Red Drum in Virginia
Virginia red drum: limits, record, stocking and waters.
- 3 a day (salt)bag
Pick for red drumPiscifun Alloy S inshore spinning reelCheck price at PiscifunPhoto of the species, not a Virginia water: Steve Hillebrand, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
red drum from the Blue Ridge to Tidewater
For red drum, the rules sit in the Marine Resources Commission chapters of the Administrative Code rather than DWR's freshwater table. In tidal water the Administrative Code sets 18 to 26 inches; 3 per person a day (Virginia tidal waters).
For now it shows up on no record row, stocking date or water page.
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-1400-30 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
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| Where it applies | Row as printed | Creel | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Bay and tributaries, including Brinson’s Inlet Lake (Lake Tecumseh), and the North Landing River and its tributaries | Red Drum | 1 per day between 18 and 27 inches | no length limit printed |
Statewide creel and length limits as printed (page updated August 17, 2026), 2026 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia digest (eRegulations, linked from the Virginia DWR regulations page), read November 6, 2026.
How the Administrative Code treats red drum
| Area as written | Size | Per person | Season | Code section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia tidal waters | 18 in minimum, 26 in maximum | 3 | not stated | 4VAC20-1400-30 |
Slot limit in total length.
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-1400-30 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
Quoted Virginia rule text for red drum
4VAC20-1400-30, Recreational Size and Possession Limits.
“A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally with any gear type to take, catch, or possess any red drum less than 18 inches in total length or greater than 26 inches in total length. B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally with any gear type to possess more than three red drum.”
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-1400-30 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
Fish kin to red drum on this site
- Atlantic Croaker50 a day (salt)
- Atlantic Spadefish4 a day (salt)
- Black Drum1 a day (salt)
- Black Sea Bass15 a day (salt)
- Bluefish5 a day (salt)
- Blueline Tilefish3 a day (salt)
- Cobia1 a day (salt)
- Golden Tilefish8 a day (salt)
Piscifun tackle that suits Virginia red drum
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How the banks by Red Drum look on a clear day
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Tidewater-to-mountain questions on Red Drum
How many red drum may I keep per day in Virginia?
Per the VMRC chapter as of November 6, 2026: 18 to 26 inches; 3 per person a day (Virginia tidal waters).
What is the Virginia record red drum?
DWR's record list carries no row for it.
Which Commonwealth lake or river lists red drum?
The Virginia freshwater pages leave it off for now.
Does the digest print local red drum rules?
No digest exception names it, though water-wide rules still apply.
How often does DWR stock red drum?
No DWR stocking line covers it.
How much is a Virginia license to fish for red drum?
A Virginia saltwater license is $17.50 for residents and $25 for nonresidents 16 and older.
Which fish family are Virginia red drum in?
Not printed in the data used.
Can I fish for red drum on a Virginia Free Fishing Day?
Virginia DWR set Free Fishing Days for June 5–7, 2026: no freshwater fishing license needed, all other rules apply. Creel and length rules still apply.
Find red drum near your Virginia base
Every linked water shows DWR access sites.