5.0(1 Reviews)Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing Adventures
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing trips targeting Bluefish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Red DrumCaptain Pat provides local expertise for productive Virginia Beach watersFamily-friendly charters accommodate up to 6 guests comfortably
Captain Pat's got the Virginia Beach inshore waters dialed in like nobody's business. When you step aboard the Alanna Kay, you're fishing with someone who's been working these productive waters for years and knows exactly where the fish are holding. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've got some serious saltwater time under your belt, this 4 to 8-hour charter delivers the kind of consistent action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The inshore environment here is perfect for families and small groups who want solid fishing without the rough seas and long runs of offshore trips.
Your day starts early at the marina where Captain Pat will get you rigged up and ready to fish. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without bumping elbows. Virginia Beach's inshore waters offer an amazing variety of structure and habitat - from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper channels where cobia patrol during their migration. The trip length is flexible based on what you're looking for, with 4-hour trips perfect for families with kids and 8-hour adventures giving serious anglers time to really put a hurt on multiple species. Captain Pat provides all the tackle and knows exactly which baits and lures are producing, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites you like to throw.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Pat runs a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures depending on conditions and target species. You'll work everything from shallow water sight fishing for tailing redfish to trolling umbrella rigs for Spanish mackerel when they're schooled up. The boat stays equipped with both spinning and conventional tackle to match whatever the fish are demanding. Light tackle gets the nod most days since the inshore environment lets you really feel the fight without heavy gear. Bottom fishing around structure produces solid black sea bass action, while working the mid-water column with bucktails and soft plastics consistently connects with cobia during their spring and fall runs through the area.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters are absolute dynamite on light tackle. They hang around oyster bars, grass flats, and shallow structure year-round, with the best action typically from late spring through early fall. Most fish run 20 to 30 inches, though slot busters over 35 inches show up regularly to test your drag system. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll pull hard toward structure and keep you honest throughout the battle.
Cobia are the prize catch that gets every angler's attention when they show up during migration periods. These brown sharks, as locals call them, can push 40 pounds and fight like freight trains with attitude problems. Spring and fall migrations bring the best opportunities, with fish following rays in shallow water or cruising structure lines. Cobia are curious fish that often come right up to the boat for a look, making for some exciting sight fishing opportunities when conditions line up right.
Spanish mackerel bring nonstop action when schools move through the area during warmer months. These speed demons hit fast and fight above their weight class, making them perfect for keeping kids and beginners engaged. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh. Captain Pat targets them with small spoons, bucktails, and live bait around structure and bait schools, often producing double and triple hookups when you find an active school.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that provide consistent action throughout much of the fishing season. Virginia Beach waters host both smaller snappers and full-grown choppers that can exceed 10 pounds. They're not picky eaters and will attack everything from topwater plugs to bottom rigs, making them ideal for trying different techniques. Blues fight hard with powerful runs and aerial displays that keep things exciting.
Black sea bass round out the target list as reliable bottom dwellers around structure and wrecks. These feisty fish might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. Virginia Beach has outstanding sea bass habitat, and Captain Pat knows the productive spots that consistently hold quality fish. They're perfect for teaching beginners proper bottom fishing techniques and provide steady action when other species are being finicky.
Captain Pat's local knowledge and years of experience fishing Virginia Beach waters give you the best shot at a productive day on the water. The Alanna Kay consistently puts anglers on fish while providing a comfortable, family-friendly environment that works for everyone from first-timers to seasoned saltwater veterans. With flexible trip lengths and a variety of target species, these inshore charters deliver the perfect combination of action and relaxation. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when booking your preferred dates. Virginia Beach's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and there's no better way to experience it than with someone who knows these waters inside and out.
Meet The Provincial, your floating fishing headquarters for Virginia Beach inshore adventures. This beautifully restored 42-foot sport fisher combines classic design with modern reliability, thanks to her complete 2022 renovation. Twin 375HP Cummins engines deliver smooth, steady power to get you to the hottest fishing spots where Bluefish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Red Drum are biting. Captain Pat has outfitted this boat with everything serious anglers need – fish finder technology to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit productive reefs and structure, plus radar for those foggy morning runs. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish from multiple angles. Between bites, enjoy the air-conditioned cabin, grab cold drinks from the icebox, or take in panoramic water views from the elevated flybridge. The onboard facilities including bed and head make longer 8-hour trips comfortable for the whole crew. Whether you're targeting your first Red Drum or chasing trophy Cobia, The Provincial puts you in prime Virginia Beach waters with a captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that make excellent targets around Virginia Beach's wrecks, reefs, and hard structure in 20-120 feet of water. These chunky fish typically weigh 1-4 pounds and put up a solid fight until they reach the surface. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. Guests love them because they're cooperative biters and fantastic table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit squid, clams, or small jigs worked near the bottom. One thing I always mention: once you find structure holding sea bass, anchor up and fish vertically. They're territorial and will keep biting as long as you stay in the same spot. Use a two-hook rig with squid strips for best results.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in Virginia Beach waters from late spring through fall, typically weighing 2-15 pounds. These blue-green fighters travel in schools and feed voraciously on baitfish in the surf, around inlets, and over structure. Summer months are peak season when they're chasing schools of menhaden and anchovies. Guests enjoy their hard strikes and strong runs, plus they're great eating when prepared fresh - just bleed them immediately and ice them down. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and will bite anything that moves during feeding frenzies. Here's what I tell everyone: when you hook into a school, work fast because they don't stick around long. Use wire leaders and keep your fingers away from their mouths when unhooking.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our inshore waters, averaging around 30-50 pounds with some reaching 6 feet long. These dark brown fish cruise alone around structure - think buoys, channel markers, and wrecks in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're migrating and spawning. What guests love about cobia is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. These fish are curious and will often follow the boat, making sight fishing exciting. Pro tip: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Drop your jig about 10 feet in front and work it slowly - they like to inspect their meal before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are perfect inshore targets that average 28-33 inches around Virginia Beach. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails love shallow water from 1-4 feet deep, especially around oyster bars and grass flats. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding actively in our bays and marshes. What makes redfish special is their strong, steady fight and excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Here's a local trick: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait about three feet ahead of where it's moving and let it settle naturally. They spook easy, so keep your distance and stay quiet.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, fun fighters that school up in our waters from spring through fall. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-3 pounds, perfect for lighter tackle. You'll find them near the surface around structures, bait schools, and temperature breaks, usually in 15-40 feet of water. What makes them popular with guests is their aggressive bite and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent on the table - mild, white meat that grills beautifully. Kids especially love catching these because they hit hard and fight fast. Local tip: when trolling for them, use small silver spoons or feathers and don't go too fast - about 4-6 knots works best. Once you find the school, stop and cast jigs or live bait.
5.0 out of 5.0
Virginia Beach, VA