numbers of a species can be tagged by simply alerting the taggers to target that species, since they are already prepared for tagging.

Recreational fishermen participating in the VGFTP earn conservation certificates by tagging a minimum of 25 fish during the year. In addition, recognition is provided to the top tagger based upon the number of tag returns received during the year.

Fishermen who return tags from fish they have captured are awarded baseball caps and decals featuring the logo of the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program.

The VGFTP is open to the public, although the number of participants is limited. At the end of each year a registration period will be established during which recreational fishermen may register to participate in the program for the following year. A maximum number of participants will be enlisted with approximately equal numbers coming from four geographic areas: 1) Eastern Shore; 2) Tidewater; 3) Peninsula; and 4) Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck. Anglers will be selected for participation on a "first-come, first served" basis.

Program participants are required to attend a workshop on tagging and fish handling techniques. This is a fundamental element to the program, which emphasizes the quality of its tagging efforts. At the workshops, tagging kits, measuring boards and complete instructions are provided to anglers.

Recreational fishermen interested in participation should contact:

The VGFTP is a cooperative effort of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, a division of the Marine Resources Commission, and the Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Funding is provided by Virginia's marine recreational fishing license.

There are many tagging programs operating along the East Coast. Some of these programs utilize anglers in the tagging of fish, while others involve fisheries managers and members of the scientific community. In Virginia, both the Marine Resources Commission and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science sponsor tagging programs for specific species of fish.

The ultimate goal of these tagging programs is to learn more about the targeted species of fish, so better conservation and fisheries management programs can be developed. When on the water, be alert to the possibility that any fish you catch may possess a tag, and remember that tags come in many different sizes, shapes, styles and colors. When you catch a tagged fish contact the organization listed on the tag to report your catch.

Tagging efforts target red drum, black drum, cobia, tautog, speckled trout, gray trout, and spadefish. Participants must register with program during annual sign-up period and participate in a training session; awards conservation certificates for top taggers.

Tagging efforts target tuna, billfish, amberjack, cobia and king mackerel.

Tagging efforts target all species of sharks except smooth and spiny dogfish.

Tagging efforts target all species of billfish; works closely with National Marine Fisheries Service; developed a new billfish tag.

Tagging efforts target all marine finfish species; membership organization; data goes to National Marine Fisheries Service.

Tagging efforts target all marine finfish.

1.The most important information on a tag is the tag number. This is the key to identifying the fish. It is critical to record the exact tag number.

2. Cut off or remove the tag from the fish. Contact the office of the tagging program issuing the tag; their telephone number will appear on the tag. If you plan on releasing the fish and want to leave the tag in the fish, write down the correct tag number immediately.

3. Measure and record the total and fork length of the fish. If you do not have a measuring device, estimate the length of the fish. Also, measure or estimate the weight of the fish.

4. Record the species of fish, date of the catch, and exact location of the catch. Record any other information about the fish which might be important, for example, any wounds, unusual markings, or observations about the condition of the tag and place on the body of the fish where the tag was located.

5. Contact the office of the tagging program issuing the tag and supply them with this information. If the tag was issued by the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program, or if you need help reporting the capture of a tagged fish, contact:

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament
Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program
968 S. Oriole Drive
Suite 102
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 491-5160

6. When you report the recapture of a tagged fish, you will receive information about the fish (when and where it was tagged; size when it was tagged). If the tag was issued by the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program, you will receive a cap featuring the program's logo.

Virginia has jurisdiction and control over the harvesting of marine fish, including shellfish, that occur in the tidal waters inside the State's boundaries and extending into the Atlantic Ocean three nautical miles. Under certain circumstances Virginia exercises control over fish caught beyond the State's jurisdiction if they are landed in Virginia. Authority to manage fish caught beyond 3 nautical miles out to 200 nautical miles is vested with the Federal government.

Virginia's laws concerning marine fishing are found in Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia. Laws are made and amended by the General Assembly and become effective after signature by the Governor.

Proposed laws, or amendments to existing laws, may be introduced only by a member of the General Assembly. Similarly, ballot referendums to make or amend laws, such as the one in Florida which banned most inshore netting, must be initiated in the General Assembly. Therefore, citizens interested in creating, rescinding or amending laws relating to marine fisheries must do so through bills introduced into the General Assembly by State senators or delegates.

Once a proposal is introduced as a bill, it is assigned to a committee of the House of Delegates or the Senate. The committee may hold hearings on the bill or consider it at one of their regular meetings. These events may offer an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions concerning the bill.

Written communication is another avenue for citizens to express their opinions about a bill. Letters, telegrams and facsimile transmissions should be addressed to a specific legislator, should reference a specific bill by its assigned number, and should be clear and concise in conveying the opinions and reasoning of the writers.

The Code of Virginia is found in most public libraries, and reprints of the portions of the Code dealing with marine resources can be obtained for a fee from the Marine Resources Commission. The number of reprints is limited and are made available on a "first come, first served" basis. A list of State senators and delegates, including their committee assignments and office numbers, can be obtained from the Division of Legislative Services.

The Marine Resources Commission manages marine fisheries within Virginia's jurisdiction, pursuant to the power granted to it by the General Assembly. This includes the power to establish licenses, prepare management plans, and adopt regulations concerning the harvest of marine fish.

Regulations have the full force and effect of law, and violations are criminal misdemeanors. The power of the Commission to adopt regulations is broad, but it may not adopt any regulation which is in conflict with statutory law.

The adoption or amending of regulations follows a precise procedure set forth in the Code of Virginia. Proposed regulations must be advertised for a minimum of 15 days, and at least one public hearing must be held prior to adoption. Advertisements are done in the daily newspapers in Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News; often advertisements will appear in other newspapers in localities where a proposed regulation may have a significant impact.

Citizens may voice their opinions about proposed regulations in person at public hearings or by written correspondence addressed to the Commissioner of Marine Resources. Usually, a public hearing will be held at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Marine Resources Commission at which a proposed regulation is scheduled for a vote. Other public hearings may be scheduled in localities where a proposed regulation may have a significant impact. The Marine Resources Commission meets monthly, normally on the 4th Tuesday of each month at its main office in Newport News, and the meetings are open to the public.

Citizens may not directly initiate a proposed regulatory action. Citizens should communicate their proposals for regulatory action to the Commissioner of Marine Resources for possible action.

The Marine Resources Commission uses several advisory committees in the formulation and review of regulatory actions. These committees are: The Finfish Management Advisory Committee, Blue Crab Fisheries Management Advisory Committee, Clam Fisheries Management Advisory Committee, and Shellfish Fisheries Management Advisory Committee; the Recreational Fishing Advisory Board; and the Commercial Advisory Committee. A list of the membership of these committees is available from the Marine Resources Commission.

Advisory committees are composed of citizens, appointed by the Commissioner of Marine Resources, who are knowledgeable and interested in various aspects of marine fisheries. Service on one of these committees is an excellent way to become involved in the fishery management process.

Regulations are deposited with the clerks of the circuit courts of all counties and cities in Tidewater Virginia, and copies can be obtained from the Registrar of Regulations at the Division of Legislative Services or from the Marine Resources Commission.

Virginia and Maryland share fishery management authority in the Potomac River (excluding the tributaries) through the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. This Commission, which is composed of citizens from Virginia and Maryland appointed by their respective Governors, exercises complete control over marine fisheries, and its regulations have the full force and effect of law in the courts of both states.

Proposed regulations of the PRFC must be advertised in newspapers of general circulation in counties contiguous to the Potomac River in both states and sent to the clerks of court in those counties for posting. After advertising a proposed regulation, at least one public hearing must be held prior to adoption of the regulation. The PRFC holds meetings as required and announces its meetings in local newspapers. The meetings are always open to the public. Citizens may voice their opinions about proposed regulations in person at the public hearings or in writing to the Commission.

Copies of all current regulations and information about any scheduled meetings may be obtained from the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.

Many marine fish undertake extensive coastal migrations, passing through the waters of several states. Since the harvest of fish in one State can affect the conservation of the species and the harvest in other States, coordinated management of fish among all coastal states is desirable.

Interstate management of fish is accomplished through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). This body was created by an interstate compact which joined all of the Atlantic coast States and Pennsylvania together to develop coastwide fishery management plans. Each member State is represented by its chief marine fisheries officer, a member of its legislature, and a citizen appointed by its Governor.

