Virginia Beach Inshore Charter for 6 Anglers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore charter targets Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Red DrumExpert guides provide instruction for all skill levelsSix-angler capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Looking for some serious fishing action without heading way offshore? Our Virginia Beach inshore charter puts you right in the sweet spot where the action happens. We're talking about productive waters where Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and those feisty Red Drum love to hang out. Captain and crew from C Level Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been working these waters for years. Six anglers max means everyone gets plenty of room to fish and personal attention when the bite gets hot.
We launch early when the fish are most active, usually targeting the productive inshore structure and grass beds that Virginia Beach is famous for. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're battling a hard-fighting Cobia, the next you've got a school of Spanish Mackerel tearing up your light tackle setup. Our guides read the water conditions daily and adjust tactics accordingly. Some days we'll work the inlet mouth where baitfish concentrate, other days we head to the nearshore wrecks or artificial reefs. The boat's rigged with quality tackle, but if you've got your favorite rod setup, bring it along. Most trips run 4-6 hours, giving us plenty of time to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are telling us.
Inshore Virginia Beach fishing means versatility is key. We'll be running everything from live bait fishing with spot and croaker to casting jigs and spoons when we find feeding schools. Light spinning tackle works great for the Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, while we step up to medium-heavy gear when targeting Red Drum and Cobia. Bottom fishing with circle hooks produces steady action on Black Drum, especially around structure. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, but experienced anglers appreciate having multiple rod setups ready – the bite windows can be short and intense. We carry a full spread of tackle from 15-pound test up to 30-pound for the bigger fish. GPS and fish finder technology help us locate structure and baitfish, but local knowledge of seasonal patterns makes the real difference.
Red Drum are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-size keepers around 20-26 inches up to true bulls pushing 40+ inches. Peak season runs May through October, with September and October being absolutely prime time. They love shallow water structure, grass beds, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. What makes Red Drum so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to create serious drag pressure. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within the slot limit. Bulls over 27 inches must be released, but getting photos with a 35-pound drum never gets old.
Cobia are the wild card that can turn a good day into a great one. These brown sharks of the inshore waters show up May through September, often following rays or cruising structure. They're curious fish that will come up to investigate the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Cobia fight like freight trains, making powerful runs and testing your drag system. At 20-40 pounds, they're serious fish that require proper technique to land. The meat is phenomenal – white, flaky, and mild-flavored, making them a top target for anglers who like to eat their catch.
Spanish Mackerel provide consistent action throughout the warmer months. These speed demons love light tackle and put on an aerial show when hooked. They school heavily around baitfish concentrations, creating fast and furious action when you find them. Small jigs, spoons, and live bait all work well. While they're on the smaller side at 1-3 pounds, their aggressive nature and willingness to bite make them perfect for keeping kids and beginners engaged. They're also delicious when prepared fresh, with firm meat that's perfect for grilling.
Bluefish are the ultimate aggressive predator in these waters. When they're feeding, they'll hit almost anything that moves. These toothy customers range from snapper blues under a pound to chopper blues pushing 8-10 pounds. They travel in schools and create feeding frenzies that are visible from a distance – birds diving, bait jumping, and the water churning white. Blues fight hard for their size and are great on light tackle. Just watch those teeth when handling them. Fresh bluefish has a rich flavor that's perfect for smoking or grilling with strong seasonings.
Black Drum round out our target species list, providing steady bottom fishing action especially during cooler months. These bottom dwellers love structure and are masters at finding crabs, clams, and worms in the sand. They're not the flashiest fighters, but a 5-10 pound Black Drum provides solid resistance and great eating. Smaller fish have the best flavor, while the bigger ones over 16 inches make better photo opportunities than table fare. They bite year-round but are most active during spring and fall migrations.
