Family Fishing Fun in Virginia Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour morning trip targeting Cobia, Redfish, and Striped BassFamily-friendly charter accommodates up to 6 guests with equipment includedInshore Virginia waters with experienced Captain Buck leading the adventure
Looking for the perfect way to get your family hooked on fishing? Captain Buck's 6-hour morning adventure delivers exactly what Virginia families are searching for. This top-rated extended half-day trip takes you into some of the state's most productive inshore waters, where Cobia, Striped Bass, and Sea Trout are waiting to test your family's angling skills. With all gear provided and a captain who knows how to keep kids engaged, you'll spend more time making memories and less time worrying about the details. Whether you're introducing the little ones to their first fishing experience or reconnecting as a family on the water, this trip hits all the right notes.
Captain Buck runs a tight ship that's built for family comfort. You'll launch early morning when the fish are most active and the Virginia inshore waters are at their calmest. The 6-hour window gives everyone plenty of time to settle in, learn the ropes, and really get into the rhythm of fishing without feeling rushed. Kids get special attention with simplified techniques and encouragement, while experienced anglers in the family can dive into more advanced tactics. The boat accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably, making it perfect for multi-generational trips or families with several children. Captain Buck knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for finding fish while keeping everyone entertained with local fishing stories and hands-on instruction.
All your fishing equipment comes included, from rods and reels sized appropriately for different family members to tackle boxes stocked with proven lures and bait. You'll primarily use light to medium tackle that's manageable for kids but still sporting enough to handle Virginia's hard-fighting inshore species. Depending on conditions and target species, expect to try live bait fishing with spot, croaker, or menhaden, along with artificial lures like spoons, jigs, and soft plastics. Captain Buck adjusts techniques based on who's on board – younger anglers might start with simple bottom rigs, while adults can work topwater plugs or learn jigging techniques. The inshore waters around Virginia offer diverse structure from grass beds to channel edges, giving you multiple opportunities to learn different approaches throughout the day.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of Virginia's inshore scene, and they're absolute bucket-list fish for families. These bronze-colored bruisers can stretch over 40 inches and put up fights that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when they cruise shallow waters looking for crabs and baitfish. What makes Cobia special is their curiosity – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving kids an amazing up-close look before the hookup. When one hits, expect long runs and powerful head shakes that create stories your family will tell for years.
Striped Bass, or "Rockfish" as locals call them, are Virginia's signature species and the backbone of family fishing here. These silver-sided fighters range from schoolie-size perfect for kids up to trophy fish that'll test dad's skills. Spring and fall offer the best action, but you can find them year-round in Virginia's inshore waters. Stripers are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live bait to topwater lures, making them ideal for teaching kids different fishing techniques. Plus, they're excellent table fare, so your successful family trip can extend into a delicious dinner back home.
Sea Trout bring consistent action and are often the fish that get kids truly excited about angling. These spotted beauties typically run 12-20 inches and are perfect starter fish for young anglers – they bite readily, fight well for their size, and aren't too overwhelming to handle. Virginia's grass flats hold good numbers of Sea Trout from spring through fall, and they respond well to both live shrimp and small soft plastic lures. Their distinctive spotted pattern and the drumming sound they make when caught fascinate children, and experienced anglers appreciate their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality.
This world-class family fishing experience books up quickly, especially during prime season when all three target species are most active. Captain Buck's reputation for creating positive fishing memories for kids means repeat customers and referrals keep his calendar full. The 6-hour format gives your family the best chance at multiple species while still getting everyone home for afternoon activities. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so choose your dates carefully and check the weather forecast. Virginia's inshore fishing is a customer favorite for good reason – the combination of diverse species, family-friendly environment, and professional guidance creates the perfect recipe for fishing success. Don't let another season pass without giving your family this renowned Virginia fishing adventure.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 40ft Evans cabin cruiser and get ready for some serious fishing action in Virginia's productive inshore waters. This Downeast beauty was given new life in 2019 and now offers the perfect blend of fishing capability and family comfort. The 800HP Detroit engine delivers smooth cruising at 18 knots, getting you to the fish quickly while keeping everyone comfortable on the ride. Captain Buck has equipped this boat with everything needed for a successful day targeting Cobia, Redfish, and Striped Bass. The fish finder helps locate schools, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation. Between fishing spots, your crew of up to 6 can relax in the air-conditioned cabin, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, or use the onboard kitchen and facilities. The multimedia system keeps kids entertained during slower moments, making this the ideal platform for introducing young anglers to the sport while keeping parents happy too.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are Virginia's gentle giants - averaging 30-50 pounds but often reaching 6 feet and 100+ pounds. These dark brown fish look like sharks at first glance but lack the bite. They're loners, so we spot them cruising shallow waters around 30-70 feet near reefs, wrecks, and buoys. Spring through early fall gives us the best action when they move inshore to spawn. Families love targeting them because they fight hard but fair - no crazy jumps, just steady pulls that get everyone involved. The meat rivals mahi with firm, white fillets that taste amazing. My go-to trick? When you see one, cast a bucktail jig past it and work it back slowly - cobia are curious and will often follow before striking.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, as we call them locally, are perfect family targets running 1-3 pounds with beautiful silver sides covered in black spots. These grass flat specialists love shallow waters 2-8 feet deep around oyster bars and creek mouths. Spring through fall provides consistent action, but night fishing really turns them on. They're scrappy fighters for their size and make great table fare with delicate, white meat that's hard to beat fried up fresh. Kids love them because they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. The key is fishing grass flats during moving water - incoming tide pushes baitfish over the shallows where trout ambush them. Use light jigs with soft plastics and work them slowly over the grass.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our Virginia fishery, running 20-40 pounds on average with those classic dark stripes. These structure-loving fish hang around bridges, reefs, and drop-offs in 10-50 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, especially when they're chasing baitfish near shore. Kids and adults alike get hooked on their strong, steady fights - no fancy tricks, just pure muscle. The white, flaky meat makes for perfect fish tacos or grilled dinners. Virginia waters stay productive year-round since some fish winter here. Pro tip: look for diving birds or surface disturbances - that's your sign stripers are feeding below. Match your bait to whatever they're chasing and you'll connect.
Virginia