Get out your fishing gear, pump up your bicycle tires, gas up the boat, lace up your running shoes, dust off the golf clubs, learn tennis, rugby or sailing. Put down the potato chips and get outside! You can do it all in Hampton Roads.
FISHING
SALTWATER
Striped bass. This is the most popular game fish in the Chesapeake Bay. During the fall season, which begins in early October, 10-pounders can be caught near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Flounder. A favorite catch of the bay’s small-boat fishermen.
Croaker. Two-pounders are common, and 3-pounders are not unusual.
Gray trout. Also known as weakfish, this is another species on the upswing. Gray trout can be caught from any of the area’s piers.
Cobia. A summer visitor, cobia is the biggest game fish available to small boaters and pier jockeys. The state record was broken in 2002 with a 104-pound catch at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
FRESHWATER
Largemouth bass. All of the area reservoirs are stocked with largemouth bass. The freshwater stretches of each of the river systems are home to abundant populations, too.
Crappie. These slab-like fish are a delight to catch on ultralight spinning gear. Crappie can be found in all area reservoirs and freshwater rivers.
Catfish. Channel catfish are the most abundant species in the reservoirs. Big blue catfish can be found in the lower Chickahominy River as well as the James and Rappahannock rivers.
Striped bass. A number of reservoirs have been stocked with striped bass. Western Branch near Suffolk, Little Creek Reservoir in Toano and Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg have been yielding 30-pound class stripers for the last few years.
Panfish. These include sunfish, bluegills and yellow perch.
NOTE: Saltwater fishing regulations can change monthly. Be sure you know the current regulations before you start your fishing trip. Personnel at boat rental and bait concessions at each of the reservoirs can explain the freshwater regulations you need to know.
RESERVOIRS
Most area reservoirs were built in the early 1900s as water supply systems for Hampton Roads. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has stocked these reservoirs with a variety of game fish that ranges from muskie to rainbow trout.
Beaverdam. 635 acres. Good largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and panfish angling. Two boat ramps, boat and canoe rentals and picnic facilities. Park is open 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. until May 1. Open 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. May 1 through Labor Day. 8687 Roaring Springs Road, Gloucester County. (804) 693-2107.
Lake Biggins. A small lake in Newport News’ Huntington Park. Anglers older than 16 need a freshwater license and a trout license. There is no concession for the lake. 886-7921.
Burnt Mills. 610 acres. Loaded with submerged stumps and structures. Largemouth bass and sunfish are the main catches. At the intersection of Route 601 and Route 603 in Isle of Wight County. Although there is no facility for this lake, information is available from the Norfolk Department of Utilities reservoir manager, 441-5678.
Chickahominy Lake. An 8-mile-long reservoir that is one of the top fishing spots in the state. There are no public boat ramps on the lake. Dillon’s Landing, Trails End Landing and Ed Allen’s Campground maintain private ramps. (804) 966-5368.
Harwood’s Mill. 244 acres. Stocked with northern pike, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Boat rentals on weekends. Oriana Road in York County. Kristi Barber or Susan Buck 886-7941 or 886-7912.
Lake Maury. 165 acres. Also known as Mariners’ Museum Lake. Stocked with smallmouth bass, catfish, bream, yellow and white perch, some northern pike and crappie. Boat, trolling motors and battery rentals. In Mariners’ Museum Park in Newport News. Opens April 1. 591-7799.
Lake Prince. 777 acres. One of what is collectively known as the Suffolk Lakes. Excellent fishing for striped bass, largemouth, shellcrackers (sunfish) and chain pickerel. Route 604 near Suffolk.
Lee Hall. 230 acres. Large-mouth bass and chain pickerel are the main catches. Boat rentals at one end of the reservoir and a fishing pier at the other end. Inside Newport News Park. Kristi Barber or Susan Buck 886-7912.
