Private 3 Hour Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple species near shoreFamily-friendly charter accommodates up to six guests comfortablyTrolling and casting opportunities within five miles of coastline
Want to get on the water without breaking the bank or dealing with seasickness? This 3-hour inshore fishing trip with Fly'N Fish is exactly what you're looking for. We keep things close to shore—within 5 miles of the Virginia Beach coastline—so you get all the action without the rough seas. Perfect for families with kids, first-time anglers, or anyone who wants to catch fish without spending the whole day out there. You'll be trolling for some of the most reliable species in these waters while staying comfortable and having a blast.
This isn't your typical half-day grind where you're bouncing around in big swells. We stay in the calm inshore waters where the fish are hungry and the ride is smooth. You'll be fishing productive waters that hold Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Ribbonfish consistently throughout the season. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that we can cover a lot of ground quickly, hitting different spots until we find where the fish are biting. Don't be surprised if we get opportunities to sight-cast for Redfish cruising the shallows or throw baits at Cobia when they show up. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, so bring the family or a small group of friends for this customer favorite experience. No fishing experience required—we'll handle the technical stuff while you focus on reeling them in.
Most of our time will be spent trolling, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and find active fish in Virginia Beach's inshore zone. We'll run a spread of lures and spoons behind the boat at different depths and speeds, letting the fish tell us what they want. When Spanish Mackerel are around, small Clark spoons and Gotcha plugs are absolute money. For Bluefish, we'll bump up to slightly larger presentations that can handle their aggressive strikes and sharp teeth. The trolling setup means everyone gets a shot at the action—no waiting around for your turn to cast. When we mark fish on the sonar or see feeding activity, we might switch to live bait or casting to really dial in on the bite. All tackle and bait are provided, so just bring yourself and get ready to learn why this top-rated charter keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing from late spring through fall. These silver rockets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up in massive numbers around structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks. When you hook into a Spanish, get ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. Peak action usually happens during moving tides when the baitfish are active.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, ranging from small "snappers" up to chunky 8-10 pound "choppers." These aggressive predators will hit just about anything that moves, making them perfect for beginning anglers who want consistent action. Blues travel in schools and when you find them, you'll know it—the water erupts with feeding activity and every line gets hit. They're strong fighters that make long runs and don't give up easily. While they're not the best eating due to their oily meat, the smaller ones can be decent if bled and iced immediately.
Ribbonfish might look strange with their long, silver bodies and weird fins, but they're surprisingly fun to catch and excellent on the dinner table. These deep-bodied fish typically show up when we're trolling in 20-40 feet of water, especially around structure or temperature changes. They don't fight as hard as Spanish Mackerel, but they're consistent biters and the meat is sweet and delicate. Ribbonfish are often overlooked by anglers, but locals know they're some of the best eating fish in Virginia waters.
Redfish are the prize catch that gets everyone's heart racing. These copper-colored drums cruise the shallow flats and around structure, often with their backs out of the water. When we spot them, we'll switch to sight-casting with soft plastics or live bait. Virginia Reds typically run 20-40 inches and are absolute bulldogs on light tackle. They make powerful runs into structure and test your drag system. The slot-size fish (18-26 inches) are fantastic eating, while the bigger ones make for great photos before release.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can show up anytime during the warmer months. These brown sharks-looking fish are curious and often approach the boat, giving us perfect casting opportunities. They're world-class fighters that will test your skills with their powerful runs and stubborn attitude. Most Cobia we see range from 20-50 pounds, though smaller fish are common in the shallows. They're excellent table fare and considered one of the best eating fish in Virginia waters. When Cobia show up, everything else stops—these fish are worth dropping everything for.
This 3-hour inshore trip delivers exactly what it promises—consistent action, comfortable conditions, and a chance to catch some of Virginia Beach's best fish without the commitment of a full day. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, looking for a quick morning trip, or want to test the waters before booking something longer, this charter hits the sweet spot. The inshore waters off Virginia Beach are renowned for holding fish year-round, and staying close to shore means more time with lines in the water instead of running to distant spots. Book your private charter today and see why anglers choose Fly'N Fish for their Virginia Beach fishing adventures. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and your spot on the water is just a phone call away.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 54' Jim Smith Custom convertible for your Virginia Beach inshore adventure. This classic 1987 sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2015 and runs like a dream with twin 660HP Cummins diesels pushing her up to 26 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers who want comfort while chasing Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Ribbonfish within 5 miles of shore. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools below. Stay cool with AC between bites, keep your drinks cold in the fridge, and use the head when needed. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. The smooth ride makes this boat ideal for families and first-timers who want to experience Virginia Beach's fantastic inshore fishing without venturing far from land.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters from spring through fall, usually running 2-8 pounds with occasional larger specimens. They travel in schools and can be found anywhere from the surf to 30 miles offshore, but we typically find them in 15-50 feet of water around baitfish schools. Summer and early fall are peak times when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. What guests love about bluefish is their aggressive strikes and strong fights - they'll hit just about anything you throw at them when they're feeding. The meat is tasty when fresh, with a rich flavor that's great smoked or grilled. Watch those teeth though - they're like razors. My go-to technique is trolling small spoons or casting metal jigs into feeding birds where the blues are busting bait on the surface.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize catch on our inshore trips - these chocolate-brown fish can reach 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're loners, usually cruising solo around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they move through our area heading north. What makes cobia fishing exciting is sight fishing - we spot them swimming just under the surface and cast right to them. Their firm, white meat rivals any high-end restaurant fish, which is why they're so sought after. These fish are curious but spooky, so here's the trick: when we see one, I'll position the boat ahead of its path and have you pitch a bucktail jig or crab about 10 feet in front of it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable inshore targets around Virginia Beach. These copper-colored fish typically run 20-30 inches and love hanging out in shallow water from 1-4 feet deep around grass beds, oyster bars, and dock pilings. You'll spot them by their signature black eyespot near the tail. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their strong, steady fight - they don't jump much but they'll pull drag and test your patience. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that grills up perfectly. Pro tip: when you see one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're headed and let it sit still.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are our bread and butter for consistent action on the inshore grounds. These silver speedsters with golden spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. We target them from late spring through early fall when they're cruising the nearshore waters in 15-40 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for light tackle fun. The meat is excellent - mild and flaky, great for grilling or smoking. Spanish mackerel have razor-sharp teeth, so we use a short wire leader to prevent cut-offs. Best tip: when we're trolling small spoons or casting jigs, keep your retrieve speed up - these fish love a fast-moving bait that mimics fleeing baitfish.
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