Pier Perfection: Public fishing areas in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula

Though many typical summer activities seem to be in question due to the current pandemic situation, one pastime that is now in full swing is fishing. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this beloved pastime is an excellent way to get outdoors and shake off the quarantine blues. Fortunately our area is ideal for fishing given the many rivers and waterways that are easily accessible.

Before heading out, it is of utmost importance to have the proper license, safety equipment and fishing gear to ensure a successful venture.

Licensing

In the state of Virginia, any person over the age of 16 is legally required to purchase and carry a permit for fishing. A full list of requirements and exemptions is available on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) website. Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsVirginia.com or at many physical locations such as sporting goods stores and at some county clerk’s offices.

A standard 1 year freshwater fishing license for Virginia residents 16 years and older is $23.

A standard 1 year saltwater fishing license is $17.50, and a combination license is $39.50. Short term, nonresidential and specialty licenses can also be purchased. A full list of options and prices are listed on the DGIF website.

Safety 

Whether you are fishing from a pier or from a boat, it is important to take proper safety precautions, especially when fishing with small children. Legally there are no specifications for life jackets or other safety gear when fishing from a pier, but if fishing with small children it may be a good measure to have a life jacket or other flotation device handy in the event of a slip or fall.

While also not mandated, it is advised to wear some sort of sun protection. Consistent protection measures such as wearing a hat and applying generous amounts of sunscreen can save you from unnecessary discomfort caused by sunburn, sun poisoning or even skin cancers. Eye protection is a good consideration as well.

There is a long list of safety requirements for boaters based on the size and type of the vessel.

Gear

Before heading to the pier you will, of course, want to ensure you have the proper gear. For many, packing fishing gear may seem like second nature, but for beginners choosing the right gear can be overwhelming. To keep it simple, you can start with a good rod and some bait. Rods come in a variety of lengths and materials for different purposes. A fiberglass rod is what most beginners select. If possible it is best to spend some time in the store where you can try each rod and select what feels most comfortable to you. Bait is readily available in many convenient stores and sporting supply stores. Blood worms or night crawlers are an easy-to-find popular choice that will allow you to catch many types of fish.

www.takemefishing.org offers a great, comprehensive beginners guide to choosing the right tackle and gear for your specific goals and interests. 

Where to go

The fishing location options in our area seem nearly limitless but it is important to make sure you are fishing in a public area unless you have specific permission to be on private lands. There are many public fishing piers that provide a great, safe place for all ages to practice their hobby.

Please note, while fishing is still permitted, many other park amenities may be prohibited due to COVID-19.

Glebe Point Fishing Pier

Glebe Point Pier is located on the Great Wicomico River at the base of the Route 200 bridge. The pier is 60 feet with a T-head and additional crabbing deck. It is completely free to fish there, but a valid saltwater recreational fishing license is required. The pier is handicapped accessible, has nine paved parking spots and even has picnic benches and a small grassy area for visitors to enjoy. A portable restroom is also available. Four commonly caught species of fish for this area include croaker, spot, sea trout and striped bass.

Directions from Tappahannock: Take US 360 east to Burgess. Turn right on Route 200 and go across the Route 200 bridge, take the first right immediately after the bridge. The parking lot is at the bottom of the hill.

From Gloucester Point: Take US 17 north to Route 3, take Route 3 to Kilmarnock. From Kilmarnock, take Route 200 to Wicomico Church and continue about 3 miles. Take the last left before crossing the Route 200 bridge (Route 1006). The parking lot is at the bottom of the hill.

Information is courtesy of the VA Marine Resources Commission.

Westmoreland State Park Fishing Pier

Westmoreland State Park located on the Potomac River offers a wide variety of activities and amenities. One of the most popular features is its large sandy beach with connected fishing pier that is available to all park visitors. There is a $7 weekday or $10 weekend entrance fee that gives you access to the park, beach, pool and other amenities. The pier is handicapped accessible and offers plenty of space to accommodate numerous fishers and their gear. Some common catches for the area include croaker, spot, white perch and striped bass. The area is also suitable for crabbing. There are restroom facilities and even a seasonal snack bar. Boat ramps and equipment rentals are also available at the park.

Directions From Tappahannock: Take US 360 east to Burgess. Turn right on Route 200 and go across the Route 200 bridge, take the first right immediately after the bridge. The parking lot is at the bottom of the hill.

From Gloucester Point: Take US 17 north to Route 3, take Route 3 to Kilmarnock. From Kilmarnock, take Route 200 to Wicomico Church and continue about 3 miles. Take the last left before crossing the Route 200 bridge (Route 1006). The parking lot is at the bottom of the hill.

Information is courtesy of the VA Marine Resources Commission.

Gloucester Point Fishing Pier

Gloucester Point Beach Park offers fun for the whole family with a sandy beach, playground, picnic shelters and a fishing pier. The T-head pier is located on the York River off US Route 17 next to the Coleman Bridge. The pier is free to use and is covered by a blanket pier license that allows individuals to fish without a saltwater license. Common catches for the area include croaker, spot, flounder, striped bass and gray trout.

Directions from the southside / Yorktown: There will be a $2.00 toll after you cross the Coleman Bridge. From US Route 17 north, turn right (traffic light closest to the bridge) onto Route 1206 (Lafayette Heights); turn right onto Route 1208 (Greate Rd), go through the VIMS campus and to Gloucester Point Beach. The pier will be on the left.

From Gloucester: From US Route 17 south, turn left (last traffic light before the bridge) onto Route 1206 (Lafayette Heights); turn right onto Route 1208 (Greate Rd), go through the VIMS campus and to Gloucester Point Beach. The pier will be on the left.

Information is courtesy of the VA Marine Resources Commission.

Williams Wharf

Williams Wharf in Mathews is a historic boatyard and steamship landing that offers public access to the East River. The privately-owned waterfront park offers a variety of amenities including an event pavilion, floating dock and T-head fishing pier. Restroom facilities and parking are available. Williams Wharf is located 1039 Williams Wharf Road Mathews, VA 23109

Directions from Gloucester: Follow VA-14 E to State Route 611. Turn right onto State Route 611 and continue for 2.4 miles. Turn right onto VA-14 E and continue for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto State Route 614 and follow for 1.1 miles to destination.

From Tappahannock: Follow US-17 S for 31.5 miles to VA 198 E in Petsworth. Continue on VA-198 E to State Route 614 in Chesapeake. Continue on to destination.

Information is courtesy of the Mathews Land Conservancy.

For more in-depth fishing tips and advice, check out “The Fishing Line” by Billy Pipkin.