6 Hour Inshore Fishing Trip up to 6 person
Private Trip
Private 6-hour inshore charter targeting multiple fish speciesAll equipment and Virginia saltwater licenses included onboardDeparts from Fisherman's Wharf Marina accommodating six guests
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the long haul to the deep blue? This 6-hour inshore charter out of Virginia Beach hits all the sweet spots where fish love to hang out. We're talking bridge pilings, inshore wrecks, and structure that holds everything from tasty flounder to hard-fighting red drum. Captain and crew at Casting Horizon know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a first-timer or you've been wetting lines for decades. The Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 is built for comfort and fishing, so you'll have plenty of room to work and land whatever decides to bite.
Your day starts at Fisherman's Wharf Marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's biting and where we're heading. The beauty of inshore fishing around Virginia Beach is the variety - one drift you might be pulling up black sea bass, the next you could be fighting a bull red drum that doesn't want to give up. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets their shot at the action. Since it's a private charter, the captain can adjust the game plan based on what your group wants to target and how the bite is developing throughout the day. No crowded party boats or fighting for rail space - just you, your crew, and whatever's hungry down below.
All your gear is covered - rods, reels, bait, tackle, and everything else you need to get hooked up. The captain will match the setup to what we're targeting, whether that's bottom rigs for sea bass and flounder or lighter tackle for speckled trout and Spanish mackerel. Around the bridge pilings, we'll often work jigs and live bait to tempt sheepshead and black drum hiding in the shadows. When we hit the inshore wrecks, expect some serious bottom fishing action with heavier weights to get down to where the bigger fish are holding. The technique changes based on tide, current, and what's showing up on the fish finder, but that's half the fun of inshore fishing - you never know exactly what's going to happen next. Your Virginia saltwater license is included under the charter permit, so that's one less thing to worry about.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes when they hit. These silver bullets show up in good numbers during the warmer months, usually running from late spring through early fall around Virginia Beach. They're not huge - most run 1-3 pounds - but they make up for size with attitude. Spanish mackerel love shiny spoons and small jigs worked fast near the surface, and when you hook one, get ready for some serious runs. What makes them special is the non-stop action when you find a school, plus they're excellent on the dinner table with their mild, flaky meat.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These chunky fighters hang around structure like wrecks and pilings where they ambush whatever swims by. Most of the keepers you'll catch run 2-5 pounds, but the occasional doormat can push 8 pounds or more. They're available pretty much year-round, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavy. Sea bass hit hard and fight dirty, using every piece of structure they can find to try and break you off. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that's perfect for any recipe.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as the old-timers call them, are the masters of disguise on sandy bottoms and around structure edges. These flatfish can be tricky to locate, but when you dial in the pattern, they'll keep you busy all day. Virginia Beach flounder typically run 1-4 pounds, with the occasional doormat pushing 6-8 pounds that'll make your day. Peak season runs from May through September when they're feeding aggressively in the shallows. What makes flounder fishing addictive is the subtle bite - they don't slam the bait like other species, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook on anything that feels different.
Spadefish are the wild cards that show up around wrecks and structure during summer months, usually in schools that can turn a slow day into something special. These deep-bodied fish are strong fighters that use their flat profile to their advantage, making long runs and trying to turn sideways against the current. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they punch above their weight class when it comes to fight. Spadefish can be picky eaters, often preferring small pieces of clam or squid over larger baits, but when they're feeding, you can load the boat.
California Sheephead might be the name, but the sheepshead around Virginia Beach are East Coast natives that love to hang around pilings and structure where they can pick off crabs and shellfish. These black and white striped fish are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush shellfish and steal your bait without you feeling a thing. They typically run 2-6 pounds and are available most of the year, with peak action in spring and fall. What makes sheepshead fishing fun is the chess match - you need small hooks, light line, and perfect timing to hook these clever fish before they strip your bait clean.
Six hours gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and really dial in what's biting without burning the whole day. The inshore waters around Virginia Beach are loaded with fish-holding structure, and Captain knows where to find them based on tide, season, and current conditions. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, introduce the kids to saltwater fishing, or
Hit the productive waters around Virginia Beach aboard our 2017 Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 center console. This fishing machine is built for serious angling with twin 250HP Yamahas that'll get you to the hot spots fast and back to the dock with your coolers full. The 27-footer handles the Chesapeake Bay's chop like a champ, keeping you dry while you work the lines around bridge pilings and inshore wrecks where the fish stack up. Perfect setup for targeting black sea bass, summer flounder, red drum, and whatever else is biting in Virginia's coastal waters. With room for six anglers, an icebox to keep your catch fresh, GPS to mark those honey holes, and a fish finder to locate the schools, you've got everything needed for a productive day on the water. Whether you're bringing the family or a crew of fishing buddies, this boat delivers the comfort and performance to make the most of your time chasing Virginia Beach's best inshore species.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, bottom-dwelling fighters that average 1-4 pounds around our local wrecks and bridge pilings. These guys love structure - the rockier and deeper, the better. They're most active from late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them great targets is their scrappy attitude - they'll bend your rod good until they break the surface, then usually give up. The meat is fantastic too - firm, white fillets that fry up perfectly. During spawning season, the big males turn bright blue with a pronounced hump on their heads. My tip for consistent success is to fish right on the bottom with squid or clam strips using a two-hook rig. They're not shy about biting, just make sure you're fishing structure in 20-60 feet of water.
Semicossyphus PulcherHold up - there's been a mix-up here. California sheephead don't swim in Virginia Beach waters. What we're actually targeting is Atlantic sheepshead, a completely different species. These black-and-white striped fish are expert bait thieves with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around our pilings and jetties. They average 2-8 pounds but can hit double digits. Spring and fall are best when they're feeding heavily around structure. Sheepshead are notorious for their light bites and ability to steal bait without getting hooked. The key is using small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs or sand fleas, keeping a tight line, and setting the hook at the slightest tick. Fish right against the pilings where they feed - the tighter to structure, the better your chances.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are disk-shaped, silver fish with distinct black stripes that school up in massive numbers around our wrecks and bridge structures. They typically run 3-10 pounds and put up a surprisingly good scrap for their size. These unique-looking fish prefer deeper structure in 40-100 feet of water, especially during summer months when water temps climb. What makes them interesting targets is their schooling behavior - when you find one, you've usually found hundreds. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The challenge is their picky nature and small mouths. Spadefish can be frustrating because they'll surround your boat but ignore most baits. My go-to technique is small pieces of fresh clam on tiny circle hooks. Fish right in the middle of the school and be patient - when they decide to feed, it's game on.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silvery speedsters that run 1-2 feet long and pack plenty of fight in their streamlined bodies. These aggressive feeders love our warmer months from late spring through fall, often showing up in large schools near the surface around bridge pilings and inshore structures. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. What really gets anglers excited is their excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The key to landing more of them is using small, shiny spoons or live bait like minnows, but keep your retrieve moving fast. They're curious fish, so if you see birds working or bait jumping, get there quick and you'll usually find Spanish mackerel feeding underneath.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are flat, sandy-colored ambush predators that blend perfectly with the bottom. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big "doormat" females can hit 8+ pounds and really make your day. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand near structure waiting for bait to swim by. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What makes flounder special is the challenge - they're smart, picky eaters that require patience and skill. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle tap-tap bite, resist setting the hook right away. Count to three, then lift slowly. Flounder grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around, so patience is everything with these fish.
Virginia Beach, VA