Private 8-Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day nearshore fishing adventure within 10 miles of coastTarget Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Spadefish, and seasonal CobiaPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
Looking for a full day on the water without dealing with rough seas? Our 8-hour nearshore fishing trip keeps you within 10 miles of Virginia Beach, where the fish are biting and the ride stays comfortable. This is perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to serious fishing, or seasoned anglers who prefer a relaxed approach over battling big swells. You'll spend quality time targeting multiple species while enjoying some of the most productive waters along the Mid-Atlantic coast. Pack your own lunch and drinks, bring good sun protection, and get ready for steady action from morning until late afternoon.
Your day starts early when we head out from Virginia Beach into prime nearshore waters. We'll focus heavily on trolling techniques, which means you can sit back and watch the rods while we work the boat through fish-holding structure. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're pulling in a hard-fighting Spanish Mackerel, the next you're battling a scrappy Bluefish. June trips get extra exciting when Spadefish show up in good numbers around local structure. These fish are tricky to hook but incredibly rewarding when you dial in the right technique. Depending on conditions and what we're marking on the fish finder, we might switch up tactics and do some sight casting for Redfish cruising the shallows or Cobia following rays near the surface. The boat handles beautifully in nearshore conditions, so even if you're prone to seasickness, you'll likely feel comfortable throughout the entire trip.
We run a spread of trolling lures designed specifically for the species we're targeting in Virginia Beach waters. Our rod setup includes medium to heavy action rods paired with quality reels that can handle everything from 2-pound Spanish Mackerel to 30-pound Cobia. When trolling for Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel, we'll pull small spoons, Clark spoons, and diving plugs at varying depths to cover the water column effectively. Spadefish require a completely different approach – we'll anchor up over structure and drop down small jigs or pieces of cut bait. The key with Spadefish is patience and light tackle, since they're notorious for their subtle bites. When Cobia are around, we switch to sight fishing mode, using live eels or large jigs cast directly to fish we can see near the surface. All tackle is provided, but if you have favorite lures or rods, feel free to bring them along. We always carry backup gear because Bluefish have razor-sharp teeth and will occasionally cut through leaders.
Spadefish are the crown jewel of our June nearshore trips, showing up around wrecks and hard bottom in 30-60 feet of water. These disc-shaped fish average 3-5 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, making multiple runs and testing your drag system. They're incredibly finicky eaters, often requiring you to downsize your hook and use the lightest sinker possible. What makes Spadefish special is their schooling behavior – once you find them and figure out what they want, you can catch dozens in a single spot. Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that hit trolled lures with authority, typically running 1-3 pounds but occasionally reaching 5-6 pounds later in the season. They're excellent table fare and perfect for anglers who enjoy non-stop action. Bluefish are the most aggressive predators we target, often attacking lures in packs and putting up fierce battles. They range from small "snappers" perfect for kids to 10+ pound "choppers" that will test your skills. Redfish provide sight fishing opportunities when conditions allow, cruising shallow structure and offering explosive strikes on both live bait and artificial lures. Cobia are the wildcards – these brown sharks (as locals call them) can show up anytime, following rays or cruising near the surface. Landing a 20-40 pound Cobia is always a trip highlight and provides enough fillets to feed the whole family.
This 8-hour nearshore adventure gives you the perfect balance of variety, action, and comfort that keeps families and experienced anglers coming back season after season. You'll fish productive waters without the long boat ride, target multiple species using different techniques, and create lasting memories with up to 5 friends or family members. The nearshore zone off Virginia Beach is consistently rated among the top fishing destinations on the East Coast, and our local knowledge puts you on fish while others are still searching. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to serious fishing, enjoy a relaxed day with friends, or add some new species to your catch list, this trip delivers exactly what you're after. Book your private charter today and discover why nearshore fishing off Virginia Beach keeps anglers talking long after they head home.
Jump aboard this beautifully restored 54' Jim Smith Custom sportfisher for your 8-hour nearshore adventure off Virginia Beach! This classic 1987 convertible got a complete makeover in 2015 and now runs like a dream with twin 660HP Cummins diesels that'll cruise you smoothly at 26 knots to the best fishing spots within 10 miles of shore. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help locate schools of Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and those tasty Ribbonfish we'll be trolling for. When it's time to target Spadefish or cast for Redfish and Cobia, you'll have plenty of deck space to work with. Stay comfortable with AC below deck, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and grab cold drinks from the fridge. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds and surface activity, while GPS and radar keep us on course. There's even a head onboard and multimedia system for tunes between bites. Bring your lunch, drinks, and sunscreen – we'll provide the rest for a productive day of nearshore fishing in Virginia Beach waters!
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth that provide some of the most exciting action off Virginia Beach. They range from 2-pound "snappers" in summer to 10+ pound bulls in fall, all with the same bad attitude. You'll find them in schools anywhere from the surf to 40 feet deep, especially when they're chasing baitfish. Late summer through fall is prime time when they feed heavily before heading south. What guests love is their ferocious strikes and the way they churn the water during feeding frenzies - it's pure chaos when you hit a bluefish blitz. The smaller ones are excellent eating, mild and flaky when fresh. Word of caution: always use wire leaders and watch your fingers - these fish will bite anything that moves. When you find feeding birds diving, head straight there - that's where the blues are tearing up baitfish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - they're actually fantastic eating fish that can reach 50+ pounds in our area. These solitary hunters cruise around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they migrate through Virginia Beach waters. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll often follow the boat right up to you, giving everyone a great look before the fight begins. Once hooked, they make powerful runs and put up a serious battle. The meat rivals grouper with its firm, white flesh that's perfect for grilling. Here's the key to success: when you spot one following the boat, don't cast right at it. Instead, lead them by 10-15 feet with a bucktail jig or live bait - they prefer to chase down their prey.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are bronze-colored fighters with distinctive black spots near their tails, averaging 28-33 inches in our waters. They love super shallow areas - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and old pier pilings in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times, especially on warmer days when they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What guests love about reds is their aggressive strikes and stubborn fights - they'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. The meat is fantastic too, with a mild flavor that's great grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when sight fishing for reds in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're swimming and let your bait settle before they get there. They're easily spooked by splashing baits.
Chaetodipterus FaberThese disk-shaped silver fish with black stripes are a June favorite here at Virginia Beach. Spadefish typically run 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, though we occasionally see them up to 14 pounds. They school up around wrecks and reefs in 20-40 feet of water, making them perfect for our nearshore trips. What makes them special is the fight they put up - they're surprisingly strong for their size and known to play dead when hooked, which keeps things interesting. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. These fish love clams on small circle hooks, but here's a local trick: when you spot a school, cast past them and drag your bait through the group rather than dropping it right on top. They spook easily, so this approach gets better results.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silvery speedsters with yellow spots that provide non-stop action on our trolling trips. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-5 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they're lightning quick and will bend your rod double. These fish school up near the surface in 15-50 feet of water, especially around bait balls during summer and early fall. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight fast, and make great table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Spanish mackerel are also excellent for kids since they bite readily and stay active all day. The secret to consistent success is trolling small spoons or Clark spoons at 4-6 knots. When you hook one, keep the boat moving - where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
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