Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing Charter | 8 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore charter targeting Cobia, Red Drum, and Spanish MackerelCaptain Pat provides expert local knowledge for skilled anglersEight-hour focused fishing experience accommodates up to six guests
Captain Pat knows these Virginia Beach waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard the Alanna Kay, you're signing up for a serious day of fishing. This isn't your casual half-day trip – we're talking eight full hours targeting some of the best inshore species the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. With only six spots available, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing real estate that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one. Pack your cooler, bring your A-game, and get ready to work some serious structure and current breaks where the big fish feed.
Captain Pat runs a tight ship focused on putting skilled anglers on fish. You'll launch early from the Virginia Beach area and spend your day working the productive inshore waters that have made this stretch of coast famous among serious fishermen. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on time with the best spots – no crowding around the rail or waiting your turn. Pat's got decades of local knowledge about seasonal patterns, tide movements, and where different species stack up throughout the year. This charter is built for anglers who appreciate the finer points of inshore fishing and aren't afraid to put in a full day's work. You'll cover a lot of water, hit multiple productive areas, and learn techniques that'll make you a better angler long after you head home.
Virginia Beach inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll be working everything from live bait around structure to artificial lures over sandy bottom transitions. Captain Pat knows when to anchor up and soak baits for big drum and when to stay mobile, casting to breaking fish or working the edges of grass beds. The gear varies by season and target species – heavy tackle for bull reds in the fall, lighter setups for Spanish mackerel runs in summer. You'll learn to work cut baits for cobia, present live spot to cruising drum, and time your presentations to tidal movements. The boat's rigged with quality electronics to locate bait schools and mark productive bottom, but success still comes down to reading conditions and putting baits where fish want to eat.
Red drum are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, with puppy drum available year-round and trophy-sized bulls showing up in serious numbers during fall migration. These copper-colored bruisers fight like freight trains and can stretch your drag to the limit. Peak season runs September through November when schools of oversized reds cruise the shallows. Cobia are the premium target from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from 30 to 60 pounds that'll test your technique and endurance. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat, giving you shot opportunities that make your heart race.
Spanish mackerel provide non-stop action during summer months, hitting small jigs and spoons with aggressive strikes that'll keep your rod bent. They school heavily and when you find them, it's game on until your arms give out. Bluefish are Virginia Beach staples that show up in massive schools, especially during migration periods. They hit hard, fight dirty, and provide excellent table fare when handled properly. Black sea bass round out the mix, holding around structure and providing steady action when other species are finicky. They're excellent eating and always seem willing to bite when you need to put some fish in the box.
Eight hours with Captain Pat puts you in the best position to experience what Virginia Beach inshore fishing is all about. You'll fish multiple spots, target different species as conditions allow, and come away with techniques and knowledge that only come from spending serious time on productive water with an experienced local captain. The small group size ensures everyone gets quality fishing time, and Pat's commitment to putting clients on fish shows in every trip. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're investing in a world-class fishing experience that serious anglers talk about for years. Virginia Beach's inshore waters are among the East Coast's most productive, and this charter gives you the best shot at experiencing them at their finest.
The Provincial is your ticket to serious Virginia Beach inshore fishing. This 42-foot sport fisher got a complete makeover in 2022, bringing modern reliability to proven offshore design. Twin 375HP Cummins diesels push her through choppy waters at 20 knots, getting you to the productive fishing grounds fast and bringing you back comfortable when the day's done. Built for real fishing, she's loaded with the electronics that matter - GPS keeps you on the numbers, radar cuts through morning fog, and quality fish finders mark schools of Cobia and Red Drum beneath the surface. The flybridge gives Captain Pat clear sight lines for spotting fish and navigating structure, while you work the cockpit below. Six anglers fit comfortably without stepping on each other's lines. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold through long summer days. When you need a break from the Virginia sun, ducking into the air-conditioned cabin beats roasting topside. There's even a head onboard and a place to grab a quick rest between productive drifts. This boat handles the Chesapeake Bay's changing conditions while giving you the platform to make the most of an 8-hour charter.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most consistent bottom fish and perfect for anglers who enjoy structure fishing. These chunky, dark-colored fish usually run 1-4 pounds around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What guests appreciate about sea bass is their willingness to bite and solid fight - they'll pull hard until they break the surface. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's an interesting fact: they start life as females and change to males as they grow larger. My tip for consistent success: use a two-hook bottom rig with fresh squid strips or clams, and fish right on the structure. Don't be surprised if the bigger males are holding in the deeper water just off the main reef.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression on fins and some of the hardest-fighting fish pound-for-pound in these waters. They typically run 2-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find schools attacking baitfish around inlets, surf zones, and open water from late spring into fall. What makes blues exciting is their feeding frenzies - when they're on, the action is fast and furious. They're also great table fare when handled right, especially the smaller ones under 5 pounds. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Just remember to bleed and ice them immediately for best flavor. Pro tip: bring a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon because those teeth will slice through regular line in a heartbeat. When you find feeding birds diving on baitfish, there's usually a school of hungry blues underneath causing all the commotion.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing challenge and one of the most rewarding catches you can make. These brown, shark-like fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, making for serious arm-burning battles. They cruise around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers, often right at the surface where you can spot them from a distance. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through our waters. What guests love about cobia fishing is the visual aspect - seeing that torpedo shape gliding beneath the boat gets your heart racing. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. Here's a local trick: when you see one, don't just throw anything at it. Cobia can be picky, so start with a bucktail jig and work it slow. If they follow but don't bite, switch to a different color or try live bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in Virginia Beach. These copper-backed beauties typically run 18-30 inches, with that signature black eyespot near the tail that fools predators. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their strong, steady fight and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters either, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're headed and let it sit. They'll usually cruise right over and inhale it.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and keep the action hot. These sleek, spotted fish typically run 1-3 pounds and are some of the fastest swimmers you'll encounter. They travel in schools near the surface around jetties, piers, and open water structures. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when water temps climb. What makes them popular with guests is the non-stop action once you locate a school - they're aggressive feeders that'll hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor that's perfect for grilling or smoking. They're packed with healthy omega-3s as well. Here's the key to success: use light tackle and small, flashy lures. When you hook up, work the area hard because where there's one Spanish mackerel, there's usually a whole bunch more feeding nearby.
Virginia Beach, VA