Official resources
Verify before you go.
Coastal Companion is editorial. Licenses, size and creel limits, seasons, closures, advisories, and forecasts all live with the agencies below.
1 of 5
Regulations & licenses
Confirm seasons, size and creel limits, closures, and license requirements before every trip.
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC)Saltwater recreational regulations, size and possession limits, and closures.
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)Freshwater fishing regulations, licenses, and public boat ramps.
- Virginia Saltwater Fishing License / RegistrySaltwater licensing information and the free recreational registry.
2 of 5
Weather, tides & water
Marine forecasts and tide predictions change quickly along the Bay and Atlantic front.
Bite Windows overlays these same NOAA and NWS predictions for a specific Hampton Roads spot — a planning convenience, not a substitute for the sources themselves.
Open Bite Windows3 of 5
Safety & travel
Boating safety requirements, bridge and tunnel conditions, and emergency guidance.
4 of 5
Seafood safety & consumption
Cooking temperatures, storage, and fish consumption advisories.
- FoodSafety.gov — Safe minimum cooking temperaturesAuthoritative safe internal temperature guidance for fish and shellfish.
- Virginia Department of Health — Fish consumption advisoriesState advisories for specific waterbodies and species.
- EPA — Fish and shellfish advisoriesFederal guidance on eating locally caught fish.
5 of 5
Parks & local access
Access hours, fees, permits, and closures are set by the managing agency.
- Virginia State ParksPark hours, parking fees, and shoreline access rules.
- Virginia Beach Parks & RecreationCity park, pier, and beach access information.
- Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open SpaceCity park and waterfront access information.
- Newport News Parks & RecreationCity park, reservoir, and pier access information.
More reading
Companion guides
Related local guides from the same project. Links appear here once each one is published.
- Harvest & Harbor
- Regional fishing resources
- Local food guides
- Handyman resources