The compact creating the ASMFC did not provide for the compliance or enforcement of the Commission's management initiatives. The Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act provided for federal compliance sanctions for ASMFC management initiatives. States must comply with the management measures adopted by the ASMFC, or they will be ruled in noncompliance and subject to a federally imposed moratorium on the harvest of the species under management. Compliance involves adopting and providing for enforcement of the ASMFC management initiatives by State law or regulation.

ASMFC fishery management plans are developed through a specific process involving several committees composed of scientists, citizens and fishery managers. A management board, technical committee, plan development team, stock assessment committee, and citizen advisory committee are involved in formulating every management plan. Public input is solicited during the plan development phase and at least four public hearings are held at appropriate sites along the East Coast on every proposed plan. Citizens wishing to voice an opinion about a specific management proposal may appear in person at a public hearing or provide written comments to the ASMFC. All meetings of the ASMFC, its Inter-state Fisheries Management Board, and the management boards for all species are open to the public.

Prior to implementation of a fishery management plan, and periodically after plan implementation, the stock status of the species involved is reviewed by the stock assessment committee. Compliance with the plan is reviewed annually by the technical committee and the management board.

Information about Commission meetings and operating rules, or fisheries management plans, may be obtained from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Fishery management in Federal waters (waters 3 - 200 miles off the Atlantic coast) is exercised by the Secretary of Commerce through the National Marine Fisheries Service and Regional Fishery Management Councils. The Regional Fishery Management Councils develop fishery management plans, which become federal law when adopted by the Secretary.

The federal waters off the Virginia coast are under the jurisdiction of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, although both the New England and South Atlantic Councils have plans which affect Virginia fishermen. The Mid-Atlantic Council is composed of persons representing the states of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York and Northeast Regional Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The development and adoption of fishery management plans follows a specific process, starting when the Council proposes to develop a plan and holds scoping hearings to determine what is known about the fishery and possible management options. The process continues with council meetings, public hearings, review by the Secretary of Commerce, publishing in the Federal Register for further public comment, and formal adoption (with or without modification) by the Secretary of Commerce. Monitoring committees review compliance with management plans annually, and stock assessment review committees periodically review stock status.

Citizens may express their opinions about federal fishery management proposals in a variety of ways. Comments may be made in person at public hearings or at Council meetings. Written comments may be sent to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council or may be filed with the Secretary of Commerce during the comment period noted in the Federal Register.

The meetings of the Mid-Atlantic Council, and its various committees, are open to the public. Dates and locations of public hearings and meetings can be obtained from the Council. Copies of federal fishery management plans can be obtained from the Mid-Atlantic Council or the Northeast Regional Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

North Carolina and Maryland control marine fisheries through laws and regulations. Fishermen should contact the fisheries agency for each state to obtain complete information on their respective laws, regulations and management processes.

Virginia Marine Resources Commission
P.O. Box 756
2600 Washington Ave.
Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 247-2200

Virginia Division of Legislative Services
General Assembly Building
2nd Floor
910 Capitol Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 786-3591

Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission
1444 Eye Street, NW
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 289-6400

Potomac River Fisheries Commission
P.O. Box 9
222 Taylor Street
Colonial Beach, VA 22443

Mid-Atlantic Regional Fishery
Management Council
300 South New Street
Room 2115, Freear Federal Building
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 674-2331

Northeast Regional Director
National Marine Fisheries Service
One Blackburn Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
(508) 281-9300

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Tidewater Administration
Tawes State Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 974-3487

North Carolina Department of Natural Resources & Community Development
Division of Marine Fisheries
P.O. Box 769
Morehead City, NC 28557
(919) 726-7021

The Virginia Marine Police (VMP), a division of the Marine Resources Commission, is charged with enforcing saltwater fisheries regulations in Virginia waters. The VMP is the largest branch of the Commission, with more than 65 law enforcement officers and almost 80 full time employees.

An operations center maintains continuous radio dispatch, which links with officers stationed throughout the tidal areas of Virginia. Officers work on rotating shifts, providing for on the water enforcement coverage 24 hours per day.

Although Marine Police officers have full police powers to enforce all of the criminal laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, their mission targets enforcement of marine fishery and boating regulations.

The number and complexity of fishery management plans and regulations have increased substantially in recent years as fisheries managers attempt to halt the decline in abundance in many species of finfish and shellfish by managing their harvest. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of summonses written for fishery violations.

The vast majority of the hours worked by the VMP is spent patrolling Virginia waters and the waterfront for marine fisheries violations. Fisheries enforcement activities generally fall into one of four distinct categories:

1. enforcement of fishery conservation laws and regulations applicable to commercial and recreational fishermen; these regulations include commercial quotas on harvest, minimum size limits, gear restrictions (such as net mesh size and crab pot cull ring requirements), closed seasons and areas, recreational bag limits, and any other regulations designed to protect living marine resources;

2. enforcement of licensing requirements for commercial and recreational fishermen;

3. enforcement of conservation regulations and licensing requirements for commercial buyers, processors and transporters of marine finfish and shellfish; and,

4. enforcement of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and other state regulations relating to taking and transporting of marine resources from polluted areas.

Additional patrol time is expended enforcing boating safety requirements and boating operation and navigation rules. This activity ranges from checking boat operators for the proper safety equipment, such as personal floatation devices, lights, and signaling equipment, to writing summonses for negligent operation and operation while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When lives and property are in jeopardy on Virginia's tidal waters, the VMP is one of the first to respond. Search and rescue activities are a major responsibility of Marine Police officers.

Fortunately, most of the calls for assistance involve common problems, such as engine failure; but each year the VMP handles serious problems, including medical emergencies, boating accidents, and sinkings.

Two service activities have a direct relationship to the effectiveness of the enforcement activities of the VMP. First is the time Marine Police officers must spend in court testifying and prosecuting cases resulting from the summonses written. Efficient and successful prosecution of violations is the only way to ensure good compliance with fishery management regulations. Second, is the time the Marine Police officers spend in public education and service. These activities range from appearances at local boating and fishing shows and events to manning a display at the Virginia State Fair. While these activities consume a small amount of time, they often produce significant rewards in garnering compliance with regulations, understanding of the mission and activities of the VMP, and gaining citizen assistance in reporting fishery violations or suspicious activity.

The need for assistance from anglers, boaters, commercial watermen, and other citizens in reporting fishery regulation violations is essential for the protection of Virginia's marine resources. The VMP has approximately 65 officers to patrol Virginia's marine waters, which include 120 miles of ocean coastline, 300 miles of bayfront land, over 1300 miles of shoreline on the saltwater reaches of tidal rivers, and countless more miles of shoreline on the Eastern Shore seaside and along tidal creeks of the Eastern Shore bayside and the western shore tributary rivers. Estimates of the number of marine recreational fishermen range from 350,000 to 900,000, and approximately 3000 commercial fishermen operate in Virginia waters. Maintaining 24-hour-per-day coverage with officers working 8 hour shifts, requires each Marine Police officer cover a large area of water and monitor an enormous number of fishermen and boaters.

Fish are not constrained by the arbitrary political and jurisdictional boundaries which restrict the activities of law enforcement agencies. Marine fish move up and down the coast, and from inshore waters to offshore waters, often passing through the waters of several different political jurisdictions.

The VMP has a good working relationship with many law enforcement agencies, including those listed below:

The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, which has primary jurisdiction over freshwater fishing activities. But, as marine fish cross the arbitrary boundary across the tributary rivers to the Chesapeake Bay, they enter "freshwater", and cooperative enforcement efforts are necessary.

The U. S. Coast Guard, which enforces fisheries regulations in federal waters. Many fish species migrate inshore and offshore seasonally, which makes joint enforcement efforts extremely productive.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, which also has enforcement agents for federal waters.

The U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which has enforcement agents working with anadramous fish (e.g. striped bass) and Lacey Act violations (transportation of protected wildlife across state lines).

Local Enforcement Agencies, such as local police and sheriff departments in localities near marine waters. They patrol marine waters within their jurisdiction and can provide considerable help to the VMP.

Cooperative enforcement efforts bolster the capabilities of all law enforcement agencies involved and provide much broader enforcement coverage for marine fisheries laws and regulations.

