Virginia § 28.2-226.1 - Recreational gear license required
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 28.2-226.1 — Recreational gear license required, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28.2-226.1. Recreational gear license required
A. Any person desiring to take or catch finfish or shellfish for recreational purposes in the tidal waters of the Commonwealth using commercial gear authorized under § 28.2-226.2 shall first obtain the appropriate commercial gear license for recreational purposes. A license to use such gear for recreational purposes shall be issued to an individual for his exclusive use and shall not be transferable.
B. All gear licenses issued for recreational purposes shall be so marked.
C. Any person who has obtained a commercial gear license for recreational purposes only shall be exempt from the commercial fishing registration requirements of §§ 28.2-241 and 28.2-242.
D. For purposes of this section and §§ 28.2-226.2 and 28.2-232, "recreational purposes" means finfish or shellfish taken for personal use and not sold, traded, bartered, or given to another in order to be sold, traded, or bartered.
E. Holders of licenses under this section shall report catch and other data as is deemed necessary by the Commission for effective fisheries management.
F. Any person who engages in an activity for which an exemption is provided in § 28.2-226, holds a saltwater recreational fishing license and uses a gear type listed in § 28.2-302.1, or is exempt from the requirements of obtaining a saltwater recreational license pursuant to subdivision A 11 of § 28.2-302.5 shall be exempt from the requirement of obtaining a commercial gear license for recreational purposes.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 28.2-226.1
What does Code of Virginia § 28.2-226.1 cover?
Section 28.2-226.1 ("Recreational gear license required") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 28.2-226.1?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 28.2-226.1" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 28.2-226.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.