Virginia Beach Inshore Charter for 6 Anglers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore charter targets Spanish Mackerel, Ribbonfish, and Bluefish species.Expert guides pursue Red Drum and Cobia when conditions permit.Sixangler capacity ensures personalized attention and fishing success.
Looking for a solid day of inshore fishing around Virginia Beach? Our 6-angler charter targets some of the most popular species swimming these waters. We're talking Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and if conditions line up right, we'll chase the bigger prizes like Red Drum and Cobia. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – our captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish. Whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, we've got the experience and local knowledge to make it a day worth remembering.
When you step aboard with C Level Sportfishing, you're getting a real Virginia Beach inshore experience. We launch from the heart of the area and hit the productive waters where these fish love to hang out. The boat's rigged specifically for inshore work – we're not talking about a deep sea setup trying to do double duty. Our gear is matched to the species we're after, and we carry everything you need to get into fish. The trips are designed for all skill levels, so don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing or if you've got kids along. We keep it fun but focused on putting fish in the boat. Most days we're working structure, grass beds, and channel edges where these species feed. The Virginia Beach inshore scene offers variety – one minute you might be fighting a hard-pulling Red Drum, the next you could be into a school of aggressive Spanish Mackerel.
Inshore fishing around Virginia Beach calls for specific techniques, and we've got them dialed in. We're constantly adjusting based on conditions – tides, bait movement, water clarity, and seasonal patterns all play into where we fish and how we fish. For Spanish Mackerel, we often run Clark spoons or small jigs when we find them schooled up. Bluefish respond well to cut bait and wire leaders are a must with their sharp teeth. When we're targeting Red Drum and Cobia, we switch tactics completely – live bait like croaker or spot often gets their attention, and we'll work deeper structure and channel edges. The boat carries spinning and conventional gear matched to what we're chasing. Light tackle makes the fight more fun on smaller species, but we step up the drag when we hook into something bigger. Our captains read the water constantly – watching for bait schools, bird activity, and subtle changes that indicate where fish are feeding. It's this attention to detail that separates a good day from a great day on the water.
Red Drum, or "Redfish" as most folks call them, are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach inshore fishing. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20 to 40 inches in our waters, with the occasional bull drum pushing 50 inches or more. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when they're feeding in the shallows around structure. What makes Reds so special is their fight – they make long, powerful runs and don't give up easy. Plus, they're great table fare when they're in the slot size.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a good day into an amazing day. These brown sharks look-alikes cruise the inshore waters from late spring through early fall, often following rays or hanging around structure. They average 30 to 50 pounds in our area, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. Cobia hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad tail to pull line off your reel in chunks. They're curious fish too – sometimes they'll follow the boat before deciding to eat, which makes for some exciting sight fishing opportunities.
Spanish Mackerel are pure action fish that keep rods bent when they're around. These 2 to 4-pound speedsters school up in Virginia Beach waters from late spring through fall, and when you find them, you can expect rapid-fire hookups. They're perfect for kids and novice anglers because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Spanish Mackerel also make excellent bait for larger species, so we often keep a few for that purpose.
Bluefish are the bullies of the inshore scene around Virginia Beach. They travel in schools and feed aggressively, often creating feeding frenzies that attract diving birds. Blues range from 2-pound "snappers" up to 10-pound "choppers" that can really pull. They're available most of the year but peak during spring and fall migrations. What anglers love about Bluefish is their willingness to bite – when they're feeding, they'll hit just about anything you throw at them.
Black Drum round out our target list as the bottom-dwelling heavyweights. These fish prefer deeper structure and channels, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Virginia Beach Black Drum typically run 5 to 15 pounds, though larger fish are definitely possible. They're not the fastest fighters, but their size and stubborn nature make for a good battle. Black Drum bite best on natural baits like crab or clam, and they're most active during moving tides.
Virginia Beach inshore fishing delivers consistent action across multiple species, and our 6-angler charters give your group the space to fish comfortably without feeling crowded. We provide all the tackle and know-how – you just need to show up ready to fish. The variety of species means everyone on board has a shot at different types of action, from the speed and numbers of Spanish Mackerel to the power of Red Drum. Our captains live this fishery every day and know how to adapt to conditions to keep you on fish. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate trip, or just want to get your fishing crew together, this charter covers all the bases. Book your Virginia Beach inshore adventure with C Level Sportfishing and see why ang
Get ready to fish Virginia Beach waters aboard our classic 45-foot Ray Davis sportfisher! This beauty was born in 1968 and got a complete makeover in 2018, so she's got that vintage charm with modern reliability. Twin 380HP Cummins diesels push her to 25 knots, getting your crew of six to the fish fast. She's loaded with everything serious anglers need - top-notch fish finder to locate those Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish schools, plus GPS and radar to keep you on the productive spots even when visibility drops. The flybridge gives you that commanding view of the water while you're hunting Red Drum and Cobia. Between fishing sessions, kick back with the onboard multimedia system or grab a cold one from the fridge. Air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable during those hot summer runs, and there's a full galley when you work up an appetite. The head and sleeping quarters mean longer trips are no problem. This isn't just transportation - it's your floating fishing headquarters with decades of Virginia Beach experience built right in.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-pound "puppy drums" to 50+ pound giants. These gray-black bruisers with chin whiskers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they can crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and become easier to target in 10-30 feet of water. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump, just pull hard and steady. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones are tough and better released. The trick is fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom. Blue crab, peeler crab, or clam chunks work best. Use enough weight to stay put in the current and be patient - drum fishing is about persistence, not speed.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that arrive in Virginia Beach waters mid-summer and stick around through fall. These blue-green battlers typically weigh 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They travel in schools and love to feed in a frenzy, often pushing baitfish to the surface in spectacular "blitzes." You'll find them around structure, inlet mouths, and wherever the baitfish are thick. What guests enjoy is their hard-hitting strikes and strong runs - they don't give up easy. Smaller blues make good eating when bled immediately, but the bigger ones can be strong-flavored. Best tip I can give is to bring a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. Cut bait, spoons, or anything shiny works when they're feeding.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize catch that keeps anglers coming back - these chocolate-brown bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds in our waters. They're loners, not schoolers, often found cruising near buoys, wrecks, and structures in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests love about cobia is the visual fishing - you actually see them swimming near the surface before casting. They fight like freight trains and make outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. The key here is staying quiet when you spot one - kill the engine and drift to them. A 4-8 oz bucktail jig worked slowly usually does the trick, but don't be surprised if they follow the bait right to the boat before deciding to eat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, also called Red Drum, are perfect targets for Virginia Beach's shallow water fishing. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-30 inches around here, though we catch plenty of slot fish and some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and structure in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their strong, steady fight and excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Plus, watching them tail in skinny water gets everyone excited. Pro tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle - they spook easily but will hammer a well-placed shrimp or soft plastic if you're patient.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are our bread-and-butter action fish - perfect for keeping rods bent and guests happy. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and show up in big schools from late spring through fall. They cruise near the surface around structures, jetties, and open water areas, often giving themselves away by busting bait on top. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite, aggressive strikes, and decent table fare when prepared fresh. Kids especially love them because they're not too big to handle but fight hard for their size. The secret is using small, shiny spoons or gotcha lures trolled just under the surface. Once you find a school, work it quickly - they move fast and won't stay in one spot long. Light tackle makes the fight more fun too.
Richmond