Main Office:
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
2600 Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 756
Newport news, VA 23607-0756
(757) 247-2200

Law Enforcement Operations Center:
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Operations Center
30 Jefferson Avenue
P.O. Box 756
Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 247-2265

Eastern Shore Law Enforcement Office:
Virginia Marine Resource Commission
Onley Law Enforcement Office
P. O. Box 569
Onley, VA 23418
(757) 787-5829

Middle Area Law Enforcement Office:
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Gloucester Law Enforcement Office
Tidemill Professional Center
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
(804) 642-2640

Northern Area Law Enforcement Office:
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Heathsville Law Enforcement Office
P.O. Box 117
Heathsville, VA 22473
(804) 580-2901

Southern Area Law Enforcement Office:
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Carrollton Law Enforcement Office
Carrollton, VA 23314
(757) 357-0963

VIOLATIONS "HOTLINE"

The Virginia Marine Police maintains a 24 hour toll-free hotline number for reporting violations of fisheries regulations: 1-800-541-4646.

Beginning on January 1, 1993, anglers fishing in Virginia's portion of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal, saltwater tributaries were required to obtain a saltwater recreational fishing license.

The license was part of a package of legislation aimed at improving Virginia's marine fisheries, which was passed by the General Assembly in 1992. In addition to the license, the package included a two year delayed entry system for all commercial fisheries and a commercial harvesters license. The legislation also invested authority in the Marine Resources Commission to limit entry in specific fisheries as needed. The package was designed to give the Marine Resources Commission both the regulatory authority and a source of funding to enhance marine fishery resources.

The saltwater recreational license was designed to raise revenues to conserve and enhance fish species caught by recreational fishermen. The law creating the license specified that all license monies had to be deposited in a special fund called the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund. This fund, and all interest earned on money deposited in the fund, was created as a "non-reverting" account of the state budget. This means that fund revenues not spent during the state's fiscal year remain in the fund for expenditure in future years and do not revert to the state's general fund.

Expenditures are limited to programs to conserve and enhance fish species important to recreational fishermen, to improve recreational fishing opportunities (which includes building artificial reefs, access, and public education), to obtain data and conduct research for fisheries management, to create and restore habitat for species important to recreational fishermen, and for law enforcement.

The license has raised approximately $1.3 million annually for recreational fishing projects. A board of citizens representing the interests of the recreational fishery, called the Virginia Recreational Fishing Advisory Board, has been entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing and recommending proposals for expenditures from the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund. This board is appointed by the Commissioner of the Marine Resources Commission. Their recommendations are approved by the Marine Resources Commission, which has final authority over all Fund expenditures.

Numerous projects beneficial to recreational fishermen and to popular game fish have already been funded with license monies.

Three new artificial reefs have been developed in the Chesapeake Bay --- Anglers Reef off Onancock on the Eastern Shore, The Occohannock Reef site off Occohannock Creek on the Eastern Shore, and the Northern Neck Reef off Reedville on the western shore. Another reef is under consideration in the waters off Cape Charles. Access has been improved through the dredging of a channel leading to the public ramp in the Back River area in Hampton, provision of monies to renovate the fishing pier and boat ramp at Kiptopeake State Park on the Eastern Shore, and repairs to other ramp facilities.

A better understanding of the recreational fishery is being developed in two ways. First, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science has developed an economic impact study of the saltwater recreational fishery in Virginia. Secondly, the license funded a large increase in the number of the intercept surveys and phone surveys for the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistical Survey and funded the addition of socio-economic questions during 1994. The first study will provide a better picture of the economic importance of the recreational fishery to Virginia's economy, while the second provided fisheries managers with better data on catch, effort, and the economics of the recreational fishery.

When the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament was faced with a loss of funding in 1995, the Fund kept this popular awards program in operation. State matching monies for Wallop-Breaux grants were not funded in the general budgetary process in 1994, so the Fund was tapped to keep approximately one million dollars of federal monies for recreational fisheries coming to Virginia.

The Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program, which is a collaberative effort of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, is funded with license revenues.

Projects which are directly related to improving fish populations and providing better management information funded with license revenues include: 1) an underwater seagrass restoration project on the Rappahannock River, 2) a hook-and-release mortality study of summer flounder, 3) development of a young-of-the-year index for bluefish, 4) funding for fish passages through dams on the James River, 5) striped bass spawning stock assessment work, 6) study of shark abundance in the Chesapeake Bight with a delineation of the spawning grounds in the Chesapeake Bay for sandbar sharks, and 7) stock identification of juvenile summer flounder in Virginia nursery areas.

The Fund provided the law enforcement division of the Marine Resources Commission with three much-needed boats and the ability to upgrade their electronics capabilities through the deployment of night vision equipment and GPS systems.

Finally, public education expenditures enabled the development of this publication and numerous other materials for the angling public.

 1. Children under the age of 16,

 2. Persons 65 years of age, or older.

 3. Persons fishing on a private boat, if the boat has a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license covering all persons on board.

 4. Customers fishing on a charterboat, headboat or rental boat, if the boat has a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license covering all customers on board.

 5. Customers fishing on a commercial fishing pier, if the pier has a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license covering all customers on the pier.

 6. Persons fishing in coastal and ocean waters outside of the easternmost boundary of the Chesapeake Bay.

 7. Landowners, their spouses and children, and their non-paying guests when fishing from the landowner's private real property.

 8. Organized groups of individuals with physical or mental limitations, veterans in veterans hospitals, and school groups (K-12), when such groups have written permission from the Commissioner of the Marine Resources Commission.

 9. Persons holding a valid Maryland saltwater recreational fishing license, as long as the reciprocal licensing agreement continues between Maryland and Virginia.

Getting hooked on saltwater fishing is easy. The boil of a striped bass with its tail slapping the water as it takes a surface plug at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel or the thrill of a white marlin catapulting from the indigo waters of the Gulf Stream have converted many skeptics into devotees.

The journey from an enthusiastic novice to an accomplished saltwater angler can be daunting. Saltwater fish are not constrained by boundaries, often migrating substantial distances along the East Coast. Water temperature changes, photoperiod (length of light in the day), and the presence or absence of baitfish can trigger movements. Learning when to fish for different species is not an easy task.

The potential area to fish is huge. The Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean off Virginia comprise well over 2500 square miles of fishing area within the reach of most boats. How to identify the productive areas to fish is the second challenge.

Then, the tackle, techniques and best baits must be determined. For people who did not have the luxury of growing up on the water, the time needed to learn by "trial and error" is not a viable option while balancing the demands of a career and family. Fortunately, other options exist.

One of the best roads to becoming a better saltwater fisherman is to join an angling club. There are at least a dozen angling organizations in the eastern portion of Virginia. Some clubs are organized around a single species of fish or type of fishing, while others encourage membership from a broad spectrum of anglers. Some organizations are primarily social in nature, favoring monthly meetings and intraclub competitions, while others are involved mainly in fisheries management.

Clubs enable novice anglers to meet other fishermen, exchange ideas, develop friendships and find new fishing partners. Many clubs hold monthly meetings with the major portion of the meetings devoted to education. Usually, the educational segments of the meetings involve guest speakers, who describe techniques for catching certain species of fish.

Club meetings are almost always open to the public, so a potential member can attend before joining. Announcements of club meetings are usually carried in local newspapers in the outdoor news section.

Boat shows, sportsman shows and outdoor expositions are a regular feature in eastern Virginia, particularly during the winter months. All of the shows have retail exhibits of boats and fishing tackle, and some feature seminars by local experts on various types of saltwater fishing. Usually, the only charge is for admission to the show; the seminars are free. Shows are extensively advertised in local newspapers and on radio.

Local angling experts, charterboat captains and guides, and outdoor writers occasionally hold saltwater fishing seminars. These may last a few hours or all day and may cover the ways to catch a single species of fish or a wide range of fish. Seminars which are not held in conjunction with boat or sportsman shows usually charge a registration fee. Seminars are often advertised with posters or flyers at tackle shops and marinas and are mentioned in the outdoor sections of local newspapers which feature a "calendar of upcoming events". Also, many outdoor writers with local newspapers will mention upcoming seminars in their columns.

A few angling experts, charterboat captains and guides offer saltwater fishing classes. Normally, these will run for two or three hours one night a week for several consecutive weeks. Fishing classes charge a registration fee and often are limited in size. Information about up-coming classes can be found on posters and flyers at tackle shops and marinas and in the outdoor section of local newspapers which feature a "calendar of upcoming events". Also, many outdoor writers with local newspapers will mention upcoming classes in their columns.

Charterboat captains and guides are professionals. They know the local waters, keep up with new fishing techniques, and know what fish are available and where to catch them. Many professional skippers and top local anglers have gotten their starts by working as mates on charterboats during the summer months.

