Scup rules in Virginia
Size, bag and season for recreational scup in Virginia waters, as published by Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
- Size
- 9" minimum (state waters)
- Bag
- 30 per person (state waters)
- Season
- No closed season listed for state waters
Also on the agency page: Page: limits apply in state waters; federal-waters scup rules subject to change (refer to NMFS). No closed season listed.
Stale: this row was last checked Oct 10, 2026, past our 30-day limit. Treat it as history and go to the agency page.
Rules change in season, sometimes by emergency notice. This page summarizes the agency page on the date shown. If this summary and the agency page disagree, the agency page controls.
What to know before you keep one
Scup rules often differ by fishing mode. Shore anglers, for-hire boats and private boats can carry different sizes or bags in the same state.
State water or federal water
Virginia rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Scup are jointly managed by ASMFC and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Federal recreational measures apply in federal waters. NOAA Fisheries · scup ↗
Across the state line
Rules for the same fish change at the state line. If you run across it or land in the next state, those rules apply.
| State | Size | Bag | Status as of Oct 13, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 9" minimum | 30 | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Maryland | 9" minimum | 30 per day | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Virginia | 9" minimum (state waters) | 30 per person (state waters) | Openas of Oct 13 |
| North Carolina | 9" total length minimum | 30 per person per day | Openas of Oct 13 |