Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing Charter – PM Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing charter for beginners and familiesTarget Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Red Drum speciesSmall group limit of six guests with expert local guidance
Captain Pat knows these Virginia Beach waters like the back of his hand, and this 4-hour afternoon charter is designed to get beginners and families hooked on inshore fishing. You'll cruise the productive waters just off the coast, where the action stays steady and the fish are always biting. With a max of 6 anglers, you get personal attention without feeling crowded. The captain brings quality tackle, shares local fishing secrets, and makes sure everyone gets their line wet. Whether you've never held a rod or just want a relaxed afternoon on the water, this trip delivers solid catches without the pressure.
This afternoon charter kicks off when the sun starts its descent, creating perfect conditions for inshore species to get active. Captain Pat runs a clean, comfortable boat that's perfect for families and first-timers who want to learn the ropes. You'll fish the back bays, inlet mouths, and nearshore structure where Virginia Beach's best inshore action happens. The small group size means the captain can work with each angler individually, teaching proper technique and helping you feel confident with the gear. Expect to move around to different spots as conditions and fish activity dictate – that's how you stay on the bite. The afternoon timing is money because that's when many species start feeding heavily before evening.
Captain Pat provides all the gear you'll need, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for inshore work to a full selection of lures and bait. You'll learn techniques that actually work in these waters – casting spoons for Spanish mackerel, bouncing jigs for cobia, and working live bait around structure for red drum. The captain switches up methods based on what's working that day, so you might find yourself throwing topwater plugs one minute and dropping down soft plastics the next. He'll show you how to read the water, spot feeding birds, and recognize the signs that fish are around. All tackle is included, but feel free to bring your own rod if you've got a favorite setup.
Red drum are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters put up serious battles in shallow water. They cruise the grass flats and oyster bars year-round, with fall bringing the best action as schools of bull reds move through the area. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water or crushing bait around structure. What makes them special is how they fight – long, powerful runs that test your drag and keep you guessing.
Cobia are the gentlemen of the inshore scene, cruising near the surface like brown sharks until you get them hooked. Spring through fall, these fish patrol the shallows looking for crabs and small fish. They're curious by nature, often following the boat or checking out your lures before deciding to bite. Once hooked, they dive hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. Captain Pat knows the spots where cobia like to hang out, especially around buoys and structure.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action when they're schooled up, hitting fast-moving lures with aggressive strikes that keep everyone busy. These streamlined speedsters show up in late spring and stick around through fall, often feeding in massive schools that create surface chaos. They're perfect for beginners because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. When you find a school, it's game on until they move to the next spot.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, attacking anything that moves with their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive attitude. They school up in huge numbers during their spring and fall migrations, creating some of the most exciting fishing Virginia Beach has to offer. These fish hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they're always willing to bite and put up a memorable fight.
Black sea bass might be smaller than the other targets, but they make up for it with personality and great table fare. These bottom dwellers hang around structure and reefs, where they'll grab almost any bait that comes their way. They're perfect for learning basic fishing skills because they bite readily and don't require specialized techniques. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters, making them a favorite with families.
This Virginia Beach inshore charter delivers exactly what beginner anglers and families need – steady action, expert guidance, and a comfortable learning environment. Captain Pat's local knowledge and small group approach mean you'll actually learn something while catching fish. The afternoon timing hits the sweet spot when inshore species are most active, and the 4-hour duration keeps things fun without wearing anyone out. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the water, this trip checks all the boxes. Book now with Alanna Kay Sportfishing and see why Virginia Beach inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back for more.
The Provincial is your floating base camp for chasing Virginia Beach's inshore species. This 42-foot sport fishing boat was completely restored in 2022 and runs on twin 375HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds efficiently at up to 20 knots. Built for serious angling, she's packed with fish finder technology and radar to locate structure and schools when visibility drops. The flybridge gives Captain Pat a commanding view to spot diving birds and surface activity. Down below, you'll find air conditioning to escape the afternoon heat, plus a real toilet and sleeping quarters for longer trips. The multimedia system keeps things lively between bites, while the icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and drinks stay cold. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rails without getting tangled lines. Whether you're casting for Cobia around the pilings or trolling for Spanish Mackerel, this boat handles Virginia Beach's inshore waters with comfort and capability.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are structure-loving bottom dwellers that make perfect targets for our Virginia Beach waters. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-4 pounds and love hanging around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. They're not the fastest fish, but they'll give you a solid tug on the way up, and they're fantastic table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. What makes them great for beginners is they're usually willing biters when you find them holding on structure. The trick is using a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips or cut bait, and don't be afraid to bounce it right along the bottom. They feed down there, so that's where your bait needs to be.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bullies of the inshore waters - aggressive feeders with mouths full of sharp teeth and an appetite for destruction. Around Virginia Beach, they typically range from 2-8 pounds, with larger ones showing up in fall. You'll find schools attacking baitfish in 10-40 feet of water, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the surface like washing machines. Summer through fall provides the best action, especially when they're chasing menhaden and anchovies. Guests love them because they're aggressive strikers that fight hard and provide fast action when the schools move through. The smaller ones are great eating when fresh - flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Watch those teeth when handling them! My trick is to look for diving birds - they'll lead you right to a bluefish blitz every time.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't actually sharks - their single dorsal fin and dark coloring fools a lot of folks at first glance. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds around Virginia Beach and are loners, not schooling fish, which makes each catch special. You'll find them near structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water, especially during their spring migration from May through July. They're sight-fishing targets that cruise just below the surface, and when you hook one, expect a serious fight - they're pure muscle. The meat is top-shelf, firm and white like premium grouper. My go-to trick is using a heavy bucktail jig in any color; despite what some say, they'll hit anything if presented right. Just be ready with that drag set tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed Drum are one of the most popular inshore targets around Virginia Beach, and for good reason. These copper-colored fish with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 18-32 inches in our waters, though we occasionally hook into bigger "bull" reds that'll test your drag. They love hanging in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths - sometimes so shallow their backs break the surface. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is that hard initial run when hooked, plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait a few feet ahead of where they're heading, not right on top of them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. These silvery missiles with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds in our Virginia Beach waters and travel in fast-moving schools near the surface. You'll find them around structure, baitfish schools, and along the beach from late spring through early fall when the water warms up. They hit hard and fast, making them perfect for beginners who want non-stop action. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills, fries, or smokes beautifully. They're also great for teaching kids since the bite is usually steady when you find a school. Here's the key: use small, shiny spoons or light jigs and keep them moving fast. These fish won't chase a slow-moving bait, so speed is everything when targeting Spanish.
Virginia Beach, VA