A good way to learn the basic angling techniques for catching certain species of fish is to charter a boat or hire a guide to take you fishing. For example, if you want to learn how to catch marlin, tuna, and dolphin, charter a boat for an offshore fishing trip out of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach or Wachapreague on the Eastern Shore. Pay attention to how the mate rigs the baits, prepares the terminal tackle and how the baits are fished. Most mates and charterboat skippers do not mind answering your questions, but do not expect them to spend the day teaching you how to fish or to give away their favorite fishing locations. The best way to approach the day is to be observant.

Many top saltwater anglers charter boats on a regular basis. Sometimes they want to pursue a type of fishing their boats and equipment are not prepared to handle or they just want to enjoy a day of fishing, without the hassles of preparing baits and tackle, navigating a boat, and cleaning up after the trip is over. Most charterboats welcome experienced anglers and are willing to allow them a greater role in the fishing experience. Of course, this should be discussed with the captain prior to leaving the dock.

More than 200 charterboats and headboats operate in Virginia waters, and they pursue every type of fish that visits local waters. A list of charterboats can be found in the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Guide, which is available from the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 968 S. Oriole Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (757) 491-5160.

No matter what the subject matter, from finding an exotic vacation spot where you can catch tarpon and billfish to learning how to catch tautog in the Chesapeake Bay, there is probably a publication or video which covers the topic. In fact, the variety of media publications covering outdoor activities is so large, finding the ones which meet a particular person's needs can be a challenge.

Publications and videos can be evaluated according to several criteria. First, what is the subject matter targeted by the publication. Some publications cover a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking, while others target a single activity, such as fishing. Publications may further limit their coverage to a more specific activity, such as saltwater fishing, surf fishing or even fishing for a single species of fish.

A second measure of a publication or video is its scope of coverage. Is the focus of the coverage local, regional, national or even international.

Finally, anglers should consider the type of coverage offered by a publication or video. Some publications focus on "how-to" information, while others relate stories and create action and adventure tales. Some focus on destinations and travel information, while others focus on the evaluation of equipment. Of course, there are publications and videos which combine all of these themes in their offerings.

Publications and videos can be found in numerous places, but the best places to start are local tackle shops, outdoor shops and marinas. They routinely stock these types of products, and they are most likely to carry publications and videos focusing on local fishing opportunities.

Authors and publishers often attend local boat shows and outdoor shows, which gives anglers the opportunity to peruse the product and talk with the author or publisher.

Finally, libraries, book stores and retail stores with outdoor product sections are a good source for outdoor publications and videos.

Virginia Beach Anglers Club
P. O. Box 8602
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Portsmouth Anglers Club
P. O. Box 7842
Portsmouth, VA 23707

Eastern Virginia Anglers Club
517 Baden Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Peninsula Saltwater
Sportfishing Association
P. O. Box 5194
Newport News, VA 23605

Eastern Shore Anglers Club
P.O. Box 415
Accomac, VA 23301

Virginia Anglers Club
P. O. Box 31494
Richmond, VA 23294

Virginia Beach Billfish Foundation
P.O. Box 6395
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-6395

Eastern Shore Marlin Club
P. O. Box 138
Wachapreague, VA 23417

Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia
Eastern Shore Chapter
P. O. Box 103
Nassawadox, VA 23413

Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia
Tidewater Chapter
1204 Lake Point Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320

Coastal Conservation Association of Virginia
Richmond Chapter
6418 Blagdon Drive
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Great Bridge Fishermen's Association
1007 N. Battlefield Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA 23320

Saltwater Fly Fishing Club of Virginia
4 Graham Drive
Newport News, VA 23606

The identification of different species of fish has become an important concern for recreational fishermen. The proliferation of regulations relating to minimum sizes and bag limits compels fishermen to make the proper identification of every fish caught.

Most species of fish are distinctive in appearance and relatively easy to identify. However, closely related species, such as members of the same "family" of fish, can present problems. For these species it is important to look for certain distinctive characteristics to make a positive identification.

The ensuing fish identification guide depicts more than 50 species of fish commonly encountered in Virginia waters. In addition to color illustrations of each species, the description of each species lists the distinctive characteristics which enable a positive identification.

 Anal Fin - The fin on the bottom of fish located between the anal vent (hole) and the tail.

 Barbels - Slender strands extending from the chins of some fish (often appearing similar to whiskers) which perform a sensory function.

 Caudal Fin - The tail fin of fish.

 Caudal Peduncle - The narrow portion of a fish's body immediately in front of the tail.

 Demersal Fish - Fish that live on the bottom.

 Dorsal Fin - The fin running down the back of fish. The dorsal fin is often divided into two distinct portions: the first or spinous dorsal fin, which is closest to the head of the fish and often contains hard spines; and the second dorsal fin.

 Finlets - The series of small fins situated behind the dorsal and anal fins on some species of fish.

 Forked Tail - A caudal fin marked by the extension of the top and bottom portion of the fin substantially further from the caudal peduncle area than the center portion of the fin.

 Fork Length - The measurement of a fish's length from the tip of the nose to the inside of the fork in the tail.

 Fusiform - Fish shape marked by being tapered at both ends, such as the members of the tuna family.

 Gill Arch - The white bony structure supporting the gills of fish.

 Gill Cover - The exterior gill cover, also known as the operculum.

 Gillrakers - The white bony projections coming from the gill arch.

 Incisor Teeth - Front teeth sharpened to form a cutting edge.

 Keel - A ridge or projection, often present on caudal peduncle.

 Lateral Line - The sensory organ with the appearance of a line which runs lengthwise down each side of a fish.

 Lunate - curved or shaped like a crescent.

 Molars - Rear teeth flattened for use in grinding or crushing.

 Nuchal Band - A dark band extending from behind or near the eye of a fish across the back of the neck toward the first dorsal fin.

 Ocellated Spot - A dark spot encircled by a band of another, lighter color; a spot with the appearance of being surrounded by a halo.

 Operculum - The exterior gill cover.

 Otoliths - The bony structures, generally spherical in shape, found in the inner ear of fish; also called ear stones.

 Pectoral Fins - The fins appearing on each side of the fish immediately behind the gill opening.

 Pelagic Fish - Fish that live or are associated with open ocean waters.

 Pelvic Fins - Pair of fins located on the underside of fish below and slightly rearward of pectoral fins.

 Peritoneum - The lining of the stomach cavity.

 Pharyngeal Teeth - The set of grinding or mashing teeth or plates found in the throat of some fish, such as red drum.

 Scute - A hard plate, often sharp, found in the caudal peduncle area on some fish.

 Spiracle - An air or breathing hole.

 Square Tail - A caudal fin generally equal in length from top to bottom.

 Striated - Marked or appearing to be marked with grooves, furrows or ridges.

 Swim Bladder - A sac or pouch of tissue which is used by fish to maintain a neutral or certain level of buoyancy.

 Total Length - The measurement of a fish's length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.

 Underslung Jaw - A mouth located on the under side of the head, slightly rearward of nose, which opens downward; also known as an inferior jaw.

(Channel Bass, Redfish, Puppy Drum, Spottail Bass) Sciaenops ocellatus

 Description: copper to bronze colored back, fading to a white belly; may be more silvery in appearance in clear or ocean waters; one to several ocellated spots occur at the base of the tail; caudal fin is slightly lunate and pectoral fin is rounded; large scales and underslung jaw.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Black Drum; distinguishable by lack of chin barbels (which are present on black drum), rounded shape of pectoral fin, ocellated spot or spots at base of tail, slightly lunate caudal fin, and generally more streamlined body shape.

 Size: up to 100 pounds; average size is 10 - 50 pounds; small fish, called puppy drum, are found in river estuaries and range from 8 - 20 inches in length.

Description: bronze, copper or grayish back, fading to a light colored belly; occassionally has a more silvery appearance; color fades after death to a grayish or grayish-green hue; high arched back gives most fish a "humpback" shape; 10 to 14 pairs of barbels are prominent under chin; caudal fin is square and pectoral fin comes to a pronounced point; juvenile fish (generally under 15 pounds) display 4 to 6 dark vertical bars, which fade in adults.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Red Drum; distinguishable by absence of ocellated spot or spots at the base of the tail (which are present on red drum), the presence of chin barbels, pointed pectoral fin, square caudal fin and "humpback" body shape. Juveniles are similar in appearance to sheepshead, which have 5 to 6 vertical bars on their sides; however, sheepshead lack chin barbels, have a significantly forked tail, a fully connected first and second dorsal fin (in black drum the first dorsal fin is distinct from second dorsal fin), and prominent teeth, which are absent in black drum.