Little Creek. 996 acres. Earning a reputation as a freshwater striped bass hot spot. Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch and catfish are other popular catches. A 25-pound striper was caught in June 2004. Boat ramp and boat rentals, electric motors only. Off Forge Road on Lakeview Road (Route 610) in Toano. Open 7 days a week March 1 through the end of November. Open weekdays 7 a.m. until a half-hour before sunset. Open weekdays and holidays 6 a.m. until a half-hour before sunset. 566-1702 or 259-3221.
Lake Meade and Lake Cohoon. Both approximately 700 acres. Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, rockfish and panfish are the main catches. Boat ramp and rentals available. Pitchkettle Road in Suffolk. 539-6216.
Waller Mill. A picturesque reservoir featuring striped bass, largemouth and panfish. Boat ramp and boat rentals. In Williamsburg’s Waller Mill Park.
Western Branch. 1,579 acres. Largest of the Suffolk Lakes. One of the top largemouth and shellcracker waters in the state. Stripers, muskies, panfish, chain pickerel and catfish are other catches.
FISHING PIERS
Before Hurricane Isabel hit in September 2003, there were three main public fishing piers. Grandview and Buckroe both were known for great cobia fishing but are no longer standing. The lone remaining area fishing pier is the James River (247-0364) pier, at Huntington Park in Newport News. It is the longest pier on the East Coast.
Although you don’t need a saltwater recreational license, you must pay admission at the pier. It opens April 1. Hours are 9 a.m.-11 p.m. seven days a week.
BOAT RAMPS
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries maintains a number of area public boat launching ramps. There is no charge to use these ramps, although you should expect delays and lines during summer weekends. The department also publishes a free brochure that shows the ramps’ locations. You can pick one up at area marinas or by calling the department in Richmond at (804) 367-1000. Here are some of the main public ramps:
Huntington Park. Near the foot of the James River Bridge in Newport News.
Dandy Point. On the Back River, in the Fox Hill section of Hampton.
Warwick River. At the end of Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News.
Messick Point. At the end of Messick Road in Poquoson.
POOLS
Hampton Roads offers several public, semiprivate and private swimming pools. Call ahead for price details and swim schedules. Here is a partial list of public pools:
Doris Miller Community Center. Open to the public, 1-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday. 2814 Wickham Ave. 247-8603.
Hampton Roads Boys & Girls Club. Open to the public, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 28-Aug. 20. 629 Hampton Ave. 247-1364.
James City/Williamsburg Community Center. Large indoor pool. No diving boards or jumping. Wheelchair-accessible pool. Prices vary. 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. 5301 Longhill Road, Williamsburg. 259-4200.
Magruder Pool. Large outdoor pool. Diving area, kiddie pool. Open noon-6 p.m. Closed Tuesday. Free. 1712 Chestnut Ave., Newport News. 247- 5934.
Midtown Community Center. Indoor, 50-meter pool with diving area. Slide and children’s play structure available. Open daily. Prices vary. Friday nights are open recreation. Jefferson Avenue and McLawhorne Drive. 591-4573.
Old Hampton Community Center. Indoor, 25-meter pool. Handicapped- accessible. Swimmers must have a Hampton Parks and Recreation Community Center identification card ($10 for one-year access). Ages 13-17 and seniors (50 and older) $3, 12 and younger free. There is small fee for pool access. 201 Lincoln St., Hampton. 727-1123.
Poquoson Pool. Outdoor, T-shaped, 25-meter pool. Two diving boards. Open daily. $4 (Poquoson residents and nonresidents may buy season passes). 830 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson. 868-0777.
CLUBS
BIKING, REGIONAL EVENTS
BikeWalk Virginia. Formerly known as Bicycling Education Association. Sponsors Bike Virginia in June. Nonprofit group that promotes ease and accessibility for bicyclist and pedestrians. P.O. Box 203, Williamsburg, 23187-0203. www.bikevirginia.org or www.bikewalkvirginia.org. 229-0507.
BIKING, GROUP RIDES
Peninsula Bicycling Association. Group rides several times a week throughout the Peninsula. P.O. Box 12115, Newport News, 23612. groups.hamptonroads.com/pba. 356-1451.
