What You'll Find at First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park sits where the Cape Henry area meets the Atlantic Ocean and the Back Bay system in Virginia Beach. The park holds roughly 2,888 acres and gives you access to both saltwater fishing and freshwater ponds. You can fish from the shore along the bay side, from piers, or from boats if you bring your own. The park's location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay means you're fishing where ocean species move in and out with the seasons, mixing with bay residents year-round.

The main fishing areas are the bay shoreline (calmer, shallower water), the ocean-facing beaches (rougher conditions, deeper water offshore), and several small freshwater ponds within the park boundaries. Access is straightforward: you pay the day-use fee at the entrance, and fishing is permitted in designated areas. No special permit beyond your Virginia saltwater or freshwater license is required to fish here.

Key Takeaways

  • First Landing offers both bay and ocean fishing from shore, with the bay side calmer and better for beginners, and the ocean side holding larger species in fall and spring.
  • You need a Virginia saltwater fishing license to fish the bay and ocean areas; freshwater ponds require a freshwater license instead.
  • Fall (September through November) and spring (April through May) are peak seasons when striped bass, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish move through in numbers.
  • The park charges a day-use fee separate from your fishing license, and parking fills quickly on weekends during good weather.
  • Pier fishing requires no boat and is the easiest entry point; the bay shoreline offers calmer conditions than the ocean beach.

Saltwater Species and Seasonal Timing

Striped bass (rockfish) arrive in spring (April and May) and again in fall (September through November) as they migrate through the Chesapeake Bay system. They're caught from piers, the bay shoreline, and by boat anglers working deeper channels. Spring fish tend to be larger and more aggressive; fall fish are abundant but smaller on average. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday.

Spanish mackerel show up in late spring (May and June) and stay through early fall, with peak numbers in July and August. They're fast, aggressive, and caught on small shiny lures or live baitfish from piers and the ocean beach. They don't require heavy tackle and are good for anglers who want consistent action.

Bluefish follow similar timing to Spanish mackerel but are larger and more powerful. They're present May through October, with the best fishing in June and September. Bluefish will hit almost anything moving and are known for aggressive strikes. The ocean beach and deeper bay channels hold them.

Flounder (summer flounder) are present May through October, with peak numbers in June and July. They're bottom feeders found in deeper channels and along drop-offs. Live or fresh baitfish works better than lures. Fall flounder fishing (September and October) can be excellent as they move toward deeper water before winter.

Winter (December through February) is slow for most saltwater species. Black drum and sheepshead move in during colder months but are less abundant than spring and fall migrants. Summer (June through August) holds Spanish mackerel and bluefish but lacks the large striped bass runs.

Freshwater Ponds and Year-Round Options

First Landing has several small freshwater ponds stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. These ponds are calmer than the bay and ocean, making them good for beginners or anglers who want to avoid saltwater conditions. Bass fishing is decent in spring (March through May) and fall (September through October). Summer can be slow as fish move to deeper water and shade.

Bluegill and other panfish are present year-round and bite consistently in the ponds. They're easy to catch on small jigs or live crickets and are a good option if saltwater fishing is slow or if you're bringing children. The ponds are shallow and don't require a boat—you can fish from the bank.

A Virginia freshwater license is required for the ponds. If you hold a saltwater license, you do not automatically have freshwater rights; you need both licenses or a combination license that covers both.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

First Landing State Park is located at 4001 Shore Drive in Virginia Beach, about 15 minutes from downtown. The entrance is clearly marked from Shore Drive. Day-use parking costs vary by season (higher in summer) and fills quickly on weekends and holidays during good weather. Arrive early if you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, especially in spring and fall.

The park has restrooms, picnic areas, and a visitor center. There's a small camp store but no tackle shop on-site, so bring what you need or stop in Virginia Beach before entering. The park is open dawn to dusk for day-use fishing.

Boat ramps are not available within the park, but nearby marinas in Virginia Beach offer launch access to the bay. If you're trailering a boat, plan to launch elsewhere and motor to the park's shoreline.

Regulations and License Requirements

Virginia requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older fishing saltwater areas (the bay and ocean). A freshwater license is required for the ponds. Licenses are sold online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, at tackle shops in Virginia Beach, and at the park entrance. A one-day saltwater license is available if you don't want to commit to a longer term.

Size and catch limits vary by species and change annually. Striped bass have a minimum size (currently 18 inches) and a daily limit (currently one fish per day for most anglers). Spanish mackerel and bluefish have different minimums and limits. Flounder has a 16-inch minimum. Check the current Virginia saltwater regulations before you fish—limits and seasons shift, and ignorance of the rules doesn't protect you from a citation.

Crabbing is also permitted in designated areas of the bay, though it requires a separate license and follows its own regulations. If you're interested in crabbing alongside fishing, confirm current rules at the park entrance or online.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Saltwater fishing at First Landing doesn't require expensive gear. A medium-action spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) and a reel spooled with 10- to 15-pound monofilament or braided line will handle most species. Bring a tackle box with small shiny lures (spoons and soft plastics), a few live or fresh baitfish if you plan to fish the bottom, and a net if you want to land larger fish safely.

The bay side is calmer and better for beginners; the ocean beach is rougher and requires heavier tackle and more experience reading conditions. If you're new to saltwater fishing, start on the bay shoreline or a pier.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The sun reflects off the water and intensifies exposure. Tides matter for saltwater fishing—incoming and outgoing tides both produce, but slack tide (the hour around high or low) is often slower. Check tide tables for Virginia Beach before you go; they're free online and help you time your visit.

When to Fish: Seasonal Planning

Spring (April and May) is excellent for striped bass and the start of Spanish mackerel season. Water is warming, fish are active, and the park is busy but not yet crowded with summer tourists. Expect variable weather and occasional rain.

Summer (June through August) is warm and crowded. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are abundant, but striped bass are absent. The park fills with swimmers and tourists. Early morning fishing (before 8 a.m.) is your best bet for solitude and consistent bites.

Fall (September through November) is peak season. Striped bass return, Spanish mackerel and bluefish are still present, and flounder fishing improves. Weather is mild, and the park is less crowded than summer. This is the best time to visit if you want good fishing and fewer people.

Winter (December through February) is slow for saltwater species. Freshwater ponds are your best option. Weather is cold and unpredictable. The park is quiet, and parking is easy, but fishing success is lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish at First Landing?

No. You can fish from the bay shoreline, the ocean beach, and from piers without a boat. Boat anglers have access to deeper channels and more species, but shore fishing is productive for striped bass, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish, especially during spring and fall migrations.

What's the difference between fishing the bay side and the ocean side?

The bay side is calmer, shallower, and better for beginners. The ocean side has rougher conditions, stronger currents, and access to larger offshore species, but requires more experience and heavier tackle. Start on the bay if you're new to saltwater fishing.

Can I fish the freshwater ponds if I only have a saltwater license?

No. Freshwater ponds require a freshwater license. Virginia sells combination licenses that cover both saltwater and freshwater fishing, or you can purchase them separately. Check which license you hold before fishing the ponds.

What time of year has the most fish?

Fall (September through November) and spring (April and May) are peak seasons when striped bass, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish migrate through in large numbers. Summer holds Spanish mackerel and bluefish but lacks the striped bass runs. Winter is slow overall.

Is there a tackle shop at the park?

No tackle shop operates within First Landing. Bring your own gear or stop at a tackle shop in Virginia Beach before entering the park. The park has a small camp store but doesn't stock fishing equipment.