Size: up to 120 pounds; average size is 20 - 70 pounds; occasionally, juvenile fish in the 6 - 16 inch range are common in Chesapeake Bay and estuarine waters.

(Croaker, Hardhead) Micropogonias undulatus

Description: silvery color overall with a white belly; often has a faint bronze or golden cast, with yellowish fins; back often has small brassy spots, that align into wavy lines down the fish's sides; underslung jaw features 3 to 5 pairs of barbels under the chin; caudal fin is convex in shape; gill cover is hard and sharp.

Similar Fish: Spot

Size: up to 6 pounds; average size is 6 - 12 inches (1/2 lb. - 1 1/2 lbs.)

(Norfolk Spot, Yellowbelly)

Description: silvery color overall with a white belly; a prominent black spot is present behind the gill cover and above the base of the pectoral fin; several wavy lines, brassy in color, extend down the back; caudal fin is slightly concave; larger individuals in the late summer often exhibit a distinct yellow coloration on their bellies.

Similar Fish: Atlantic Croaker

Size: up to 2 1/2 pounds; average size is 5 - 8 inches (under a pound).

(Speckled Trout, Spotted Trout, Speckle) Cynoscion nebulosus

Description: grayish silver back (often with a bluish, iridescent tint) fading to silver sides with a white belly; distinct round black dots are present on back and sides, and they extend onto second part of the dorsal fin and the caudal fin; body is long and slender; upper jaw possesses two large canine teeth.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to the Weakfish or Gray Trout; distinguishable by the black dots which extend onto second dorsal fin and caudal fin (gray trout lack any black markings on these fins).

Size: up to 17 pounds; average size is 1 1/2 - 4 pounds.

(Gray Trout, Yellowfin Trout, Squeteague, Tiderunner) Cynoscion regalis

Description: silvery body and sides with some olive shading along the top of the back; numerous dark blotches appear on the back and the sides, some of which may appear to align and form wavy lines; fins are a uniform dusky color, some of which may have a yellowish margin; body is long and slender; upper jaw possesses two large canine teeth.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to the Spotted Seatrout; distinguishable by the dorsal and caudal fins which are a uniform dusky coloration without any markings (spotted seatrout have black dots on these fins).

Size: up to 20 pounds; average size ranges from 1/2 - 8 pounds.

(Roundhead, Sea Mullet, Whiting, King Whiting, Virginia Mullet) Menticirrhus saxatilis

Description: long, slender body is dark in coloration; the top of the back tends to be dark fading to grayish sides; 5 or 6 dark bars occur on the back of this fish; fins are dusky, often with a blackish tinge or tip and the first dorsal fin posesses a long, soft spine; underslung mouth features a single barbel under the chin.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to the Southern Kingfish; distinguishable by the darker coloration and long spine on first dorsal fin.

Size: up to 3 pounds; average size ranges from 1/2 - 1 pound.

(Roundhead, Sea Mullet, Whiting, King Whiting, Virginia Mullet) Menticirrhus americanus

Description: long, slender body is grayish-silver on the sides; 6 to 8 very faint dusky bars may be present along the back and sides; fins are dusky in color; underslung mouth features a single barbel under the chin.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Northern Kingfish; distinguishable by lighter coloration and absence of long spine on first dorsal fin.

Size: up to 3 pounds; average size ranges from 1/2 - 1 pound.

(Perch, Sand Perch) Bairdiella chrysoura

Description: small member of the drum family with bright silvery coloration fading to a white belly; fish from estuarine waters that are not clear may have a slightly darkish coloration along the top of the back; easily distinguishable from other members of the drum family by lack of chin barbels and mouth that is not underslung.

Similar Species: White Perch; distinguishable by lighter, silvery coloration and lack of spines in dorsal fin (white perch have sharp spines in first dorsal fin).

Size: under 1 pound; average size ranges from 4 - 7 inches.

(Rockfish, Striper) Morone saxatilis

Description: overall coloration is silvery with a white belly; back tends to be a dark, olive or dusky brownish color; 7 or 8 pronounced black stripes run horizontally down the back and sides of the fish; the spines in the first dorsal fin are stiff and the gill cover is hard and sharp.

Size: up to 125 pounds; average size ranges from 4 - 15 pounds.

(Blue, Chopper, Snapper, Tailor Blue) Pomatomus saltatrix

Description: long body is bluish green in coloration, fading to a light colored belly; tail is sharply forked and the mouth features razor sharp teeth.

Similar Fish: Pollock and several species of jacks are somewhat similar in appearance to bluefish, but all lack the formidable set of teeth prominent in bluefish.

Size: up to 31 3/4 pounds; average size is 1 - 15 pounds.

(Flounder, Fluke) Paralichthys dentatus

Description: rounded, flat body is brown on one side (the left side) and white on the other side; both eyes appear on the brown (left) side of the fish; caudal fin is convex and the mouth features sharp, cone-like teeth; summer flounder feature five ocellated spots on their brown side, three tending to form a triangle just above the base of the tail.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to the Southern Flounder; distinguishable by the presence of ocellated spots on the back of the summer flounder (southern flounder may have blotches and/or spots but lack the conspicuous ocellated spots found on summer flounder); Gulf Flounder, which are not common north of Cape Hatteras, are similar in appearance, but feature only three ocellated spots - one above the lateral line, one below it and one touching it, and these spots may become indistinct in larger fish.

Size: up to 20 pounds; average size is 1/2 - 5 pounds.

(Bonito, Ling, Crabeater,) Rachycentron canadum

Description: large, long fish which is dark, chocolate brown on the back and sides fading to a white belly; juveniles often display a brown back with a white horizontal stripe, a very dark stripe and a second white stripe down the sides; the tail is deeply forked and the first dorsal fin is absent (replaced by 7 to 9 short spines) but they feature a pronounced second dorsal fin; the lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw.

Similar Fish: None, although cobia often swim at the surface with second dorsal fin sticking out of the water, causing many people to mistake them for sharks. Juvenile cobia are similar in appearance to remoras, but lack the large suction pad on the top of the head of remoras.

Size: up to 135 pounds; average size ranges from 10 - 50 pounds.

(Blackfish, Chub, 'Tog, White Chin,) Tautoga onitis

Description: a thick-bodied fish characterized by thick lips, blunt snout, and large, irregular teeth (incisors in front, molars in the rear); coloration is varied from a chocolate brown, to gray or a blackish olive on the back and sides with a white belly; some fish have irregular blotches on the side, but this mottling pattern, often associated with spawning activity, is not present in all individuals; males have a more blunt head, a more pronounced white chin, and a distinct white spot on their side.

Similar Fish: closely related to and similar in appearance to the Cunner; distinguishable by lack of scales on the gill cover (cunner has scales on gill cover) and by size (cunner rarely achieve weights of 1 pound).

Size: up to 24 pounds; average size ranges from 1 - 6 pounds.

(Sea Bass, Black Will) Centropristis striata

Description: coloration is black to a very dark brown on the back and sides; the belly and fins also tend to be dark in color; females have a uniformly curved slope from the top of the back to the head, while large males have a pronounced hump forward of the dorsal fin; individual fish may exhibit a pronounced iridescent aquamarine to bluish coloration with some highlights of red in the area forward and below the dorsal fin, behind the head and especially on males on and around the hump, which may be associated with spawning activity; a long filament extends from the upper part of the caudal fin.

Size: up to 9 pounds; average size ranges from 1/2 - 3 pounds.

(Hogfish) Orthopristis chrysoptera

Description: coloration is grayish along the back fading to silver along the sides and a silvery white belly; brassy to bronze mottled marks are scattered over much of the body; fins tend to be a dull golden color; the first dorsal fin has distinct spines; the name derives from the grunting noise the fish make when removed from the water.

Similar Fish: Pinfish.

Size: up to 2 pounds; average size is 1/2 - 1 pound.

(Porgy, Silver Porgy) Stenotomus chrysops

Description: a deep bodied fish that is grayish to grayish brown along the back and sides, fading to a light gray belly; dorsal fin has pronounced spines and the mouth has distinct incisor and molar teeth; pectoral fin is pointed and relatively long for the size of the fish.