Virginia Beach inshore fishing delivers variety, action, and the chance at some truly memorable catches. Whether you're after the fighting power of Red Drum, the speed of Spanish Mackerel, or just want to experience some of the East Coast's most productive inshore waters, this charter puts you in the right place with experienced guides. Six-angler capacity means your group gets personal attention and plenty of fishing space. The combination of our local knowledge, quality tackle, and Virginia Beach's renowned fishing grounds creates the perfect setup for a successful day on the water. These inshore trips fill up fast during peak season, so secure your dates early and get ready for some serious fishing action.
Step aboard our classic 45-foot Ray Davis sportfisher, a 1968 beauty that got a complete makeover in 2018. Twin 380HP Cummins engines push this girl to 25 knots, getting you to the fish fast and back to the dock comfortable. She's built for serious angling with all the tech you need – fish finder, GPS, and radar for those foggy mornings when the bite is hot. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot feeding birds and surface action, while down below you'll find AC to beat the Virginia Beach heat, a full galley, head, and even a bunk if someone needs a break between bites. Keep your catch iced down in the onboard icebox and your drinks cold in the fridge. Whether we're chasing Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish in the shallows or heading out for Red Drum and Cobia when conditions are right, this boat handles it all. Six anglers fish comfortably with plenty of room to work your rods without tangling lines. She's seen decades of successful fishing trips and has the reliability to get you on the water when others stay tied to the dock.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our shallow water fishing, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These bottom-feeders typically run 15-40 pounds around Virginia Beach, with some monsters pushing 60-plus. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them drumming underwater. What makes them special? That slow, powerful fight that tests your patience and your back. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are decent eating, but the real thrill is just tangling with these brutes. They're smart, too - you need to be quiet and patient. Here's my go-to technique: fresh blue crab on a circle hook, fished right on the bottom near oyster structure. Let them take it and run - don't set the hook hard or you'll pull it right out of their tough mouths.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bullies of Virginia Beach waters, and that's exactly why we love targeting them. These aggressive fighters typically weigh 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They patrol surf zones, inlets, and around baitfish schools from spring through fall, usually in 10-40 feet of water. When they're feeding, the water looks like a washing machine - we call it a "bluefish blitz." What makes them fun? Pure aggression - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them and fight dirty all the way to the boat. Fresh blues under 5 pounds are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Here's what works: when you see birds diving and water churning, get there fast with metal spoons or chunk bait. Just remember to bring wire leaders - those teeth will cut through mono like butter. And watch your fingers when unhooking them!
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our inshore trips - think 30-60 pound brown torpedoes that'll test your tackle and your arms. These solitary fish cruise around wrecks, buoys, and channel markers, usually in 20-50 feet of water. You'll often spot them just under the surface, looking like sharks until you see that flat head. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're moving through our area during their migration. What makes them worth targeting? They fight like freight trains, grow huge, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm white fillets that taste like nothing else. Plus, each fish is a trophy since they don't school up. Pro tip from years of chasing them: when you see one, have a bucktail jig ready to drop right in front of its nose. They're curious fish, so they'll usually check it out if you don't spook them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed Drum, or Redfish, are one of our most popular inshore targets around Virginia Beach. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches and love shallow water from 1-4 feet deep. You'll spot them by their signature black eyespot near the tail and that distinctive red-bronze coloring. They hang out in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near structure like old pilings. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great with that mild, sweet flavor, and they're just plain fun to sight-fish in skinny water. Here's a local tip: when you see them tailing in the shallows, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're moving and let it sink to the bottom. Soft crab or fresh shrimp on a jig head works magic on these beauties.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent all day long. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in huge numbers from late spring through early fall. They cruise near the surface around structure, jetties, and over grass flats, usually in 10-30 feet of water. What makes them a blast to catch? Pure action - when you find a school, you can catch dozens. They hit hard, jump, and those razor-sharp teeth mean you better have your drag set right. Plus, they're fantastic eating when fresh - great on the grill or smoked. The meat is mild, not too fishy, with omega-3s for days. Local secret: use small silver spoons or white jigs and fish them fast. These guys are built for speed, so don't slow-roll your lures. When birds are diving, that's your sign - get there quick before the school moves on.
Richmond