Virginia Beach Offshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charter targets Cobia, Tuna, and Mahi MahiExpert guides lead fishing adventures for up to 6 guestsRed Drum fishing available in Virginia Beach waters
When you're ready to hit the blue water off Virginia Beach, Cast & Blast Fishing Charters delivers the kind of offshore fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Our six-person boats head out into the Atlantic where the real action happens – those deeper waters where Cobia cruise the structure, Mahi Mahi light up under floating debris, and Red Drum put up fights that'll test your drag settings. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your sea legs, our captains know exactly where to find the fish and how to put you on them.
We're talking serious offshore fishing here – the kind where you're running 15-30 miles out to hit the structure, wrecks, and temperature breaks where the big fish hang. Your day starts early with a full briefing on safety and what we're targeting based on current conditions. Our captains aren't just boat drivers; they're students of these waters who read the currents, watch the birds, and know which artificial reefs are firing off on any given day. The boat comes rigged with top-shelf tackle, but feel free to bring your own if you've got favorites. We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – from live bait fishing over structure to trolling the blue water for pelagics.
Out here in Virginia Beach waters, versatility wins the day. We're constantly switching between bottom fishing the artificial reefs with circle hooks and heavy sinkers, sight fishing for Cobia around buoys and floating structure, and trolling spreads of ballyhoo and lures for the fast-moving stuff. The tackle setup varies by target – you'll see everything from 20-pound spinning gear for the Spanish Mackerel to 50-pound conventional reels when we're hunting big Cobia or Bull Red Drum. Live bait is king out here, so expect to see spot, croaker, and blue crabs in the wells. When conditions are right, we'll work the thermoclines where cooler inshore water meets the Gulf Stream influence, and that's where the magic happens with Mahi and other pelagics.
Spanish Mackerel are your bread-and-butter fish from late spring through early fall, schooling up in massive numbers around the nearshore structure. These silver bullets hit fast and fight hard on light tackle, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. They're suckers for small spoons and got-cha plugs, and when you find a school, you can load the cooler in no time. The best fishing happens on the outgoing tide when baitfish get pushed off the structure.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as most folks call them, are the ultimate flatfish challenge. These ambush predators bury in the sand around structure, waiting to nail unsuspecting baitfish. The bigger females can push 8-10 pounds and provide some serious drag-screaming runs. We target them with bucktails tipped with Gulp or live spot, working the edges of wrecks and artificial reefs. Peak season runs May through September, with the biggest fish typically showing up mid-summer.
Spadefish are the offshore surprise that many anglers overlook, but these disk-shaped fighters are absolute dynamite on light tackle. They school up around towers and deep structure, feeding on jellyfish and small invertebrates. The key is using small hooks with clam or shrimp, and when you hook into a school, every angler on the boat can be bent over simultaneously. They're excellent table fare too – firm white meat that rivals any reef fish.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bruisers that separate the serious anglers from the weekend warriors. The big bulls cruise the offshore waters, especially around structure, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. These copper-colored fighters can stretch into the 40-50 inch range and will test every knot and connection you've got. We target them with live or cut bait on the bottom, particularly around artificial reefs during their fall migration.
Mahi Mahi bring the offshore excitement that every angler dreams about. These electric-colored acrobats love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. When we spot birds working or floating structure, there's always a chance Mahi are underneath. They hit trolled baits hard and put on an aerial show that'll have you reaching for your phone. The smaller school fish are perfect for the dinner table, while the bigger bulls provide pure adrenaline.
Cobia are the apex predators that make Virginia Beach famous in fishing circles. These brown sharks, as they're sometimes called, cruise alone or in small groups around buoys, towers, and floating debris. Sight fishing for Cobia is about as good as it gets – watching these 30-50 pound fish swim up to investigate your bait before crushing it. They're incredibly smart fish that require stealth and the right presentation, but when everything clicks, you're in for a fight you won't forget.
This is what real offshore fishing looks like in Virginia Beach – diverse species, proven techniques, and waters that consistently produce. Our six-angler limit means you're not fighting for rail space, and our captains' local knowledge puts you on fish instead of just hoping for the best. The combination of nearshore structure fishing and blue water opportunities means every trip offers something different. Don't spend another weekend wondering what you're missing out there. Virginia Beach's offshore waters are calling, and Cast & Blast Fishing Charters has the experience to make sure you answer with bent rods and full coolers.
The 53' Ricky Scarborough is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Virginia Beach waters. This roomy motorboat handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. Cruising at 30 knots, you'll cut through the waves quickly to reach those productive fishing grounds where Cobia, Tuna, and Mahi Mahi are waiting. The onboard GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate schools and structure below. Whether you're battling a hefty Red Drum or working a Tuna to the boat, this well-equipped vessel gives you the platform you need for a successful day on the water. The spacious deck layout means everyone gets their shot at the action without crowding each other during the fight.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary fish that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. These powerful predators cruise near the surface around structures like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration through early summer is prime time, especially May and June when they're spawning. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect and the bulldogging fight these fish provide. They're also outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. Being solitary makes them challenging but rewarding targets. Best technique is sight-casting with bucktail jigs or live eels when you spot one cruising. Keep the boat positioned well ahead of the fish and lead them with your cast - they spook easily but will eat aggressively when presented properly.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the acrobats of offshore fishing, known for their brilliant colors and spectacular jumps when hooked. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can reach much larger sizes. They're found around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, typically 20+ miles offshore. Summer months bring the best fishing when water temperatures climb above 75 degrees. What makes them special is the explosive strike, aerial displays, and top-notch table fare with firm, mild flesh. They travel in schools, so multiple hookups are common. The trick is to keep one hooked fish in the water while others grab additional baits - the school will often stay with their hooked buddy, giving you shots at several fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the bronze bulldozers of the shallows with distinctive black spots near their tails. These copper-colored fighters average 28-33 inches and can push 50+ pounds in deeper water. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes in water so thin their backs show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love is the powerful runs and head-shaking fights, plus they're excellent eating when kept within slot limits. They're not picky eaters but can be spooky in skinny water. My best advice: approach quietly, use natural baits like live shrimp or cut mullet, and be ready for a long fight once you hook one.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are distinctive disk-shaped fish with bold black stripes that travel in large schools around structures. They typically weigh 3-8 pounds and grow to about 18 inches. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and jetties, especially in summer when they move closer to shore. What makes them interesting is their unique "playing dead" defense - juveniles will actually drift like leaves when threatened. They're popular because they put up a decent fight and taste great on the table. The tricky part is their small mouth and tendency to nibble bait. Here's the key: use small circle hooks with fresh clam strips, and when you locate a school, work it thoroughly - they'll often stay in the same area for extended periods.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that put up a solid fight on light tackle. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and love to travel in schools near the surface. You'll find them around structures like piers and jetties, but they also cruise open water chasing baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time here in Virginia Beach, especially when water temps hit the 70s. They're fantastic table fare - firm, mild flesh that grills perfectly. What makes them special is the explosive strike when they hit a moving lure. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lure in the water - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms with both eyes on one side of their head. These "doormat" fish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes over 8 pounds. They love shallow bays, around structures like oyster bars, and anywhere the bottom transitions from hard to soft. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What guests love is the challenge of finding them and the excellent table fare. They're ambush predators that can be tricky to hook properly. My go-to tip: use a circle hook and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these fish.
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