Similar Fish: Longspine Porgy and several porgies prevalent on reefs in the southern Atlantic.

Size: up to 4 pounds; average size ranges from 1 - 1 1/2 pounds.

(Convict Fish) Archosargus probatocephalus

Description: a deep bodied fish that is grayish in color along the back and sides with a belly that is only slightly lighter in color; 5 to 6 black (or very dark brown) bars run down the sides; mouth is filled with formidable incisor and molar teeth; pectoral fin is long and pointed.

Similar Fish: Similar in body shape and size to several porgies; most similar in appearance to small black drum, but easily distinguishable by single dorsal fin structure (black drum have separate first and second dorsal fins), mouth with incisor and molar teeth (black drum lack substantial teeth in their mouth, having crushing plates, called pharyngeal teeth, deep in their throat) and absence of chin barbels (black drum have pronounced chin barbels).

Size: up to 20 pounds; average size ranges from 2 - 8 pounds.

Description: deep bodied fish with pointed second dorsal and anal fins, which give the fish an almost triangular shape; coloration is silvery gray with 4 to 6 prominent black bars running down the sides; juveniles are very dark in color; the mouth is noticeably small relative to the overall size of the fish and lacks teeth.

Size: up to 15 pounds; average size ranges from 1 - 6 pounds.

(Triggerfish) Balistes capriscus

Description: deep bodied fish with a large first spine in the first dorsal fin; grayish overall in color, some individuals may show some darker mottling; mouth features pronounced lips and large teeth; body is covered with tough skin.

Size: up to 12 pounds; average size 1 - 5 pounds.

(Blow Toad, Blowfish, Swell Toad) Sphoeroides maculatus

Description: blunt, "boxlike" body shape, which can rapidly be altered by swelling of the belly with air or water into a spherical shape; mouth features large, "rabbitlike" incisor teeth; coloration is light brownish on the back and sides with a white belly; several dark vertical bars run down the sides; fins have a yellowish or yellowish orange tinge; skin is tough and coarse, similar to sandpaper.

Similar Fish: Southern Puffer (rare north of Florida); Smooth Puffer, which has a very smooth skin and attains a larger size; Burrfish, which have pronounced spines protruding from the skin.

Size: up to 2 pounds; average size is under a pound.

(Sea Robin) Prionotus carolinus

Description: long, tapered body follows a broad head featuring a tough, bony covering with numerous spines; large, rounded pectoral fins can spread out to form "wings"; at the base of each pectoral fin are 3 to 4 feelers, which are sensory organs the fish use to "walk" along the bottom and feel for various forage items; color is brownish with hints of orange along the back, fading to a grayish brown along the sides, and a white belly; fins have a brownish orange or brownish yellow hue.

Size: up to 4 pounds; average size is less than 1 pound.

(Toadfish, Mud Toad, Oyster Toad) Opsanus tau

Description: the oyster toadfish will not win any beauty contests; this species features a broad, flat head with a large mouth and plenty of small teeth; the body is tapered and the skin is slimy and lacks scales; bony protrusions and spines are present at the rear of the head; coloration is yellowish brown with some hints of orange.

Size: up to 6 pounds; average size ranges from 1/2 - 2 pounds.

Description: a long, slender fish with a body that is almost cylindrical in shape; the head is pointed and the mouth is large and full of sharp teeth; the skin looks similar to the skin on a reptile, but scales are present; coloration is brown to grayish brown, with a white belly.

Size: small, less than a pound.

Description: a very long, slender fish with a cylindrically shaped body and a bony head with long, bony jaws armed with sharp teeth; the dorsal fin is located well toward the rear of the body; coloration is greenish to bluish green along the back fading to silvery or silvery green sides and belly.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Atlantic Needlefish; distinguishable by much larger average size of houndfish (Atlantic needlefish rarely exceed 1 pound in local waters), the presence of a silvery horizontal stripe on Atlantic needlefish (absent on houndfish), and the presence of a caudal peduncle with a keel on the houndfish (not present on Atlantic needlefish).

Size: up to 10 pounds; average size 3 - 6 pounds.

(Barracuda) Sphyraena barracuda

Description: a long, slender fish with a pointed snout and a large mouth full of sharp teeth; coloration is silver with a green or grayish green back; several black or dark spots may occur on the sides toward the tail of the fish.

Similar Fish: Sennet, which are small relatives of the barracuda.

Size: up to 60 pounds; average size ranges from 7 - 20 pounds.

(Silver King) Megalops atlanticus

Description: a long fish featuring a single dorsal fin with a long trailing filament, a large mouth with a protruding lower jaw, large scales, and deeply forked tail; occasionally, they are said to look like an overgrown herring; coloration is silver, although the back may be greenish gray or bluish gray.

Size: up to 230 pounds; average size is 35 - 90 pounds.

(Mullet, Jumping Mullet) Mugil cephalus

Description: long, cylindrically shaped fish featuring a small mouth and two distinct dorsal fins; body covered with relatively large scales and hard spines are present in first dorsal fin; coloration is greenish, bluish green or bluish gray along the back fading to silvery sides and a silvery white belly; may have faint, dark stripes down the back.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to White Mullet; difficult to distinguish between the two species, but striped mullet has 8 rays or soft spines in the anal fin (white mullet have 9 rays).

Size: up to 6 pounds; average size is under 2 pounds.

(Ling Cod) Urophycis chuss

Description: long, tapered body shape featuring a short first dorsal fin with an elongated filament and a long second dorsal fin; a single chin barbel is present; caudal fin is rounded; coloration is brownish to grayish brown, with some hints of red, along the back and upper sides fading to a yellowish, off-white belly.

Size: up to 9 pounds; average size is under 2 pounds.

Description: long, tapered body features a head with a pointed snout, a plump midsection on most fish and a tapered rear; three distinct dorsal fins, a chin barbel and a forked caudal fin highlight the fin structure; coloration is bluish green to olive green along the back fading to a gray or greenish silver along the sides and a silvery belly.

Similar Fish: similar in color and shape to a bluefish; distinguisable by absence of teeth (bluefish are armed with sharp teeth), presence of three distinct dorsal fins (bluefish two dorsal fins) and presence of a chin barbel (none on bluefish). Also, closely related to and similar in body shape and fin structure to Atlantic cod, but distinguishable by much more prominent chin barbel on cod and coloration (cod have many color phases and tend to exhibit much more color including brown, reddish or dark spots along the back and sides).

Size: up to 35 pounds, average size is 1 - 6 pounds.

Description: round or oval shaped body featuring a head with a blunt snout and a small mouth; fin structure is highlighted by a deeply forked caudal fin, no first dorsal fin, which is replaced with 3 or 4 spines, and a long second dorsal fin; coloration pale blue to bluish green along the back fading to a silvery belly.

Size: up to 1 pound; average size is smaller.

(Amberjack) Seriola dumerili

Description: large, streamlined fish with a deeply forked, crescent shaped tail, caudal peduncle features a keel without scutes (which are hard, bony projections), a short, rounded pectoral fin and a dark nuchal band (stripe) running from the first dorsal fin through the eye; coloration is olive to dark amber on the back, fading to silvery sides and a white belly, although the overall color has a light yellow or amber tinge.

Similar Fish: Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, Lesser Amberjack. Differentiation of these species is tricky. Banded rudderfish are a very small jack with six prominent dark bars, running down their sides (juvenile amberjack have similar bars, but the bars fade and disappear in larger amberjack). Amberjack have 7 spines in their first dorsal fin, 30 - 34 dorsal rays in their second dorsal fin and 11 - 19 gillrakers; banded rudderfish have 8 dorsal spines in their first dorsal fin, 34 - 39 dorsal rays in their second dorsal fin, and 12 - 16 gillrakers. Almaco jacks have 7 dorsal spines in their first dorsal fin, 28 - 31 dorsal rays in their second dorsal fin, and 21 - 26 gillrakers. Lesser amberjack have 8 dorsal spines in their first dorsal fin, 29 - 32 dorsal rays in their second dorsal fin, and 21 - 24 gillrakers.

Size: up to 130 pounds; average size ranges from 30 - 60 pounds.

Description: small jack similar in body shape to the amberjack (streamlined with a deeply forked, crescent shaped tail, caudual peduncle has a keel without scutes, a short, rounded pectoral fin and a dark nuchal band); coloration is olive to dark amber on the back fading to silvery sides, although the fish has an overall light yellow or amber tinge; 6 prominent dark (often dark olive color) bars run down the sides of this fish.

