Fishing Links

Boating safety

U. S Coast Guard Float Plan
Smith Point Sea Rescue
Rescue I stationed in Cockrell Creek
Rescue II stationed at Olverson’s Marina
Rescue III is stationed at Smith Point Marina
Smith Point Sea Rescue is an all volunteer organization dedicated to providing assistance to boats having difficulties in the mid-Chesapeake Bay area. SPSR receives no monetary support from any state or governmental agency. Funds are derived from donations and fund raising events and is a tax-exempt status [501 (c)3] organization.

Virginia requires all operators of a PWC  or boat with a 10 hp or greater motor to complete a safety course. Click on the below links to learn more.

BoatUS Boating Safety Online Course 
Where to find Virginia Boating Safety Course

U. S. Coast Guard Boating Safety

New Law Covering Engine Cut-off Switch (ECOS) in effect April 1, 2021

Weather Links

NWS – National Data Buoy Center – Marine Forecast – Northern Chesapeake Zones (Drum Point to Smith Point, Potomac River from Cobb Island to Smith Point, Tangier Sound)

NWS – National Data Buoy Center – Marine Forecast – Southern Chesapeake Zones (Smith Point to Windmill, Windmill Point to New Point Comfort)

NOAA’s National Weather Service – Northern Chesapeake Zones

NOAA’s National Weather Service – Southern Chesapeake and Coastal Zones

Fishing Licenses, saltwater Permits and reporting

Virginia Fishing License

Virginia Recreational Species Permits

Virginia Saltwater Angler Registration

Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration

Virginia’s Recreational Fishing Regulation for Marine Waters

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Guide

Virginia Saltwater Journal

Other helpful Fishing information

Virginia Marine Resources Commission

Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Recreational

Potomac River Fisheries Commission

NOAA Tide Table

NOAA Forecast Predicts Occurrence of Pathogenic Vibrio Bacteria in Chesapeake Bay

Virginia Artificial Reef Map

Virginia’s Artificial Reef Program

Fishing Resources, Tips, Tricks, reports, etc.

FishTalk Magazine -Lower Bay Fishing Report

Proptalk Magazine

Port Book

Virginia Beach Sport Fishing

VIMS Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Map

Angler’s Guide Fish Identification

How to fish with a Clarkspoon on a planer

Northern Neck Virginia Angler (Tidal Fish Forum)

Virginia Angler (Tidal Fish Forum)

Chesapeake Angler (Tidal Fish Forum)

Fishing Knot Guide
guide referred by Zach Nelson

Sturgeon Comeback Success Story

Fishing for Cobia: Tip, Tricks, Techniques
prepared by Tom Hedgpeth, NNAC
(updated 6/4/2021)

Trolling for Spanish Mackerel: Tip, Tricks, Techniques
prepared by Tom Hedgpeth, NNAC
(updated 7/7/2021)

Trolling for Spanish Mackerel in the Chesapeake Bay
Proptalk Magazine

RESOURCES AND APPS FOR FISH IDENTIFICATION