12-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets marlin, sailfish, and tunaTravels up to 70 miles offshore for deepwater fishingAccommodates 6 guests with C Level Sportfishing
Virginia Beach's deep blue waters are calling, and C Level Sportfishing is your ticket to the action. This isn't your typical half-day trip around the inlet – we're talking about a serious 12-hour offshore adventure that'll take you up to 70 miles into the Atlantic. When you book with us, you're signing up for a full day of big game fishing where marlin, sailfish, tuna, and mahi mahi roam in numbers that'll make your drag scream. Our boat handles up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or join a small group of like-minded fishing fanatics ready to battle some of the ocean's most sought-after species.
We'll meet you at the dock before sunrise – yeah, it's an early start, but trust me, it's worth every yawn. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes time, but that's when the anticipation builds and the coffee kicks in. Once we hit the deep blue water where the continental shelf drops off, that's when things get real. The water changes from green to that deep cobalt blue that screams big fish country. We'll be trolling most of the day, which means multiple lines in the water as we cruise at trolling speed. When something hits, you'll know it – the rod bends, the reel sings, and your adrenaline goes through the roof. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the temperature breaks, watching for bird activity, and positioning us over structure where the big boys hang out. With 12 hours on the water, we've got time to hit multiple spots and really dial in what's biting.
This is all about trolling – the most effective way to cover water and find feeding fish in the deep. We'll have a spread of baits running behind the boat, from ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks to artificial lures that mimic flying fish and squid. The outriggers will be deployed with different baits running at various distances, creating a natural-looking spread that attracts everything from mahi to marlin. We use heavy tackle here – 50 to 80-pound class gear – because when you hook into a 200-pound bluefin tuna, you need equipment that can handle the fight. Circle hooks are the name of the game for catch and release, and our captain will coach you through proper fighting techniques. The key is letting the fish run when it wants to run and gaining line when you can. Don't worry if you've never fought a big fish before – we'll walk you through every step, from setting the hook to bringing it boatside for photos or the cooler.
Blue marlin are the holy grail out here – these apex predators can top 500 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and determination. Peak season runs from June through October, when the warm Gulf Stream water pushes close to shore and baitfish are thick. They're ambush predators that typically cruise in the top 100 feet of water, looking for schools of tuna, mahi, or flying fish. When a blue marlin hits your bait, there's no mistaking it – they often jump immediately, showing off that distinctive bill and massive dorsal fin. The fight can last hours, and many anglers consider it the ultimate offshore challenge. Even if you release it, photos with a blue marlin make for bragging rights that last a lifetime.
Mahi mahi, or dolphin fish as locals call them, are the crowd pleasers of offshore fishing. These beautiful golden-green fish are fast-growing, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found several. Mahi are most active from April through November in Virginia Beach waters, and they love floating debris, seaweed lines, and temperature breaks. They'll hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm, and their acrobatic fights make for great action. A nice bull mahi can push 30-40 pounds, while the smaller females typically run 10-20 pounds. Either way, they're fantastic eating and one of the most reliable species we target on these long offshore runs.
White marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but equally exciting to catch. These 50-100 pound billfish are incredibly acrobatic, often jumping repeatedly during the fight. They're more common than blues in our waters, especially during summer months when water temperatures hit the mid-70s. White marlin feed heavily on small tunas, flying fish, and squid, making them perfect targets for our trolling spread. They're typically released after photos, as they're an important part of the offshore ecosystem and highly prized by conservation-minded anglers.
Bluefin tuna are the bulldozers of the offshore world – pure muscle that will put your tackle and your back to the test. These fish migrate through Virginia Beach waters primarily in winter and spring, with some of the largest specimens showing up when water temperatures drop into the 60s. A big bluefin can weigh over 200 pounds and will make runs that strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're prized both for their fighting ability and their value as sushi-grade fish. The meat is rich, buttery, and commands top dollar at fish markets. Fighting a giant bluefin is a team effort – you'll be in the chair for potentially hours, with everyone on board cheering you on.
Look, 12 hours offshore isn't for everyone – it's a commitment, and you'll definitely feel it in your legs and arms by the end of the day. But if you want to target the biggest, baddest fish that swim in Virginia Beach waters, this is how you do it. The extended time on the water gives us flexibility to move around, try different techniques, and really maximize your chances at that fish of a lifetime. Whether you're looking to check a mar
Step aboard this classic 45-foot Ray Davis sportfisher, a battle-tested offshore workhorse that's been chasing trophy fish since 1968. After a complete 2018 refit, she's ready to take your crew of up to 6 anglers deep into Virginia Beach waters hunting marlin, sailfish, tuna, and mahi. Twin 380HP Cummins engines cruise at 25 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back with your catch. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting birds and bait, while the fish finder helps locate structure holding big fish. When you need a break from fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin with full galley, head, and bunk. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your beverages cold in the onboard fridge. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation whether you're running 70 miles offshore or heading home at sunset with a cooler full of fillets.
Makaira NigricansThese are the giants everyone talks about - female blues can hit over 1,000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males rarely exceed 350. They roam the deep blue water along temperature breaks and current edges, usually 40+ miles offshore. Summer through early fall gives us the best shot when water temps hit 75+ degrees. What makes them special? Pure power and those famous jumps when hooked. The meat's got high mercury, so most folks release them. Here's a tip from years out here: when you see that bill coming up behind your ballyhoo, don't get excited and jerk the rod. Let them eat it, count to five, then set the hook. Heavy tackle only - these fish will humble you quick if you're not prepared for the fight of your life.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - built like torpedoes and averaging 200-600 pounds, with giants pushing over 1,000. These fish roam deep offshore waters and can dive over 3,000 feet when hooked. Fall and winter bring the best action when they're chasing bait schools along the continental shelf. Why guests love them? The fight is legendary - long runs, deep dives, and they never quit. Plus, they're considered the finest eating fish in the ocean, especially for sushi. Here's the key: heavy tackle is mandatory, and when chunking, use fresh butterfish or mackerel. Keep your drag smooth - these fish will find every weak spot in your gear. Note: you'll need federal permits and must report your catch, so we handle all that paperwork.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see - brilliant gold and green that changes right before your eyes. They average 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them pushing 60+ out here. Look for floating debris, weed lines, or anything drifting in that blue water 20+ miles out. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up. What guests love most? They hit hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing grilled that same evening. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look around. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. We'll often get multiple hookups if we stay on them and work the area right.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller cousins of the blues, running 60-180 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they're pure athleticism. These fish cruise the deep water near canyon edges and temperature breaks, usually 30-60 miles out. Mid-summer is our best window when they're moving through following baitfish. What makes them special is their acrobatic show - they'll dance on their tails and put on a real spectacle. Most folks release them since they're not great table fare. Here's what works: rig your ballyhoo with a small weight to keep it swimming natural, and watch the spread, not just your baits. Whites are sneaky - they'll come up behind baits like ghosts. When one shows up, resist the urge to rush the hookset. Let them take it and turn before you come tight.
Richmond