World Class Cobia & Red Drum Charter Experience
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full 8hour inshore charter targeting Cobia and Red DrumCaptain Pat provides expert local knowledge and focused guidanceSmall group experience accommodates up to 6 skilled anglers
When you're serious about fishing and want to put in a full day on the water, Captain Pat's 8-hour inshore charter is exactly what you're looking for. This isn't a quick tourist trip – it's designed for skilled anglers who know their way around a rod and reel and want to maximize their time in Virginia Beach's productive inshore waters. You'll be targeting some of the area's most prized species, including Cobia, Red Drum, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish, in waters that Captain Pat has been working for years. With only 6 anglers max, you get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and a great haul.
This charter starts early and runs long – that's how you get into the fish when they're feeding most actively. Captain Pat knows these Virginia Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on structure, current breaks, and temperature changes where the big ones hang out. The boat's set up for serious fishing with quality tackle and all the gear you need, but if you've got favorite rods or specific setups, bring them along. You'll be covering a lot of water throughout the day, moving between productive spots based on tides, bait movement, and what's biting. This is hands-on fishing where you'll learn local techniques and get the kind of experience that only comes from spending real time with a seasoned captain who lives and breathes these waters.
Inshore fishing around Virginia Beach means adapting your approach based on what you're targeting and where the fish are holding. You'll be working everything from live bait presentations around structure to sight fishing when conditions are right. Captain Pat runs a mix of techniques – from bottom fishing for Black Sea Bass over hard structure to working the shallows with artificials for Red Drum. When Cobia are cruising, you might find yourself sight casting to fish you can actually see, which is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets. Spanish Mackerel call for faster presentations, often trolling small spoons or casting jigs to breaking fish. The key is staying flexible and letting the conditions and fish behavior dictate your approach, something Captain Pat excels at after years of reading these waters.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters can be found year-round in our waters, though spring through fall offers the most consistent action. They average 20-30 inches in our area, with plenty of slot fish and some real bruisers mixed in. What makes Red Drum special is their attitude – they fight hard, they're smart enough to be challenging, and they show up in both shallow grass flats and deeper structure. You might sight cast to tailing fish in two feet of water or work cut bait around pilings in 15 feet.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, showing up in big numbers from late spring through early fall. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them, can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 50 pounds isn't uncommon, with some real giants mixed in. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Cobia are strong fighters that make long runs and test your drag system. They're also excellent table fare, which makes landing one even more satisfying.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're schooled up, typically from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets average 2-4 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're perfect for light tackle and fast-paced fishing, often hitting small jigs, spoons, or live bait as quickly as you can get it in the water. When you find a school of Spanish, you can expect steady action that keeps everyone on the boat busy.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of Virginia Beach waters, showing up in schools that can provide non-stop action. These toothy predators average 3-8 pounds in our area and hit hard with runs that test your equipment. They're present most of the year but peak in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily during migration. Blues are perfect for anglers who want consistent action and strong fights, plus they're great on the dinner table when handled properly.
Black Sea Bass round out the target list as reliable bottom dwellers that provide steady action around structure. These chunky fighters average 1-3 pounds with some larger specimens mixed in, and they're available year-round in deeper water. Sea Bass are perfect for vertical jigging or bottom fishing, and they're among the best eating fish in our waters. They might not make the longest runs, but they're scrappy fighters that provide consistent action when other species are finicky.
An 8-hour charter with Captain Pat represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive Virginia Beach waters. You're getting access to years of local knowledge, prime fishing spots, and the kind of personalized attention that only comes with small group charters. Whether you're looking to check Cobia off your bucket list, get into some quality Red Drum, or just enjoy a full day of diverse inshore action, this trip delivers the goods. Captain Pat's reputation speaks for itself, and slots fill up quickly during peak season. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're booking with a captain who's committed to putting you on fish and showing you why Virginia Beach inshore fishing has such a loyal following.
Step aboard The Provincial, a beautifully restored 42-foot sport fishing vessel that's your ticket to Virginia Beach's legendary inshore waters. This 2005 boat got a complete makeover in 2022 and now runs like new with twin 375HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the fish fast and smooth. Captain Pat knows exactly where the Cobia, Red Drum, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel are biting, and this boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help locate your targets while the GPS keeps you on course. When you need a break from the action, cool off with AC, grab a cold drink from the icebox, or stretch out on the comfortable bed. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish, and with radar onboard, weather won't slow you down. Perfect for up to 6 serious anglers who want quality fishing without the crowds.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that average 1-4 pounds around our wrecks, reefs, and hard structure. These plump fish turn brilliant blue during spawning season and males develop a distinctive hump on their head. You'll find them on rocky bottoms, around pilings, and shipwrecks in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and excellent table quality - firm, white meat that's hard to beat fried or baked. They put up a decent scrap until they hit the surface, then usually give up. My best advice: use squid strips or clam on a two-hook bottom rig. Drop it right on structure and be ready - they'll usually hit as soon as your bait touches bottom.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that run 2-15 pounds in our waters, known for their razor-sharp teeth and feeding frenzies. These blue-green fighters patrol surf beaches, inlet mouths, and areas with strong current where baitfish get pushed around. Late spring through fall brings the best action, especially during their famous "blitz" feeding when they corner schools of menhaden or anchovies. What anglers love is the chaos they create - water boiling with activity and non-stop hookups on anything you throw. They fight hard all the way to the boat and make decent table fare if bled immediately and kept cold. Pro tip: always use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - their teeth will cut through regular line in seconds. When you find feeding birds, get there fast because the action won't last long.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our inshore waters, typically running 30-50 pounds and looking like small sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish hang around structure like wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're moving through our area during migration. What gets anglers excited is the visual game - spotting these giants cruising just under the surface, then watching them crush a bucktail jig. They're powerful fighters that make long runs and taste fantastic on the table with firm, white meat. My go-to trick is using a 4-6 oz brown or chartreuse bucktail jig. Don't worry about color too much - presentation matters more. Cast ahead of them and work it steady.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish around Virginia Beach typically run 20-35 inches and love shallow water from 1-4 feet deep. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and around structure where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. These copper-colored fighters are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail and put up a solid battle in skinny water. What makes them special is watching their backs break the surface as they feed - real sight fishing at its finest. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily but the hookup is worth the patience.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that average 1-3 pounds and travel in large schools near the surface. These silver bullets with yellow spots are some of the fastest swimmers out there, hitting 18 mph when chasing bait. You'll find them around structure, flats, and wherever baitfish are schooling in 10-40 feet of water. Late spring through early fall brings the best action as they follow the warm water north. What makes them fun is the non-stop action once you locate a school - they hit hard and fast on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat perfect for grilling. Key trick: use small, shiny spoons or jigs and retrieve them quickly. When you hook one, keep your line in the water - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Virginia Beach, VA