The Target ships of Tangier Island

Information about the Target ships near Tangier Island, Virginia

The target ships near Tangier are popular fishing spots. There are 2 ships above water in the area. Both ships have been virtually obliterated from bombing activity. The eastern ship also holds a barge, submerged just below the water level nearby. The obstruction is a hazard and has damaged and even sunk several boats.

The western ship sits in about 15 feet of water. The wreck can hold a variety of fish including trout, rockfish, croaker, sea bass, red drum, cobia and sheepshead. Fishing either wreck is somewhat hazardous as the area is a maze of  jagged metal and subsurface obstructions. To make matters worse, live ammunition is on the bottom and anglers have been know to pull bombs up with the anchor. Some visitors choose to use a special rig in areas like this. An "anchor" is made from a plastic jug filled with water. Boaters motor close and pitch the jug into the wreck or a rockpile.  The jug catches in the tangle and can be pulled free later. The Regulations concerning  this area can be found in the Coastal Pilot.