12-Hour Offshore Charter in Virginia Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore charter targeting marlin, sailfish, and tunaVenture up to 70 miles offshore into deep watersAccommodates up to 6 guests with C Level Sportfishing
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and chase some serious fish, this 12-hour offshore charter is exactly what you're looking for. We'll take you and up to 5 other anglers up to 70 miles out into the deep blue Atlantic, where the big boys live and the action never stops. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding the best fishing grounds where trophy marlin, screaming tuna runs, and colorful mahi mahi make every cast count. Pack your patience and bring your A-game because these waters don't mess around.
You'll meet the crew before sunrise at the marina, and we'll have everything rigged and ready to roll. The first hour or two is all about getting to the fishing grounds – and trust me, it's worth the ride. As we head further offshore, you'll watch the water change from that murky green coastal color to the deep cobalt blue that means serious fishing. We'll be running multiple lines with different spreads depending on what we're targeting that day. The boat stays in motion most of the time, trolling at speeds that keep the baits looking natural and the fish interested. Expect to see flying fish breaking the surface, dolphins riding our wake, and if we're lucky, some impressive shows from the fish we're chasing. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish if they're biting. Just remember – offshore fishing requires some sea legs, so if you're prone to seasickness, grab some medicine before we leave the dock.
This charter runs a serious trolling spread designed to cover water and attract multiple species. We'll typically have 6-8 lines out at various depths and distances from the boat, using a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, diving plugs, and teasers. The outriggers keep the lines spread wide, while we'll run a few flat lines closer to the boat and maybe a shotgun line way back in the clean water. All the tackle is tournament-grade stuff – heavy spinning reels and conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle whatever decides to eat. The captain will adjust our trolling speed based on conditions and what we're targeting, usually anywhere from 6 to 9 knots. When something hits, you'll know it immediately – the reel starts screaming, and everyone on the boat snaps to attention. The crew will clear the other lines while you get buckled into the fighting chair if needed. Don't worry if you've never fought a big fish before; the mate will coach you through it and make sure you get the most out of every hookup.
The Blue Marlin is the king of offshore fishing around Virginia Beach, and these waters consistently produce some of the best marlin fishing on the East Coast. These fish show up in good numbers from June through October, with peak action typically happening in July and August when the water temperatures hit that sweet spot in the mid-70s. Blues can range anywhere from 200 pounds to well over 500, and when one decides to eat your bait, you're in for the fight of your life. They'll jump, sound deep, and test every ounce of your strength and the boat's equipment. What makes blue marlin so special isn't just their size – it's their attitude. They fight like they're angry at the world, and that raw power is addictive for any angler who's experienced it.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the old-timers call them, bring a completely different kind of excitement to offshore fishing. These fish are pure eye candy with their brilliant gold, green, and blue colors, and they're some of the best eating you'll find in the ocean. Mahi typically show up around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere baitfish are schooling. They're aggressive feeders and often travel in groups, so when you find one, there's usually more around. A good mahi will run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 50 or more. They don't have the raw power of a marlin, but they make up for it with acrobatics and speed. Plus, these fish are fantastic on the dinner table, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both sport and supper.
White Marlin might be smaller than their blue cousins, but pound-for-pound, they're just as exciting to catch. These fish typically run 40 to 80 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumping ability and stubborn fighting style. Whites are often more numerous than blues in our waters, especially during the peak summer months. They love the same trolling spreads we use for blues, and they'll often surprise you by showing up when you're least expecting it. Many anglers actually prefer white marlin because the fight is more manageable but still provides that authentic billfish experience. They're also more likely to be released healthy, which keeps our fishery strong for future generations.
Bluefin Tuna represent some of the most prized catches in offshore fishing, and Virginia Beach sits right in the middle of their migration route. These fish are pure muscle and endurance – think of them as the marathon runners of the ocean. A good bluefin will pull drag for what seems like forever, making long, powerful runs that test your equipment and your stamina. We see bluefins ranging from school-sized fish around 40-60 pounds up to giants over 200 pounds. The smaller fish are fantastic eating, while the big ones provide memories that last a lifetime. Bluefin fishing is often about persistence and being in the right place when they decide to feed, but when it all comes together, there's nothing quite like it in offshore fishing.
This 12-hour offshore charter represents serious fishing for serious anglers. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in a day that could produce the catch
Get ready to chase big game fish aboard this classic 45-foot Ray Davis sportfisher! Originally built in 1968 and completely rebuilt in 2018, this offshore machine runs twin 380HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at 25 knots. Perfect for up to six anglers heading 70 miles out into the deep blue. This boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a flybridge for spotting birds and baitfish. The cabin features air conditioning to escape the Virginia Beach heat, full kitchen for meal prep, refrigerator and icebox to keep your catch fresh, plus a head and sleeping quarters for the long 12-hour offshore runs. Whether you're trolling for marlin and sailfish or targeting tuna and mahi, this vessel has the range and stability to handle the Atlantic's big water. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride out, while the spacious deck gives each angler room to fight trophy fish. Book your spot for serious offshore fishing action!
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world - females can reach 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds, while males rarely exceed 350 pounds. These deep blue beauties with their signature spear-like bills cruise the warm offshore waters, usually found 40-70 miles out where the Gulf Stream edges meet cooler water. Here off Virginia Beach, late summer through early fall gives us our best shots when water temps hit the sweet spot. What makes them special? Pure power and those famous jumps - they'll test every piece of your gear and your patience. The fight can last hours, and when you finally boat one, it's a lifetime memory. Pro tip: when one shows up behind your bait, don't get excited and speed up the boat. Keep that trolling speed steady and let the fish make the first move.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin Tuna are the ultimate offshore prize - torpedo-shaped powerhouses averaging 6 feet and 300-500 pounds, with giants hitting 1,000+ pounds. These warm-blooded fish handle cold water better than other tunas, making them available from late fall through early spring in our deep offshore waters. They cruise structure like canyons and temperature breaks, often 50+ miles out. What makes them legendary is the brutal fight - they'll make screaming runs and deep dives that'll test your heaviest tackle. Plus, the meat is world-class, especially the fatty belly cuts prized for sushi. Fair warning: you need serious gear and patience - fights can last hours. Best tip I can share: when chunking for them, don't anchor. Drift with the current and keep a steady stream of small bait pieces going. Once they're feeding, drop your hook bait back in the slick and be ready for war.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the colorful speedsters of the offshore world, flashing gold, green, and blue until they hit the deck and put on a light show. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see bigger bulls pushing 50+ during good years. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when water warms up and sargassum moves in. Guests love them because they hit hard, jump like crazy, and make outstanding table fare - mild, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They also travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. My go-to trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water near the boat while we get more lines out. The hooked fish will keep the school around for a few more shots.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller, scrappier cousins of the Blue Marlin, typically running 40-80 pounds and stretching up to 9 feet. These silver-sided speedsters patrol the deep waters along canyon edges and temperature breaks, constantly on the move since they need to swim to breathe. Peak season runs July through September when warm water pushes close to our underwater structure. What sets them apart is their acrobatic fighting style - they'll leap, dive, and run like nothing else out there. Unlike Blues, they're more numerous and give you better odds of a hookup. The challenge is keeping them on - they're notorious for throwing hooks with all that jumping. Here's the key: when one comes up on your spread, don't rush it. Let them eat the bait completely before setting the hook, and keep steady pressure without over-cranking the drag.
Richmond