Similar Fish: Greater Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Pilotfish; To differentiate among species, see Great Amberjack.

Size: up to 10 pounds; average size ranges from 1/2 - 2 pounds.

Description: streamlined fish with a deeply forked, crescent shaped tail, a caudal peduncle with a keel but no scutes, a short rounded pectoral fin, and a dark nuchal band; coloration is olive to bluish green to dark amber on the back, fading on the sides with a light colored belly; overall coloration has a light bluish green or olivaceous tinge.

Similar Fish: Amberjack and Banded Rudderfish; overall body shape is shorter and wider, and second dorsal and anal fins tend to be higher in relation to body width than in other species; also, caudal fin, while distinctively forked, is less crescent shaped than other species; to differentiate among species, see Greater Amberjack.

Size: up to 55 pounds; average size ranges from 8 - 25 pounds.

(Hardtail) Caranx hippos

Description: streamlined shape with a tapered body, although the head is relatively blunt (high forehead); deeply forked, crescent shaped tail, pointed, sickle shaped pectoral fin, and caudal peduncle keel with scutes (scutes are hard and very sharp, often inflicting severe cuts on anglers handling the fish by the tail); coloration is greenish gold along the back fading to a silver or yellowish silver sides and a yellow belly; a black spot is present on the gill cover and another black spot is present at the base of the pectoral fin.

Similar Fish: Blue Runner, Bar Jack, Horse Eye Jack

Size: up to 55 pounds; average size ranges from 3 - 20 pounds.

Description: streamlined shape, similar in most respects to crevalle jack, but lacking the blunt head; deeply forked, crescent shaped tail, pointed, sickle shaped pectoral fin and caudal peduncle keel with scutes are present; coloration is bluish green along the back, silvery sides with a silvery belly with shades or hints of yellow; a dark spot is present on gill cover and tips of caudal fin features dark spots, but lacks the dark spot at the base of pectoral fin which is present on crevalle jacks.

Similar Fish: Crevalle Jack, Bar Jack, Horse Eye Jack

Size: up to 5 pounds; average size is approximately 1 pound.

(Florida Pompano) Trachinotus carolinus

Description: rounded, flattened body with a small, underslung mouth; deeply forked tail and a small pectoral fin; coloration is greenish gray with some yellowish hints along the back fading to silver sides and a silvery yellow belly.

Size: up to 7 pounds; average size ranges from 1/2 - 2 pounds.

Description: the largest Atlantic billfish, with an elongated body colored dark blue or cobalt blue on top fading to a silvery white belly; may have some golden hues when the fish is alive, especially where the bluish back fades to silvery, and several pale vertical bars may be present down the sides; first part of dorsal fin and the anal fin are pointed.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to White Marlin; distiguishable by pointed dorsal and anal fins (white marlin have rounded dorsal and anal fins) and size (white marlin in excess of 130 pounds are extremely rare)

Size: up to 1500 pounds; average size ranges from 200 - 500 pounds.

Description: elongated body colored dark blue or cobalt blue on top fading to silvery white belly; first part of dorsal fin is rounded and features small black or dark spots; anal fin is rounded.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Blue Marlin; distinguishable by rounded first part of dorsal fin (which also features spots) and rounded anal fin (dorsal and anal fins of blue marlin are pointed).

Size: up to 180 pounds; average size ranges from 40 - 70 pounds.

Description: elongated body features a greatly enlarged dorsal fin, like a sail, from which the fish derives its name; coloration is dark blue or cobalt blue on top fading to silvery white belly; the large dorsal fin features numerous small, dark spots.

Similar Fish: White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Longbill Spearfish.

Size: up to 125 pounds; average size ranges from 30 - 60 pounds.

Description: a relatively small fish, whose elongated body features an elongated dorsal fin; coloration is dark blue or cobalt blue on top fading to silvery white belly.

Size: up to 75 pounds; average size ranges from 20 - 35 pounds.

(Dolphinfish, Mahi-Mahi) Coryphaena hippurus

Description: colorful fish tending to show a bluish green or turquoise top, fading to greenish sides fading to a yellowish belly; small bluish green dots can be found over entire body; body is elongated and tapers sharply from the head to the tail; males feature a very blunt forehead, while females exhibit a rounded forehead; caudal fin is deeply forked.

Similar Fish: Pompano Dolphin.

Size: up to 85 pounds, average size ranges from 2 - 15 pounds.

Description: a long, slender fish with a pointed snout and mouthful of sharp teeth; gills lack the white "teeth" or protrusions called gillrakers; coloration is dark blue or cobalt blue on top, fading to pale blue sides and a silvery blue belly; dark, verticle bands are present along the sides, similar to the stripes on a tiger.

Similar Fish: King Mackerel; distinguishable by the lack of gillrakers, a first dorsal fin which is longer and much fuller, and a caudal fin which is decidedly more upright (much less pronounced fork).

Size: up to 150 pounds; average size ranges from 20 - 35 pounds.

(Kingfish, King) Scomberomorous cavalla

Description: a long, slender fish with a deeply forked tail, caudal peduncle keel and a mouthful of sharp teeth; coloration is bluish green, bluish gray, or dark gray on the top fading to silvery sides and belly; fins are a uniform, dusky color.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Spanish Mackerel, particularly in juvenile king mackerel which have bronze spots on their sides which fade in adult fish; distinguishable from Spanish mackerel by 1) dusky coloration of first dorsal fin (Spanish mackerel have a jet black forward portion of first dorsal fin; 2) lateral line which makes a pronounced dip at the start of the second dorsal fin (Spanish mackerel have a lateral line that dips gradually and relatively evenly from the head to the tail;) 3) 6 - 10 gillrakers on each gill arch (Spanish mackerel have 11 - 16 gillrakers on each gill arch); 4) spots on juvenile king mackerel are a dull bronze color (on Spanish mackerel the spots are a bright golden color).

Size: up to 90 pounds; average size is 7 - 25 pounds.

Description: a slender fish with a deeply forked tail, caudal peduncle keel, and a mouthful of sharp teeth; coloration is green or greenish blue on top fading to silver sides and belly; a large number of irregular bright golden spots adorn the sides; front portion of first dorsal fin is jet black in color.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Cero Mackerel and King Mackerel; distinguishable from cero mackerel by the alignment and shape of golden spots on the sides (Spanish mackerel have irregular spots round in shape; cero mackerel have spots which are long and thin (elongated), close together and are aligned so if they were connected they would form lines running down the sides; also cero mackerel have a single golden line running down each side); cero mackerel are extremely rare north of southern Florida; see king mackerel to differentiate between king and Spanish mackerel.

Size: up to 13 pounds; average size ranges from 1 - 3 pounds.

(Boston Mackerel) Scomber scombrus

Description: small fish favoring cold water; coloration is dark green along the back fading to a silvery belly; dark wavy lines run from the top to midway down the sides; does not have a swim bladder.

Similar Fish: Chub Mackerel; distinguishable by absence of spots below lateral line (chub mackerel have spots) and absence of swim bladder (chub mackerel have a swim bladder).

Size: up to 5 pounds; average size is 1 - 2 pounds.

(False Albacore) Euthynnus alletteratus

Description: streamlined body shape tapering from head to tail; small finlets are present between dorsal and anal fins and the upright tail (caudal fin); coloration is dark greenish or dark greenish blue along the top and upper sides fading to silvery below; wavy stripes are present on the rear portion of the back (above the lateral line) and several dark spots appear below the base of the pectoral fin; caudal peduncle keel is present.

Similar Fish: Atlantic Bonito and Skipjack Tuna; distinguishable by location and placement of stripes on body.

Size: up to 35 pounds; average size ranges from 10 - 15 pounds.

(Bonito, Bonito Mackerel) Sarda sarda

Description: streamlined body shape tapering from head to tail; small finlets are present between dorsal and anal fins and the caudal fin; coloration is dark blue on top and upper sides fading to a silvery belly; several straight stripes run along the back tilted upward as they run from behind the head to the top of the back; caudal peduncle keel is present.

Similar Fish: Little Tunny and Skipjack Tuna; distinguishable by location and placement of stripes on body. Atlantic bonito have noticeable teeth, which are not as conspicuous in little tunny and skipjack tuna.

Size: up to 20 pounds; average size ranges from 4 - 8 pounds.

