Fall rockfish season in Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay opens at midnight next Thursday, Oct. 4, and continues through Dec. 31.

The state allows a daily possession limit of two fish from 18 to 28 inches in length; one of the two may be longer than 28. This is a change from previous years; the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in August eliminated a no-take slot limit of 28-34 inches, which had resulted in many good fish being thrown back.

The season brings out anglers in droves, especially as the large fish begin schooling late in the season. Citations are awarded for the catch-and-release of a 44-inch fish, or catch of a 40-pounder.

The state record, set this year, is for a 74-pound rockfish (also largely known by its proper name, striped bass) caught early in the year during the Atlantic Ocean season, off Virginia Beach.

So far in 2012, nearly 750 citations have been issued by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament for large rockfish catches.
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