Chapter 740. Pertaining to the Snagging or Towing of Fish
4VAC20-740-10. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to reduce snagging and towing injuries and mortalities to finfish in Virginia waters and to preserve the public safety by prohibiting the practice of snagging fish.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0097 § 1, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 17, eff. April 13, 1995; Volume 35, Issue 17, eff. April 1, 2019.
4VAC20-740-15. Definitions.
The following words or terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
"Mugel genus" means white mullet, striped mullet, and flathead grey mullet.
"Snagging" means the act of intentionally hooking or attempting to hook a fish in any part of its body other than its mouth using a fishing line, hook, or other device.
"Towing of fish" means tethering a fish by any method behind the vessel while the engine is running and in gear.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 17, eff. April 1, 2019; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. October 1, 2024.
4VAC20-740-20. Snagging prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to take or to attempt to take any finfish by means of snagging other than Atlantic menhaden and species in the Mugel genus.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0097 § 2, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 17, eff. April 13, 1995; Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. October 1, 2024.
4VAC20-740-25. Towing of fish prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tow any cobia or striped bass.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 17, eff. April 1, 2019.
4VAC20-740-30. Penalty.
As set forth in § 28.2-903 of the Code of Virginia, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this chapter committed by the same person within 12 months of a prior violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0097 § 3, eff. November 1, 1993; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 17, eff. April 13, 1995.