(Oceanic Bonito, Skippy) Euthynnus pelamis

Description: streamlined body shape tapering from head to tail; small finlets are present between dorsal and anal fins and the caudal fin; coloration is dark blue to bluish black on the top fading to silvery on the belly; 4 to 6 horizontal stripes run along the lower sides and belly; caudal peduncle keel is present.

Similar Fish: Little Tunny and Atlantic Bonito; distinguishable by location and placement of stripes on body.

Size: up to 40 pounds; average size ranges from 5 - 15 pounds.

(Horse Mackerel) Thunnus thynnus

Description: streamlined body tapering from head to tail; small finlets, usually tinged yellow, are present between dorsal and anal fins and the caudal fin; pectoral fin is short; coloration is dark blue to nearly black on top, fading along the sides with a white belly; often several series of small, very light-colored spots are present on the belly.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Yellowfin Tuna and Bigeye Tuna; distinguishable from both species by 1) short pectoral fin, which does not extend rearward on its body to the start of the second dorsal fin (pectoral fin extends at least this far on both yellowfin and bigeye tuna), and 2) the gillrakers on first gill arch (bluefin tuna have 34 - 43 gillrakers on arch, while yellowfins have 27 - 33 gillrakers and big-eyes have 25 - 29 gillrakers).

Size: up to 1400 pounds; average size ranges from 30 - 150 pounds.

(Allison Tuna) Thunnus albacares

Description: streamlined body tapering from head to tail; finlets, colored yellow, are present between dorsal and anal fins and the caudal fin; second dorsal and anal fin tend to be elongated (particularly on larger fish) and are colored yellow; pectoral fin is long, extending past the start of the second dorsal fin; coloration is dark blue on the top, fading along the sides with golden or yellow highlights to a light colored belly.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Bluefin Tuna and Bigeye Tuna; distinguishable from both species by 1) length of pectoral fin, which extends rearward past start of second dorsal fin (pectoral fin on bluefin tuna does not extend to start of second dorsal fin, while on bigeye tuna it extends just to the start of second dorsal fin); and, 2) its liver, which has a smooth surface on all sides and is not symmetrical in shape (both bluefin and bigeye tuna have livers which are striated on one side, which is caused by blood vessels just under the surface of the liver, and are symmetrically shaped); distinguishable from bluefin tuna by number of gillrakers on first gill arch (yellowfin tuna have 27- 33 gillrakers on gill arch, while bluefin tuna have 34 - 43 gillrakers); often, the very similar appearance of bigeye and yellowfin tuna necessitates examination of the liver for a positive identification.

Size: up to 385 pounds; average size ranges from 30 - 80 pounds.

Description: streamlined body tapers from head to tail; finlets, which are yellow tinged by black, are present between dorsal and anal fins and the caudal fin; dorsal and anal fins tend to be yellow in color; pectoral fin is long, extending rearward just to the start of the second dorsal fin; coloration is dark blue on top fading along the sides to a white belly; first gill arch has 25 - 29 gillrakers; eye is larger relative to the size of the head than for either bluefin or yellowfin tuna.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to Bluefin Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna; see descriptions of Bluefin Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna for distinguishing characteristics.

Size: up to 375 pounds; average size ranges from 100 - 250 pounds.

Description: streamlined body tapers from head to tail; finlets, dusky in coloration, are present between dorsal and anal fins and the caudal fin; pectoral fin is extremely long, extending past the start of the anal fin; coloration is dark blue on top fading to a silvery white sides and belly; first dorsal fin is yellow.

Similar Fish: similar to other tunas, but easily distinguishable by extremely long pectoral fins.

Size: up to 90 pounds; average size 25 - 45 pounds.

(Bat Ray, Bullfish) Rhinoptera bonasus

Description: broad, flat body is formed by winglike pectoral fins; long, whiplike tail features a barbed spine at the base of the tail; front of the head has an indentation in the middle giving it a similar appearance to a cow's nose, which gives rise to its name; coloration is brown or brownish with a mustard yellow tint on the back with a white or off-white belly.

Similar Fish: other rays are somewhat similar but the distinctive shape of the head easily distinguishes the cownose from other rays.

Size: up to 70 pounds; average size ranges from 20 - 40 pounds.

(Stingray) Dasyatis americana

Description: broad, diamond-shaped body is formed by winglike pectoral fins and a pointed head; long, whiplike tail features a barbed spine near the base of the tail; coloration is brown to grayish brown on the back with a white or off-white belly.

Similar Fish: closely related and very similar in appearance to the Atlantic stingray; distinguishable by pointed sides or wings (Atlantic stingray has rounded sides or wings) and placement of barbed spine (more forward on southern stingray, closer to the end of the tail on the Atlantic stingray).

Size: up to 175 pounds; average size ranges from 30 - 75 pounds.

Description: broad, diamond-shaped body, which is much wider than it is long, is formed by winglike pectoral fins and a pointed head; short tail has no spine; coloration is mustard yellow to brownish on the back with an off-white belly.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to the spiny butterfly ray; distinguishable by lack of barbed spine on tail (spiny butterfly ray has a barbed spine).

Size: up to 150 pounds; average size ranges from 25 - 70 pounds.

(Skate) Raja eglanteria

Description: broad diamond-shaped body with a pronounced pointed snout which is almost translucent; long tail features numerous spines (none barbed) running along the back and down the tail; coloration is brown or grayish brown along the back with numerous darker spots and some light spots; belly is white.

Size: up to 10 pounds; average size ranges from 2 - 5 pounds.

Description: long, slender body with two dorsal fins of nearly equal size; pelvic fin on the underside of the fish is positioned between the two dorsal fins and anal fin is absent; jaw is filled with small teeth with points bent toward rear of the mouth, positioned closely together to form a continuous cutting edge; a spiracle (airhole) is positioned behind the relatively large eye; coloration is gray along the back fading to pale gray with a white belly; young spiny dogfish have numerous white spots along the back.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to the smooth dogfish; distinguishable by lack of anal fin (smooth dogfish has an anal fin) and the presence of spines at the start of each dorsal fin (smooth dogfish lack spines). Also, spiny dogfish may appear similar to Atlantic sharpnose sharks, which have small white spots along the back. However, the two species are easily distinguishable by size of dorsal fins (spiny dogfish have fins nearly equal in size, while the sharpnose shark has a first dorsal fin substantially larger than the second); presence of an anal fin on sharpnose shark (none on spiny dogfish); presence of spines at start of dorsal fins on spiny dogfish (none on sharpnose shark), and presence of distinct individual teeth in sharpnose shark.

Size: up to 30 pounds, average size 5 - 15 pounds.

Description: long slender body with two dorsal fins of nearly equal size; pelvic fin on underside of fish is positioned between two dorsal fins, while anal fin is rear of the second dorsal fin; jaw features flat, pavement-like teeth and a spiracle (airhole) is located behind the relatively small eye; coloration is gray to brownish along the back fading to a pale gray along the sides with a white belly.

Similar Fish: closely related and similar in appearance to the spiny dogfish; distinguishable by presence of anal fin (absent in spiny dogfish) and absence of spines at the start of dorsal fins (present in spiny dogfish).

Size: up to 40 pounds; average size is 10 - 20 pounds.

(Brown Shark, Sand Shark) Carcharhinus milberti

Description: long slender body with large first dorsal fin and small second dorsal fin; distinctive ridge exists along top of back between the first and second dorsal fins; height of first dorsal fin exceeds 10% of shark=s total length and first dorsal fin extends farther forward on the body than on similar sharks; coloration is gray to grayish brown along the back and sides fading to a lighter colored abdomen.

Similar Sharks: Dusky shark; distinguishable by larger size of first dorsal fin (dusky's first dorsal fin height is smaller than 10% of its total body length) and location of first dorsal fin (dusky shark's first dorsal fin starts at or rearward of the connection of the pectoral fins to the body).

Size: up to 350 pounds; average size is 10 - 50 pounds.

Note: Chesapeake Bay is the largest nursery area in the world for sandbar sharks, and small specimens (10-25 pounds) are extremely abundant during the summer months. People often refer to the sand shark, which is not a true species of shark but is a generic reference to any small toothy shark, and most likely they are referring to the sandbar shark in local waters. Identification of the shark species is extremely difficult, often relying on comparisons of fin lengths or placement. A good guide for shark identification is Angler's Guide to Sharks of the Northeastern United States, by John G. Casey. This was a publication of the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Circular Number 179.