Virginia Beach Inshore Charter – 4 Hour PM Family Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon inshore fishing trip for familiesTargets Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Red Drum, and BluefishAccommodates beginners with expert local guidance
Looking for the perfect family fishing adventure in Virginia Beach? Captain Pat's afternoon inshore charter is exactly what you need. This 4-hour trip runs from afternoon into early evening, giving you prime time fishing when the inshore species are most active. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's sized just right for families who want personal attention without feeling crowded. Captain Pat knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for making sure everyone catches fish – from your 8-year-old who's never held a rod to grandpa who's been fishing for decades. The calm inshore waters make this trip comfortable for all ages, and you'll be targeting some of Virginia Beach's most popular species in spots that consistently produce.
This charter kicks off in the afternoon when the fishing really starts to heat up along Virginia Beach's inshore waters. You'll be fishing in protected bays, around structure, and along the shallower areas where the fish come to feed. Captain Pat keeps things relaxed and educational – perfect for families where some folks might be new to saltwater fishing. The boat stays within comfortable distance of shore, so you won't deal with rough seas or long runs that can make kids seasick. Expect plenty of hands-on instruction, help with baiting hooks, and guidance on fighting fish. Captain Pat's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels sized for different ages to tackle that's proven to work in these specific waters. The laid-back atmosphere means there's no pressure to perform – just good fishing and quality time with the family.
Inshore fishing around Virginia Beach is all about versatility, and Captain Pat's got the right setup for whatever's biting. You'll be using light to medium tackle that's perfect for the species you're targeting – not too heavy that it takes the fight out of the fish, but strong enough to handle the bigger cobia or red drum that might grab your bait. Depending on conditions and what's feeding, you might be bottom fishing with cut bait for sea bass and bluefish, casting live bait for red drum around shallow structure, or even doing some light trolling for Spanish mackerel. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're feeling the steady pull of a bluefish, the next you might have a cobia making a run for deeper water. Captain Pat reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, teaching you to recognize productive areas and understand why certain techniques work better at different times and locations.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters are what many families remember most. They typically run 18-30 inches around here, with the occasional bull red pushing 40+ inches that'll test your drag system. Red drum love shallow water around grass beds and oyster bars, especially during the warmer months from May through October. What makes them special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight – they don't jump like other fish, but they'll pull drag and make kids squeal with excitement. Plus, they're excellent eating in the slot size range.
Cobia are the wild cards that make every cast exciting. These brown sharks look-alikes can show up anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds, and they're curious fish that often follow the boat. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're known for their impressive runs and aerial displays. Captain Pat's experienced eye can spot them cruising near the surface, leading to some sight-fishing opportunities that get the whole family involved. When you hook a big cobia, everyone on the boat becomes part of the action.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action during their peak season from late summer into fall. These fast-moving fish typically run 1-3 pounds and hit lures with aggressive strikes that bend rods and get hearts racing. They school up in large numbers, so when you find them, everyone gets in on the action. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs make them exciting for kids, and they're fantastic table fare when prepared fresh.
Bluefish are the dependable fighters that rarely disappoint. Running anywhere from snapper-size at 1-2 pounds up to chopper blues pushing 10+ pounds, they're aggressive predators with attitudes to match. They'll hit almost any bait or lure, making them perfect confidence builders for new anglers. Their hard strikes and determined fights make them favorites among kids, and their year-round presence means you can count on some action even when other species are finicky.
Black sea bass round out the mix as the steady producers, especially around structure and deeper edges of the inshore waters. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds with occasional keeper-size fish pushing 4+ pounds. They're perfect for teaching kids proper bottom fishing techniques, and their firm white meat makes them prized table fare. Sea bass fishing teaches patience and technique, and when they're biting, the action can be non-stop.
Captain Pat's Virginia Beach inshore family charter delivers exactly what busy families need – quality fishing without the complexity of offshore trips. The 4-hour afternoon timeframe works perfectly with family schedules, the calm inshore waters keep everyone comfortable, and the variety of species means there's always something biting. With space for up to 6 anglers and a captain who genuinely enjoys teaching kids and beginners, this trip consistently creates those fishing memories that families talk about for years. The combination of Captain Pat's local knowledge, family-friendly approach, and productive fishing grounds makes this one of Virginia Beach's top-rated inshore charters. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but with Captain Pat's track record of putting families on fish, you're investing in a day that'll have everyone asking when you can book the next trip.
The Provincial is your ticket to Virginia Beach's best inshore fishing spots. This 42-foot sport fishing boat was completely restored in 2022, so you're getting a fresh, reliable ride powered by twin 375HP Cummins engines. She cruises comfortably at 20 knots with room for up to 6 anglers, making her perfect for family trips where everyone can spread out and fish without crowding each other. Captain Pat has this boat dialed in for inshore action. The fish finder helps locate schools of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, while the GPS keeps you on productive Red Drum and Cobia spots. When the afternoon sun gets hot, duck into the air-conditioned cabin to cool off. There's an icebox to keep your drinks cold and snacks fresh, plus a multimedia system for tunes between bites. The flybridge gives you a great view of the action and surrounding waters, while the onboard facilities including a toilet and sleeping area mean comfort is covered for longer fights or when little ones need a break. Radar keeps you safe if weather rolls in, though these inshore trips typically stay in calmer protected waters perfect for families and beginners getting their first taste of Virginia Beach fishing.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that love hanging around wrecks, rocks, and hard structure in 30-100 feet of water. They're plump fish with big mouths, usually running 1-4 pounds with the occasional keeper pushing 6-8 pounds. Late spring through summer is best when they move inshore to spawn and feed. They're scrappy fighters that'll try to get back to the bottom and wrap you up in structure. These are some of the best eating fish around - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're perfect for kids since they bite readily and aren't too hard to handle. My advice: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or clam, and keep steady pressure once you hook up or they'll dive straight back to the rocks.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth that'll put up a solid scrap on light tackle. They roam in schools from the surf zone out to about 60 feet, following bait pods and creating those feeding frenzies that turn the water white. Late spring through early fall is prime time, especially when menhaden are around. Most run 2-8 pounds and fight dirty with head shakes and runs. They're great eating when fresh - firm, flaky meat with a rich flavor that's perfect for the grill. Just bleed them right away and keep them cold. Watch for diving birds and surface action - that's usually blues chopping up baitfish. Use wire leaders or they'll bite through your line, and try chunk baits or metal spoons.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't actually sharks - they just look like one until you see that single dorsal fin. These solitary fish cruise around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers, usually in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration from May through June is prime time here, when they're moving north and feeding heavily. Most run 30-50 pounds and fight like trucks, making long runs that'll test your drag. They're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. Here's the key: when you spot one, get a bucktail jig or live eel down quickly. They're curious but spook easily, so one good shot is often all you get.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are perfect for families since they hang out in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep around grass flats and oyster bars. These copper-colored fish with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches here in Virginia Beach waters. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, and topwater lures all work great. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. Kids love them because they fight hard but aren't too overwhelming to handle. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. My tip: look for nervous water or tail-slapping on calm days - that's usually reds feeding in skinny water.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons with those distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. They school up near the surface around structure, bait schools, and drop-offs, usually in 15-40 feet of water. Summer and early fall are peak times when they're thick in our waters chasing glass minnows and anchovies. Most run 1-3 pounds but fight way above their weight class with blistering runs. They're fantastic on the table - mild, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Families love them because they're aggressive biters and great for teaching kids how to fight fish. Pro tip: use small shiny spoons or gotcha plugs trolled fast behind the boat. When you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Virginia Beach, VA