Williamsburg Area Bicyclists. Group rides several times a week year-round, mostly in Williamsburg. Open to bicyclists of all experience levels. Coordinates Bike Month during May. P.O. Box 2222, Williamsburg, 23187-2222. www.wabonline.org. 229-4046.
GO-KART RACING
Hampton Roads Kart Club. Holds races from May through October at Langley Speedway. P.O. Box 8146, Yorktown, 23693. www.hrkc.com. 249-KART (5278).
MOUNTAIN BIKING,
GROUP RIDES
Eastern Virginia Mountainbike Association. Group rides at 10 a.m. every Saturday at New Quarter Park in Williamsburg. Rides at 10 a.m. every Sunday at Upper County Park. Freedom Park in Williamsburg and York River State Park in Williamsburg are also available. All four parks open year-round. Please do not ride wet trails. May 14th Bike Day at New Quarter Park starting at 11 a.m. P.O. Box 7553, Hampton, 23666. www.evma.org. Kirk Moore 757-566-1121.
HIKING, OTHER
OUTDOOR EVENTS
Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club. Hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities across Virginia, including the Peninsula. P.O. Box 8246, Norfolk 23503. www.tidewateratc.com.
ROWING
Virginia Rowing Club. Recreational and competitive rowing for men and women in single, four- and eight-person shells. Summer classes for novices. Based in Hampton but open to all Peninsula residents. Meets three times a week in summer, and holds monthly races. P.O. Box 9661 Hampton, 23670. www.varowing.org.
RUGBY
Newport News Rugby Football Club. Practice Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with games on Saturdays. Dave Yancey, 223-9381. www.newportnewsrugby.com.
RUNNING
Colonial Road Runners. Based in Williamsburg but serving runners from throughout southeastern Virginia. Organizes races, plus social events, daily group runs and weekly speed-work interval sessions. Open to men and women of all ages. Twelve races held annually in Grand Prix series between March and November. P.O. Box 657, Williamsburg, 23187. www.colonialroadrunners.org or rickplatt@juno.com. Rick Platt, 229-7375.
Peninsula Track Club. Puts on about 35 races a year, ranging from 5 kilometers to half marathons, including many summer events, along with social events. P.O. Box 11116, Newport News, 23601. www.peninsulatrackclub.com. Larry Turlington, 898-3808.
Fort Eustis Hash House Harriers. Weekly group runs combined with social events. 552-8043.
SAILING
Hampton Roads Community Sailing Center. Nonprofit organization offering sailing classes for adults, people with disabilities, all summer long beginning April 5-October. Kids classes begin June 21 and run through Labor Day. Adults fees are $265 and kids fees $225. P.O. Box 131, Hampton 23669. www.sailhamptonroads.com. Red Eilenfield, 651-4273.
WINDSURFING
Windsurfing Enthusiasts of Tidewater. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month on the Peninsula and are announced on the Web sites. Sponsors the Mid-Atlantic Windsurfing Series, held April 22-24, open to beginners, amateurs and pros. Free introductory lessons available. www.windvisions.com/WET.html or beachsports.net. Beach Sports, 851-3224.
TENNIS
Back Creek Park. Public. Under construction. Tentatively will reopen March 28. Six lighted outdoor hard courts. $2 an hour before 5 p.m., $4 an hour after 5 p.m. Usually closed on weekends. 3000 Goodwin Neck Road, Seaford, York County. 890-3850.
Centre Court Racquet Club. Semiprivate. Eight hard indoor courts. Nonmembers may play for $18-$22 an hour. 12445 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 595-5639.
Hampton Tennis Center. Public. Seven lighted outdoor clay courts. $5 an hour per court, reservations encouraged. 9 Woodland Road, Hampton. 727-1193.
Hilton Tennis Club. Private. Four outdoor clay courts. 111 Municipal Lane, Newport News. 596-9958.
Huntington Park. Public. 20 asphalt outdoor courts with lights. $2.15-$2.70 per hour. 361 Hornet Circle, Newport News. 247-8587.
