Pro-Level Virginia Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour advanced inshore fishing trip targeting trophy speciesExpert Captain Buck guides seasoned anglers with professional gearChase Cobia, Redfish, and Striped Bass in Virginia waters
Captain Buck's 6-hour extended half-day fishing trip isn't for weekend warriors or folks just looking to wet a line. This is serious inshore fishing in Virginia waters, targeting trophy Striped Bass, bull Redfish, and hard-fighting Cobia that'll test every bit of skill you've built over the years. Starting early morning when the bite is hot, you'll hit prime inshore grounds where these apex predators feed, using techniques and tackle that separate the pros from the casual crowd. With top-quality gear provided and Captain Buck's decades of local knowledge, this trip pushes seasoned anglers to land the fish they've been chasing. Fair warning though - deposits are non-refundable, so come ready to fish hard.
This isn't a hand-holding trip where you'll spend time learning basic knots or how to cast. Captain Buck assumes you know your way around a rod and reel, which means more time spent actually fishing the productive water. You'll launch before dawn and head straight to structure-rich areas where Virginia's inshore predators stack up during feeding windows. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving everyone space to work without tangling lines or stepping on each other. No meals are included, so pack your own fuel - you'll need it for a full 6 hours of serious fishing. The captain reads conditions constantly, adjusting locations based on tides, wind, and where the fish are showing up that day. Expect to move frequently, hitting multiple spots to stay on active fish rather than waiting around hoping something swims by.
Captain Buck runs serious gear designed for Virginia's inshore bruisers. We're talking heavy spinning setups and conventional reels loaded with quality braid, plus a selection of proven lures that produce when the pressure's on. Live bait gets rigged on circle hooks for the big Stripers and Reds, while artificial presentations like paddle tails and topwater plugs come into play when fish are active. You'll work everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, adjusting your technique as conditions change. The captain knows which spots hold fish during different tide phases and times of year, so you're not wasting time on dead water. Expect to throw heavy jigs around structure, work topwater baits over grass beds, and maybe even sight-fish to cruising Reds in skinny water. This is technical fishing that rewards skill and punishes sloppy presentations.
Striped Bass are Virginia's bread and butter, and the big ones don't mess around. Spring and fall bring the best action when schools of trophy Rockfish move through inshore waters feeding on baitfish. These fish fight dirty, using their broad sides and powerful runs to test your drag system. A 30-pound Striper will humble you real quick if you're not ready for the fight. They're ambush predators that hang around structure, current breaks, and bait schools, requiring precise presentations and quick hooksets.
Redfish are pure muscle wrapped in copper scales, and Virginia's inshore flats hold some genuine bulls that'll peel drag like it's nothing. These fish love shallow water, especially during warmer months when they cruise grass beds hunting crabs and baitfish. A good Red will make multiple long runs, using its broad tail to generate serious power. They're also smart fish that spook easily in clear water, making sight-fishing presentations a real test of accuracy and stealth. Fall brings some of the best Red fishing as schools group up for their spawning migration.
Cobia are Virginia's heavyweight champions, growing to impressive sizes and fighting like a fish twice their weight. These brown sharks (as locals call them) show up in spring and summer, often following rays and other bottom-dwellers in search of food. A big Cobia will dive hard for structure, test your knots, and generally make you question whether your tackle is up to the task. They're curious fish that respond well to sight-fishing techniques, but they're also spooky and require perfect presentations. Landing a trophy Cobia is a legitimate accomplishment that separates serious inshore anglers from the weekend crowd.
Get Hooked Charters runs this pro-level trip for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water with a captain who knows where Virginia's biggest inshore fish live. Captain Buck's local knowledge and serious approach to fishing means you'll spend your day working proven techniques on fish that can actually challenge your skills. Six hours gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics as conditions change, but it goes fast when the bite is on. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book when you're ready to commit to a serious day of fishing. This trip consistently produces for experienced anglers who come prepared to fish hard and smart.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard this beautifully restored 40ft Evans cabin cruiser! This Downeast beauty was completely refreshed in 2019 and packs serious power with an 800HP Detroit engine that'll cruise smoothly at 18 knots through Virginia's prime inshore waters. The spacious cabin comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, complete with air conditioning to beat the heat between battles with Cobia and Redfish. You'll appreciate the full kitchen and refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh, plus an icebox for cold drinks during those intense fights. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during longer runs to the fishing grounds. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help Captain Buck put you right on top of those monster Striped Bass. With a private head onboard, you can focus entirely on perfecting your technique and landing the big ones. This floating fishing platform has everything serious anglers need for a successful day targeting Virginia's most challenging gamefish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter in Virginia waters. These brown, shark-like fish average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds. They're typically solitary, which makes spotting one a real thrill. You'll find them around structure - reefs, wrecks, buoys - usually in 30-70 feet of water during spring and summer. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Best fishing is sight fishing during their spring migration when they're near the surface. Here's a local tip: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Lead the fish by about 10 feet with a bucktail jig and work it slowly past their nose.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers who love sight fishing and explosive strikes. These copper-colored fish with black spots near their tails typically run 20-35 inches in our Virginia shallows. They prefer 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Late spring through early fall offers prime fishing as they feed heavily in the warming shallows. What makes them special is their powerful runs and the visual excitement of watching them crush topwater lures. They're also great eating with mild, sweet meat. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or "V" wakes in shallow areas. Cast ahead of the wake with a gold spoon and hang on tight.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the backbone of Virginia fishing and for good reason. These silver fish with distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds inshore, though trophy fish can hit 50+ pounds. They're structure-oriented, hanging around drop-offs, reefs, and current breaks in 20-60 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What guests love is their powerful runs and head-shaking fights - plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They can be finicky, so matching the hatch is key. Local tip: watch for diving birds or bait schools on your fish finder. When you find the bait, you'll find the stripers underneath.
Virginia