Family-Friendly Extended Half Day Virginia Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour family fishing adventure targeting Cobia, Redfish, and BassCaptain Buck provides kidfriendly guidance with all equipment includedInshore waters accommodate up to six guests comfortably
Looking for a fishing adventure the whole family can enjoy? Captain Buck's extended half-day trip is exactly what you need. Six hours on Virginia's productive inshore waters gives everyone plenty of time to get comfortable, learn the ropes, and land some serious fish. We're talking Cobia, Striped Bass, and Sea Trout – species that'll put a bend in your rod and a smile on everyone's face. This isn't just about catching fish; it's about creating those moments where your kid's eyes light up when they feel that first strike. With room for up to six anglers and all gear provided, you can focus on what matters most – making memories with your crew.
Captain Buck knows how to run a family trip that works for everyone. We launch early to beat the heat and catch fish when they're most active, but not so early that the little ones are cranky before we even wet a line. The boat's set up with everything you need – quality rods, fresh bait, and tackle boxes stocked with the right gear for Virginia's inshore bite. Don't worry if someone in your group has never held a fishing rod before. Buck's got the patience to teach proper casting technique and the experience to put you on fish that'll cooperate. The beauty of a six-hour trip is there's no rush. Kids can take breaks, snack when they need to, and get back to fishing when they're ready. Meanwhile, the adults can actually relax and enjoy being on the water instead of constantly checking the clock.
Virginia's inshore waters offer incredible variety, and Captain Buck knows exactly where to find the action based on season, tide, and weather conditions. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats where Redfish cruise to deeper channels where Striped Bass stack up during their migrations. The technique depends on what we're targeting – live bait fishing with spot or croaker for the big Cobia, working soft plastics along structure for Bass, or drifting with shrimp for Sea Trout. Buck provides all the gear, from light spinning setups perfect for kids to heavier rods that can handle a bull Redfish. You'll learn to read the water, watch for diving birds that signal feeding fish, and feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact. The captain rotates spots throughout the day, so everyone gets a chance at different species and fishing styles.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Virginia inshore fishing, and for good reason. These brown sharks (as locals call them) can push 40-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They show up in Virginia waters from late spring through early fall, cruising shallow flats and hanging around structure. What makes Cobia special is how they behave – they're curious fish that will actually follow your boat and investigate baits. Kids love watching them swim right up to the surface before deciding to eat. When one hits, everyone on the boat knows it. The fight is long, powerful, and absolutely addictive.
Striped Bass are Virginia's bread and butter species, available almost year-round with peak action during spring and fall migrations. These fish range from schoolie-sized 20-inchers that are perfect for young anglers to trophy-class 40+ pound cows that'll test your tackle and technique. Stripers are aggressive feeders that respond well to live bait, cut bait, and artificials. They school up in massive numbers during migration periods, creating those magic moments where every rod on the boat is bent at once. The best part about Stripers is their willingness to bite – even novice anglers can hook up consistently when Captain Buck puts you on a good school.
Sea Trout might be the most overlooked species in Virginia waters, but they're absolute blast on light tackle. These spotted beauties average 2-4 pounds with occasional 6+ pounders that locals call "gator trout." They're found over grass beds and sandy bottoms, especially during warmer months. Sea Trout have soft mouths and make spectacular jumps when hooked, creating perfect photo opportunities. They're also excellent eating, making them a family favorite. Kids particularly enjoy targeting trout because they bite readily on shrimp and small artificials, building confidence for the bigger species.
This top-rated family fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak seasons when all three target species are active simultaneously. Captain Buck's reputation for putting families on fish while keeping everyone safe and comfortable has made this trip a customer favorite among Virginia anglers. The extended half-day format gives you world-class fishing action without the full-day commitment that can be tough on younger crew members. Remember, all fishing equipment is included – you just need to bring snacks, drinks, and sun protection. Fair warning though: deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. But trust me, once your family experiences the thrill of Virginia inshore fishing with Captain Buck, you'll already be planning your return trip before you even reach the dock.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 40ft Evans cabin cruiser and get ready for some serious fish-chasing action in Virginia's productive inshore waters! This Downeast beauty was given new life in 2019 and packs an impressive 800HP Detroit engine that'll cruise you smoothly to the hottest fishing spots at 18 knots. With room for up to 6 anglers, families will love the spacious layout featuring a full galley, comfortable cabin with AC, and even a head onboard. The boat comes loaded with all the fishing essentials - GPS to navigate the prime spots, fish finder to locate those trophy Cobia and Redfish, plus radar for safe travels. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox while enjoying cold drinks from the fridge. Whether you're targeting hard-fighting Striped Bass or hoping to land your first Redfish, this well-equipped vessel provides the perfect platform for a memorable day on Virginia's waters with Captain Buck at the helm.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often called "brown sharks" until you see that single dorsal fin - they're actually solitary predators that can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. These dark brown fish with lighter bellies love hanging around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time here in Virginia when they're moving through on their migration. What makes them special is that firm, white meat - some say it's the best eating fish in the ocean. They're strong fighters too, making powerful runs when hooked. Here's a local tip: when you spot one cruising near the surface, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where it's heading and work it back slowly. They're curious fish and will often come investigate before striking.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are beautiful silver fish with black spots covering their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for younger anglers. They hang out in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they move up to feed. These fish love temperatures between 50-80°F, so spring through fall is your best bet here in Virginia. What guests really enjoy is their willingness to bite artificial lures - they're aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and spoons. The meat is delicate and flaky, though you need to be careful not to overcook it. During winter they school up in deeper channels around 15-30 feet. Local secret: fish the grass flats on an incoming tide just after sunset with a popping cork and live shrimp.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our Virginia fishery - these silver fish with dark horizontal stripes typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 70. You'll find them around structure like bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky areas, usually in 10-50 feet of water. They love moving water and feed heavily at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are peak times when they're migrating along our coast, but we catch them year-round. Families love stripers because they fight hard but aren't too overwhelming for kids, plus the meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. These fish are picky eaters, so live bait like menhaden or bloodworms works best. Pro tip: look for birds diving on baitfish - that's usually where you'll find feeding stripers underneath.
Virginia