Kiln Creek Golf and Country Club. Semiprivate. Four courts — two outside and two under a bubble. Nonmembers, $20 an hour for indoor courts on evenings and weekends. 1000 Brick Kiln Blvd., Newport News. 988-3210.
Kingsmill. Private, but the courts are open to the public. 13 clay courts and two hard courts. Nonmembers — Doubles $12 per person per hour, Singles $18 per person per hour for clay court. Doubles $4.50 per person per hour. Singles $4.50 per person per hour for hard court. 931 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg. 253-3945.
Howard Mast Tennis Complex at Lake Meade Landing. Public. 10 hard courts, four lighted. Free. Main Street (behind Farm Fresh), Suffolk. 934-7822.
McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center. Semiprivate. Six indoor courts. Hours vary. College of William and Mary, Williamsburg. 221-7378.
Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center. Private. Three indoor hard courts and six “hydro clay” outdoor courts. 12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. 875-7525.
Two Rivers Country Club. Private. Four hard courts (lighted) and six clay courts (four lighted). 1400 Two Rivers Road, Williamsburg. 258- 4607.
Williamsburg Inn. Semiprivate. For hotel guests in Colonial Williamsburg. Nonmembers $24 per hour. Six clay and two hard courts. Open March 26-Dec 15. Teaching pro available, pro shop. Francis Street, Williamsburg. 220-7794.
GOLF
Most green fees listed here represent the price range of a course. Call for tee times and discount information.
Bide-A-Wee Golf Course. Public. $26 without cart and $37 with a cart on weekdays; $47 on weekends with a cart. Greenwood Drive, Portsmouth. 393-8600
Colonial Golf Club. Second ranked golf course in the state. March- November, $60-64 Monday-Thursday; Dec.-Feb., $45 Friday-Sunday. Includes cart. 8251 Diascund Road, Williamsburg. 566-1600.
Cypress Creek Golfers’ Club. Designed by local golf legend Curtis Strange. Semiprivate. $28-52. 600 Cypress Creek Parkway, off Route 10 Bypass in Smithfield. www.cypresscreekgolfersclub.com 365-4774.
Deer Cove Golf Course. Military $8 weekdays, $10 weekends, Department of Defense employees $10 weekdays, $12 weekends; civilians $12 weekdays, $14 weekends. Carts not included. Cheatham Annex Naval Supply Center, at the end of Route 199 at Colonial Parkway in York County. 887-7159.
Eaglewood Golf Course. For military, Department of Defense employees, dependents and guests. Blue and Red courses. Blue course under reconstruction and will reopen in November. Military $10-$18 (depending on rank); civilian guests $20. Langley Air Force Base. 764-4547.
Ford’s Colony. Private, 54 holes (Marsh Hawk, Blackheath and Blue Heron courses). 240 Ford’s Colony Drive, Williamsburg. 258-4130.
Gloucester Country Club. Nine holes. Weekends, $12; weekdays, $11; Seniors, students $8 weekdays. Golf Club Road, off Route 17, Gloucester. (804) 693-2662.
Golden Horseshoe. Hosted the 2004 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship. Gold Course: $79-$155; Green Course: $49-$99; Spotswood Course, $29. 401 S. England St., Williamsburg. 220-7696.
The Hamptons. 27 holes: Woods nine, lakes nine, links nine. Residents, 18 holes, $17 weekdays and $19 weekends. $10 cart fee. 320 Butler Farm Road, Hampton. 766-9148.
Honey Bee Golf Club. Public. $25-45. 2500 South Independence Blvd. Virginia Beach, 471-2768.
Kiln Creek Golf & Country Club. Semiprivate. $32 weekdays, $42 weekends, with cart; After 3 p.m. $25. 1003 Brick Kiln Blvd., Newport News, 23602. 988-3220.
Kingsmill Golf Club. Home of the LPGA Michelob Ultra Open. River Course, Plantation Course, Woods Course. Green fees range from $50-$150 depending on time of year, time of day and course. 1010 Kingsmill Road, James City County. 253-3906.
