7 Hot Tips: Ocean View Pier Fishing Report TODAY (December 24, 2025) & What’s Biting Now
The Ocean View Fishing Pier report for today, December 24, 2025, indicates a classic late-season Chesapeake Bay pattern with bottom feeders dominating the recent catches. Anglers are successfully targeting species like Piked Dogfish and Starry Ray, leveraging the pier's deep-water access into the Bay. The key to success right now is using robust bottom rigs with fresh cut bait, focusing on the deeper sections of the 1,690-foot structure, especially during the high-tide windows.
This comprehensive report provides the current conditions, the latest catches, and essential tips on bait, rigs, and pier logistics to ensure your trip is a success. The pier remains a fantastic, accessible option for winter fishing, offering 24/7 access and the major convenience of not requiring an individual Virginia saltwater fishing license.
Ocean View Fishing Pier: Essential Angler Profile (December 2025)
Before you cast a line, knowing the pier’s specifics is crucial for a successful trip. The Ocean View Fishing Pier is more than just a fishing spot; it’s a full-service destination on the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, Virginia.
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia (Extends into the Chesapeake Bay)
- Length: 1,690 feet (One of the longest in the area)
- Current Date: December 24, 2025
- Operating Hours: Fishing is open 24/7, year-round.
- Admission Fee: $11 per person for fishing.
- License Requirement: No individual Virginia saltwater fishing license is required for anglers fishing from the pier (the pier holds a blanket license).
- Facilities: Full-service Bait House (stocking current bait), Rod & Reel Rentals ($10 plus $20 refundable deposit), and a Restaurant.
The Current Ocean View Pier Fishing Report: What’s Biting Today
As of today, December 24, 2025, the fishing action at Ocean View Pier is focused on cold-tolerant species that thrive in the deeper channels of the Chesapeake Bay during the winter. The typical summer species have moved offshore, leaving a strong bite for bottom-dwelling fish.
Recent Confirmed Catches
Recent angler reports confirm two primary catches dominating the rails:
- Piked Dogfish: These small sharks are plentiful in the cold water and offer a consistent, hard-fighting catch. They are typically found closer to the end of the pier where the water is deepest.
- Starry Ray: A common winter catch, these rays are often caught on bottom rigs and provide a significant, challenging fight.
Winter Target Species (LSI)
While the Dogfish and Ray are the most frequent catches, the deeper waters of the Chesapeake Bay in December also offer opportunities for more prized targets:
- Tautog: Also known as Blackfish, they are a cold-water favorite and often found near the pier pilings or artificial structure.
- Striped Bass (Rockfish): Still biting into the early winter, anglers should look for birds working the water, especially around the high-tide swing.
- Sea Bass & Triggerfish: These are often found in deeper, offshore waters, but larger individuals can sometimes be caught from the pier, especially during a mild winter.
- Speckled Trout: Inshore areas near the pier may still hold a good bite for Speckled Trout, requiring a lighter tackle approach.
7 Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Winter Catch
Success on the Ocean View Pier in December requires a shift in strategy from summer fishing. Here are the seven essential tips for targeting the current winter bite.
1. Master the Bottom Rig
For the Dogfish and Starry Ray, a bottom rig is non-negotiable. Use a sturdy Fish-Finder Rig or a Carolina Rig to keep your bait anchored on the bottom, where these species feed. The rig should be tied with heavy leader material (30-50 lb test) to withstand the sharp teeth of the Dogfish.
2. The Best Bait for the Season
Forget the small pieces of shrimp—winter fishing demands oily, robust bait. The best choices available at the pier's Bait House include:
- Cut Squid: A universal, durable bait that works for Dogfish, Rays, and even Tautog.
- Market Shrimp: A reliable, easily accessible option.
- Bloodworms: Excellent for Tautog and any remaining Spot or Croaker.
3. Focus on the Tide & Time
Today’s tide chart shows a Low Tide at 5:26 AM and a High Tide at 11:22 PM. The best bite times are typically during the moving water—the two hours leading up to the high tide and the two hours following it. The Dogfish bite can be strong 24/7, so take advantage of the pier's all-night access.
4. Slow and Deep Retrieval
Cold water makes fish sluggish. Avoid fast retrieves. Use slow retrieves with bottom jigs or allow the current to gently swing your bait (a technique known as 'drift fishing' from the pier). Cast out, let your rig settle, and retrieve with short, deliberate pauses.
5. Use Circle Hooks
To ensure a clean, lip-hooked catch and protect the fish, use 4/0 to 5/0 Circle Hooks when targeting the larger species like Dogfish and Ray. Circle hooks are also less likely to be swallowed, making catch-and-release easier.
6. Target the Pilings for Tautog
If Tautog is your goal, fish as close to the pier pilings as possible. These fish are structure-oriented and feed on mussels and barnacles attached to the wood. A simple jig tipped with a piece of clam or fiddler crab (if available) is the ideal presentation.
7. Check the Wind Direction
Today's wind is forecast to be from the South at 2.2 to 15.6 mph. A southerly wind can often push warmer surface water and baitfish towards the pier, improving the bite. However, winds over 15 mph can make casting difficult, so be prepared with heavier sinkers.
Pier Logistics and Regulations
The Ocean View Pier is one of the most angler-friendly destinations in Virginia, primarily because of its blanket fishing license. The $11 admission fee covers the state's requirement, meaning you do not need to purchase a separate individual saltwater license. This is a significant advantage, particularly for visiting anglers or those who only fish a few times a year.
The Bait House is fully stocked and is the best place to get current, hyper-local advice on what bait is working best *right now*. Always call the pier directly for the absolute latest updates on conditions, as weather can change rapidly on the Chesapeake Bay. The pier’s location in Norfolk, VA, offers easy access and ample parking, making it an ideal spot for a full day or night of fishing.
Whether you are seeking the challenging fight of a Piked Dogfish or hoping to land a late-season Striped Bass, the Ocean View Fishing Pier provides an accessible, fully-equipped location to enjoy cold-weather fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Be prepared with the right bottom rig, the appropriate bait, and a patient, slow approach, and you are set for a rewarding day on the water this December. Good luck and tight lines!
Detail Author:
- Name : Kurtis Hermiston
- Username : hirthe.gisselle
- Email : vnader@walter.net
- Birthdate : 1979-10-01
- Address : 3446 Amari Burg Bernardhaven, ME 96469
- Phone : +1-478-577-2353
- Company : Purdy-Lynch
- Job : Auxiliary Equipment Operator
- Bio : Porro animi omnis illo cum. Aut ut consequuntur eos fugit. Et voluptatem voluptatem ipsam delectus a ut repellat. Vel repudiandae numquam harum culpa quo autem qui.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/blaise.dibbert
- username : blaise.dibbert
- bio : Pariatur et unde voluptate exercitationem et autem. Debitis et vel adipisci illo incidunt.
- followers : 170
- following : 112
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@blaise6207
- username : blaise6207
- bio : Eum ut deserunt tempora blanditiis quibusdam praesentium.
- followers : 1497
- following : 2815
