Are you 15 or younger and love fishing in Virginia’s saltwater? You could earn your very own Junior Expert Angler Citation Plaque - just by catching and releasing some of our amazing saltwater species.
Whether you’re fishing off a pier, the beach, or from a boat leaving a Virginia port, your saltwater adventure could land you official recognition from the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament.
To earn your Junior Expert Angler Award, here's what you'll need to do:
- Be 15 or younger on January 1st of the year you're fishing
- Catch and release qualifying saltwater species with rod and reel
- Fish must be caught in Virginia Marine waters, the Chesapeake Bay, or the Atlantic Ocean (and boats must launch and return to Virginia)
- Get a witness to each catch and complete the Junior Citation Form
- Submit your form by December 31st of the same year
- There's no entry fee - just fun and recognition
Here's what you need to land (and release) to qualify:
Fish Species Youth Citation Length Atlantic Puffer 8 inches Oyster Toad, Spot, Pinfish, Hogfish 10 inches Bluefish, Croaker, Kingfish 12 inches Sea Robin 14 inches Speckled & Grey Trout 16 inches Red Drum, Houndfish 18 inches Flounder 22 inches All other species follow standard state regulations.
Download and fill out the Junior Citation Form. Be sure to include:
- Name and address (no P.O. Boxes)
- Date of birth
- Each catch's species, date, and witness name
Mail your completed form to:
Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament
Building 96, 380 Fenwick Road
Ft. Monroe, VA 23651
By Email:
Send a scanned copy or digital version of the completed form to:
Matt.Hargis@mrc.virginia.gov
Contact:
Matt Hargis
Virginia Saltwater Tournament Director
Email: Matt.Hargis@mrc.virginia.gov
Phone: (757) 491-5160
Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’re already a weekend regular, the Junior Expert Angler Award is your chance to show your skills, enjoy the outdoors, and be part of Virginia’s saltwater fishing legacy.
