4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip - Virginia Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple local speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning your whole day? This 4-hour fishing trip out of Virginia Beach hits all the sweet spots where the fish hang out. We'll cruise around the bridge pilings, check out some inshore wrecks, and work the structure that holds fish year-round. It's the perfect length for families with kids, first-timers who want to test the waters, or seasoned anglers who know that sometimes half a day is all you need to load the cooler.
You'll meet us at Fisherman's Wharf Marina, where we'll get you set up on our Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 – a solid boat that handles the inshore waters like a champ. This is a private charter, so it's just your crew of up to six people. No strangers, no fighting for rail space, just you and your buddies chasing fish. We've got all the gear dialed in – rods, reels, bait, tackle, the works. Your saltwater license is covered under our charter permit, so that's one less thing to worry about. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish based on what's biting that day and the season we're in.
We fish smart out here, targeting structure that holds fish consistently. Bridge pilings are absolute magnets for species like sheepshead and black drum – they love picking around those barnacle-crusted supports. The inshore wrecks we hit are loaded with black sea bass and summer flounder, especially when the current is moving just right. We'll bounce between bottom fishing with cut bait and live bait, depending on what we're targeting. When the spanish mackerel and bluefish are running, we might throw some small jigs or spoons to get them fired up. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one drift you're pulling up a nice flounder, the next you've got a red drum peeling drag.
Summer Flounder: These flatfish are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing. They lay flat on sandy bottoms near structure, ambushing baitfish swimming by. Best fishing is typically May through October, with the bigger "doormat" flounder showing up in fall. What makes them so fun is the fight – they're strong for their size and will make several runs before you get them to the boat. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Black Sea Bass: These chunky bottom dwellers love hanging around wrecks and hard bottom. They're scrappy fighters that will try to dive straight back to the structure when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're known for their beautiful coloration and aggressive feeding. They make excellent table fare and are a customer favorite because they're relatively easy to catch when you find them.
Spanish Mackerel: When these silver bullets are around, the action gets fast and furious. They show up in schools during the warmer months, typically late spring through early fall. They're speed demons that will test your reflexes and make screaming runs when hooked. Kids especially love catching these because of the constant action when a school moves through.
Bluefish: These toothy predators are known for their aggressive nature and hard fighting ability. They travel in schools and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Spring and fall migrations offer the best opportunities, and they'll hit just about anything you throw at them. They're perfect for beginners because they're not picky eaters, but experienced anglers love the fight they put up.
Tautog: Also called blackfish, these are the bulldogs of the inshore waters. They hang tight to structure like bridge pilings and wrecks, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. They're primarily a cooler water fish, so spring and fall offer the best action. What makes them special is their strength – pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fish you'll encounter, and they're considered a delicacy by those who know good eating fish.
This 4-hour trip strikes the perfect balance between getting serious fishing time and not overwhelming newcomers or wearing out the kids. The inshore waters around Virginia Beach are productive year-round, with different species rotating through based on the season. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you're a regular angler who wants to get out for a quick session, this trip delivers. The private charter setup means you get personalized attention from the captain, and with all gear and licenses included, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a cooler for your catch. Book your spot and get ready to see why Virginia Beach inshore fishing keeps people coming back trip after trip.
Step aboard our 2017 Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 and get ready to fish the productive waters around Virginia Beach. This 27-foot center console runs on twin 250HP Yamahas that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at 58 knots so you spend more time with lines in the water. Built for wreck fishing and inshore action, she delivers a safe, dry ride even when conditions get choppy on the Chesapeake Bay. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers without feeling crowded. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while our GPS navigation system and fish finder help locate those productive spots around bridge pilings and inshore structures where black sea bass, flounder, and red drum like to hang out. Whether you're targeting speckled trout in the shallows or working deeper wrecks for bigger fish, this boat has the power and stability to handle whatever Virginia Beach waters throw at you.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are structure lovers that pack a solid punch for their size. These stocky, dark fish with white-spotted fins typically run 1-4 pounds around our local wrecks, pilings, and rocky bottom. They're perfect for our 4-hour trips since they're active year-round in Virginia Beach waters, though late spring through summer is prime time when they're shallow. What makes them popular is the consistent action - they're curious and aggressive, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, firm white meat. The cool thing is bigger males develop a pronounced hump on their head during spawning season. My go-to technique is dropping squid or cut bait right on structure and keeping it moving slightly. They'll often grab it and head straight back to cover, so keep your drag snug and lift them up quickly.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - these blue-green predators attack in packs and fight like they're twice their size. Around here, most run 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones show up in fall. They roam our inshore waters from late spring through fall, often creating feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitzes" when they corner baitfish. What guests love is the nonstop action and hard fight. They're also great eating when handled properly - bleed them immediately and keep them cold. The younger "cocktail blues" are especially tasty. Key tip: watch for diving birds - that usually means blues are pushing bait to the surface. Use wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. And be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These sleek, silver fish with golden spots typically run 1-3 pounds and move in schools through our area from late spring through early fall. You'll find them around structure, but they're constantly on the move chasing baitfish near the surface. What makes them exciting is the explosive strikes and blazing runs - they're one of the fastest fish we target. They're also some of the best eating you'll find, with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The secret is moving fast when you locate a school. Use small spoons or live bait and work quickly before they move on. When one hits, immediately get another line in the water - where there's one, there's usually a whole bunch more feeding nearby.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish lie on sandy bottoms with both eyes on one side, perfectly camouflaged waiting to ambush prey. Around Virginia Beach, most run 15-20 inches, though you'll occasionally hook into something pushing 5+ pounds. They love structure like our bridge pilings, inlet mouths, and channel edges in 10-40 feet of water. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is the challenge - they're sneaky biters and fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: use a light sinker and let your bait drift naturally. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways before turning it around to swallow.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or "blackfish," are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These chunky, dark-colored fish hang tight around hard structure like our bridge pilings, jetties, and inshore wrecks. Most average 2-4 pounds, but 8+ pounders aren't uncommon if you know where to look. They're active spring through fall, with late April through August being peak season when they're in spawning mode and extra aggressive about defending territory. What guests love is the solid fight - they use every rock and crevice to try breaking you off. Plus, they're outstanding eating with firm, white meat. The trick is using green crabs for bait and crushing up extra shells around your spot to create a scent trail. Keep your drag tight and horse them up quick, or they'll wrap you around structure every time.
Virginia Beach, VA