Kiskiack Hills Golf Club. Semiprivate. $25-79. 8104 Club Drive, James City County, just off the Croaker exit on Interstate 64. 566-2200.
Links at City Park. New rates starting April 1. 18 holes for Portsmouth residents $15; nonresidents $18; students $10, seniors $12. 9 holes for Portsmouth residents $10, nonresidents $12, students $7, seniors $8. Twilight $10 all you can play. Lighted driving range. City Park Avenue, Portsmouth City Park. 465-1500.
Nansemond River Golf Club. Suffolk residents $42, others $52. Twilight rates, $32-37. Off Route 10 at intersection with Route 58 in Suffolk. 539-4356.
Newport News Golf Club. Championship and Cardinal courses (with cart), $28 plus tax during weekdays, $30 plus tax on weekends; Cardinal course, walking, $18 plus tax weekdays, $20 plus tax weekends. 901 Clubhouse Way, Newport News. 886-7925.
Ocean View Golf Course. Norfolk residents, weekdays $28 (with cart), $30 nonresidents; weekends $36 (with cart), $38 nonresidents. walking weekdays and weekends $20. Twilight rates, $19 for 18 holes, Super twilight, $12 for 9 holes. 9610 Norfolk Ave., Norfolk. 480-2094.
Piankatank River Golf Club. Semiprivate. $22-$45. Route 629, Hartsfield in Middlesex County. (804) 776-6516.
Pines Golf Course. 27 holes. Military, $10-$16. Guests, $18-$20. Fort Eustis, Newport News. 878-2965.
Riverfront. Weekdays $42 with cart; weekends up to 11 is $52, 11-3 $44, 3-to-closing is $32, prices with Links Club card (cost $5). 5200 River Club Drive, Suffolk. 484-2200.
Tradition Golf Club at Royal New Kent. Public. From April 1-Oct. 30 $89 Monday-Thursday, $99 Friday-Sunday; Oct. 31-Nov. 27 $64 Monday-Thursday, $74 Friday-Sunday. $69 Monday-Thursday after 1 p.m.; $79 weekends and holidays; $79 weekends and holidays after 1 p.m. Interstate 64 to Exit 214, Route 155, New Kent County. (804) 966-7023.
Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse Public. From April 1-Oct. 30 $89 Monday-Thursday, $99 Friday-Sunday; Oct. 31-Nov. 27 $64 Monday-Thursday, $74 Friday-Sunday. $69 Monday-Thursday after 1 p.m.; $79 weekends and holidays; $79 weekends and holidays after 1 p.m. Take Interstate 64 to Exit 227, take 30 north and the course is about 1/2 mile on your right, in James City County. 9700 Mill Pond Road, Toano. 566-1138.
Sleepy Hole Golf Club. $38 Monday-Friday before 2 p.m. $30 after 2. $48 weekends until 2 p.m. $35 after 2 on weekends. Ranks No. 8 on Golf Digest list of most affordable public courses in the country. 4700 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk. 538-4100.
Smithfield Downs. Weekdays $21 with cart, $14 walking; weekends $26 with cart, $20 walking. Route 258, Brewer’s Neck Blvd. 23314. Carrollton. 357-3101.
Suffolk Golf Course. Visitors weekdays, $19 walking, $29 riding; weekends $1 more; Suffolk residents weekdays $14 walking, $24 riding; add $1 more for weekends. 1227 Holland Road, Suffolk. www.suffolkgolfcourse.com. 539-6298.
TPC of Virginia Beach. $69-128. Pete Dye and Curtis Strange designed the course. TPC hosts the Nationwide Tour in the Virginia Beach Open. 2500 Tournament Drive, Virginia Beach. 563-9440.
Williamsburg National. $50-70 weekdays, $53-70 weekends for residents; $70-79 for nonresidents. Memberships available. 3700 Centerville Road, Williamsburg. 258- 9642.
The Woodlands Golf Course. $15 weekdays walking, $17 walking on weekend. Seniors (60 or older) during weekdays $9 walking and $17 with a riding cart. (Cart fee $10 per person). Woodland Road, Hampton. 727-1195.
