Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
46 hour inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesExpert guides provide bottom fishing with live bait optionsMaximum 6 guests explore Atlantic nearshore waters
Looking for some serious action on the water? C Level Sportfishing's inshore charters put you right in the heart of Virginia Beach's best fishing grounds. These 4 to 6-hour trips give you plenty of time to work the productive waters where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species along the Virginia coast, and trust me, these fish know how to fight. With up to 6 anglers per trip, you get that perfect balance of camaraderie and elbow room to work your lines properly.
Your day starts with a quick run to the prime inshore and nearshore zones where the action happens. The beauty of Virginia Beach fishing lies in the variety – one minute you're working structure for bottom dwellers, the next you're sight casting to cruising predators. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish whether they're schooled up in the shallows or prowling deeper channels. The boat is equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to a good selection of tackle. You can bring your own gear if you prefer, but honestly, most folks find our setup handles these Virginia waters perfectly. The trip flows naturally between different techniques and spots depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding.
We fish smart here, adapting our approach to match the conditions and target species. Bottom fishing is a staple technique when we're working structure for drum and cobia, using circle hooks and enough weight to keep your bait in the strike zone. For the Spanish mackerel and bluefish, we often switch to lighter tackle and work the water column with live bait or small jigs. The guides will show you the right way to set your drag, how to read your rod tip, and when to set the hook on different species. Live bait is available and highly effective, but we also carry a solid selection of artificials for when the fish are being finicky. The key is staying flexible and letting the fish tell you what they want. Some days they're crushing everything you throw at them, other days you need to finesse them a bit more.
Red drum, or redfish as most folks call them, are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run anywhere from slot size up to genuine bulls pushing 40 inches or more. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, often found tailing in shallow water or ambushing baitfish around structure. What makes reds so special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to really test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks, as some call them, show up in Virginia waters from late spring through summer, often following rays or cruising solo near the surface. They're curious fish that will come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you shots at sight casting. A good cobia will go 30 to 50 pounds and fight like a freight train, making blistering runs and diving deep when they feel the hook. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and numbers to your fishing day. These silver bullets typically show up in schools during summer months, slashing through baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. They're not huge – most run 1 to 3 pounds – but they make up for size with sheer aggressiveness and acrobatic fights. When you find a school of Spanish, you can often catch them as fast as you can get your line in the water. They're also fantastic on the dinner table, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for smoking or grilling.
Bluefish are the aggressive predators that keep things interesting. These toothy customers travel in schools and feed with a vengeance, often creating feeding frenzies that attract birds and create visible commotion on the surface. Virginia's bluefish typically run 2 to 8 pounds, with larger choppers showing up in fall migrations. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them when they're feeding, making them perfect for newer anglers who want to feel some serious pulls. Just watch your fingers around those razor-sharp teeth – they're called choppers for good reason.
Virginia Beach inshore fishing delivers consistent action and variety that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to spend a day on the water with friends and family, these charters offer the perfect blend of productivity and fun. The 4 to 6-hour timeframe gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and target different species without wearing yourself out. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather is perfect.
This classic 45-foot Ray Davis sportfisher is your gateway to Virginia Beach's best inshore fishing grounds. Originally built in 1968 and completely refurbished in 2018, she runs on twin 380HP Cummins engines that cruise smoothly at 25 knots to get you to the fish fast. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for working lines and landing your catch. Modern electronics include GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Red Drum, and Cobia in the Atlantic's inshore waters. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox for keeping your catch fresh. The flybridge offers excellent visibility for spotting feeding birds and surface activity, while the onboard head and sleeping quarters ensure comfort during longer 6-hour trips. Whether you're bottom fishing with live bait or targeting surface feeders, this well-equipped vessel delivers reliable performance on Virginia's productive coastal waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the aggressive bullies of our local waters, and that's exactly why people love targeting them. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through leaders if you're not careful. They travel in schools and when you find them, it's usually game on for everyone aboard. Summer months bring the best action as they chase baitfish through our inshore waters, from the surf to about 30 feet deep. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them and fight hard to the boat. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a mild flavor if you bleed them right away. Wire leaders are essential since those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - that's how most folks first spot them. These solitary fish cruise alone or in small groups, often mistaken for sharks due to their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. Average fish run 30-50 pounds, but we've seen them push 80+ pounds here in Virginia waters. They love structure - wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-60 feet. Best fishing happens during their spring migration from May through July when they're moving north. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - you'll often see them cruising just under the surface, plus they're incredible table fare with firm, white meat. My advice: when you spot one, get a bucktail jig down quick and be ready for a serious fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets here in Virginia Beach. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches, though we regularly hook into slot fish around that 28-inch mark. Look for that distinctive black spot near their tail - it's their signature feature. They love our shallow flats, marsh edges, and around oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes redfish special is their bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and make strong runs even in shallow water. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle to the bottom before they arrive.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and light tackle skills. These silver rockets average 1-3 pounds and stretch 12-20 inches, but don't let the size fool you - they fight way above their weight class. You'll find schools of them around structure, bait pods, and near-shore reefs from late spring through early fall. They're surface feeders that love to crash bait, creating those exciting topwater explosions guests remember long after the trip. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills perfectly or makes great fish tacos. Best part is they're perfect for beginners and kids since they bite aggressively. Local trick: use small, fast-moving spoons or jigs and keep them moving - these fish won't chase slow presentations.
Richmond