5.0(1 Reviews)Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing Adventures
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing targeting Bluefish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Red DrumCaptain Pat provides expert guidance for all skill levelsFamilyfriendly trips accommodate up to 6 guests comfortably
Looking for a solid day on the water without dealing with rough seas and long boat rides? Captain Pat's inshore fishing trips out of Virginia Beach hit the sweet spot for anglers who want consistent action in comfortable conditions. These 4 to 8-hour charters target the productive nearshore waters where Redfish, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Black Sea Bass call home. Whether you're bringing the family for their first fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in on local hotspots, Captain Pat knows exactly where to put you on fish. The Alanna Kay operates in Virginia Beach's prime inshore zones, where calmer waters mean everyone can focus on what matters most – bending rods and landing quality fish.
These inshore trips keep you within sight of the Virginia Beach coastline, working waters that are both productive and comfortable for all skill levels. Captain Pat's been running these waters for years, so he's dialed in on the seasonal patterns and knows which structure holds fish when conditions change. You'll fish a mix of artificial reefs, natural bottom structure, and nearshore wrecks that attract baitfish and the predators that follow them. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want a personalized experience without feeling crowded. Most trips start early to take advantage of prime feeding times, and you'll spend your day moving between productive spots rather than sitting in one place hoping fish show up. The inshore environment means shorter runs to fishing grounds, so you're spending more time with lines in the water and less time traveling.
Captain Pat runs a variety of techniques depending on what species are biting and where they're holding. Light tackle fishing with live bait like spot, croaker, and menhaden is the bread and butter for targeting Redfish and Black Sea Bass around structure. When Cobia are cruising the shallows, you'll sight fish with crabs or switch to artificial lures that get their attention. Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish often respond well to trolling small spoons or casting jigs when you find them feeding on baitfish schools. The captain provides all tackle and bait, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, feel free to bring it along. Bottom fishing around inshore structure produces steady action with Sea Bass, while working the water column with live bait puts you in the game for Cobia and Redfish. The key to success in these waters is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want on any given day, which is exactly what Captain Pat excels at.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters put up serious battles in shallow water. They range from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches up to bull Reds that can push 40+ inches and test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities, with fish feeding heavily around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. What makes Redfish so special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their habit of making long, powerful runs that'll get your heart pumping.
Cobia show up in Virginia Beach waters during their spring and fall migrations, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These brown sharks, as locals call them, can range from 30 to 50+ inches and have an attitude to match their size. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you sight fishing opportunities you don't get with most species. Cobia hit live bait hard and make powerful runs toward structure, so you need to be ready when one decides to eat.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action during summer months, especially when schools of baitfish move through the area. These silver speedsters rarely grow over 20 inches, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're perfect for kids and new anglers because they bite readily on small jigs and provide steady action. When you find a school of Spanish Mackerel, it's common to catch them back-to-back until your arms get tired.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators of Virginia Beach inshore waters, and they'll attack almost anything that moves when they're feeding. These toothy critters can range from smaller "snapper" blues around 12-16 inches up to "chopper" blues that push 20+ inches and have the attitude to match. They're excellent eating when bled and iced properly, and they provide fast action when other species aren't cooperating. Bluefish often feed in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop.
Black Sea Bass might not be the flashiest fish in these waters, but they're consistent producers and excellent table fare. These bottom dwellers hang around structure year-round, with the best fishing typically happening in spring and fall when regulations allow harvest. They range from keeper size around 13 inches up to nice 16-18 inch fish that make great fillets. Sea Bass are perfect for teaching proper bottom fishing techniques, and they're usually willing to bite when other species are being finicky.
Captain Pat's inshore fishing trips offer the perfect combination of steady action, comfortable conditions, and local expertise that keeps anglers coming back season after season. These Virginia Beach waters produce quality fish year-round, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a bull Redfish or sight fishing a curious Cobia in shallow water. The 4 to 8-hour trip options let you choose an experience that fits your schedule and stamina level, while the 6-person capacity ensures you get personalized attention from a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're looking to introduce family members to saltwater fishing or you want to target specific species with proven techniques, this trip delivers the goods. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so
Step aboard The Provincial, a beautifully restored 42-foot sport fishing boat that's your ticket to Virginia Beach's best inshore fishing spots. This solid vessel runs on twin 375HP Cummins engines and cruises comfortably at 20 knots, getting you to the fish without wasting time. The 2022 restoration brings modern comfort to proven fishing performance - think air conditioning for those hot summer days, a multimedia system, and a proper toilet and sleeping area for longer trips. Captain Pat knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with onboard fish finder and GPS, you'll spend more time fighting fish than searching for them. The flybridge gives you great visibility of the action, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect for up to 6 anglers targeting bluefish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and red drum in the productive inshore waters around Virginia Beach.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect starter fish for new anglers, but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy fighters with excellent table fare. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-4 pounds around our local wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shot at them before they head offshore for winter. What guests love about sea bass fishing is the steady action and how good they taste - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're curious fish that will often follow your bait up, giving you multiple chances. The males turn bright blue during spawning season, which is pretty cool to see. Here's my trick: when bottom fishing, lift your bait off the bottom every few seconds and let it settle back down. That movement triggers strikes from bass that might just be watching.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - they hit hard, fight harder, and never give up until they're in the boat. These blue-green bruisers typically run 2-10 pounds around Virginia Beach and show up in big schools from late spring through fall. You'll find them attacking baitfish in open water, around inlet mouths, and near structure. What makes blues special is their feeding frenzies - when you find them, the action can be non-stop for everyone on the boat. They're decent eating when handled properly, but the real draw is that powerful fight and the explosive surface strikes. Fair warning: blues have serious teeth and attitude, so watch your fingers. My go-to approach is to look for diving birds and bait spraying on the surface. Throw anything shiny into the chaos and hang on tight.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight fishing challenge around Virginia Beach waters. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and cruise solo near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're moving through our area during their spawning migration. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - you actually see the fish before you cast, then watch it decide whether to eat your bait. They're incredible table fare with firm, white meat that tastes similar to grouper. The fight is strong and steady once hooked. Here's what I've learned over the years: when you see a cobia, cast a bucktail jig or live eel well ahead of where it's swimming. Let it sink naturally - these fish are curious but won't chase a bait that's moving too fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets here in Virginia Beach. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches and fight like crazy in shallow water. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is that explosive strike in skinny water - sometimes their backs are showing above the surface. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. My tip: when you spot one tailing, cast your shrimp or soft plastic about 3 feet ahead and let it settle naturally. These fish spook easy, so keep your approach quiet.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are our speed demons - fast, fun, and perfect for keeping the action steady throughout the day. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 pounds and school up in huge numbers during summer and early fall. You'll find them near the surface around structure, bait pods, and current breaks. Kids especially love targeting these fish because they hit hard, fight fast, and there's usually plenty of them around. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills up perfectly. They're also one of the best baits for attracting bigger fish like cobia when cut up fresh. Pro tip: use small, shiny spoons or gotcha plugs and fish them fast. Spanish mackerel have razor-sharp teeth, so always use a short wire leader or you'll lose a lot of lures to bite-offs.
5.0 out of 5.0
Virginia Beach, VA