5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Norfolk Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore charter targeting cobia, red drum, and mackerelExpert crew provides instruction for all skill levelsEight hours fishing Norfolk's productive inshore waters
Norfolk's inshore waters are pure gold for serious anglers, and this full-day charter with Goin' Anyways SportFishing puts you right where the action happens. We're talking 8 solid hours targeting some of Virginia's most sought-after species – Cobia, Red Drum, Summer Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, and Bluefish. Whether you're dusting off your fishing skills after years away or you're out here every chance you get, Captain Mike and Captain James know exactly where these fish are holding and how to put you on them. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – it's a hands-on fishing experience where you'll learn local techniques while actually catching fish.
When you step aboard our charter boat in Norfolk, you're getting the full treatment. We've got top-quality rods and reels already rigged and ready, plus all the tackle you'll need for whatever we're targeting that day. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to a massive Red Drum cruising the shallows, the next you're bottom fishing for Flounder around structure. Our crew keeps up to 6 anglers busy with constant action, rotating techniques based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us. You'll get real instruction too, not just someone pointing at the water. We'll show you how to read the conditions, work different baits, and fight these fish the right way so you actually land them.
Norfolk's inshore fishing is all about adapting to conditions and fish behavior. We run everything from live bait fishing with spot and croaker to artificial lures when the fish are actively feeding. For Cobia, we often sight-fish with live eels or large jigs around structure and channel markers. Red Drum love cut bait fished near grass beds and oyster bars, especially on moving tides. The Flounder game is about precise bottom fishing with bucktails tipped with squid or Gulp baits, working sandy areas and drop-offs methodically. Spanish Mackerel respond best to small spoons and gotcha plugs trolled at just the right speed. Our tackle selection includes everything from light spinning gear for the Mackerel to heavy conventional setups for those bull Reds that can push 40+ inches. All safety equipment is provided, and we keep the boat stocked with ice for your catch.
"Both Mike and James made this very enjoyable. I haven't fished on a boat in over a decade so it took me a while to get use to it again. They made it fun helped me and gave me good advice, overall had a great time. Thanks to Mike and James I was able to catch the my first sport fish in 10 years. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is interested in fishing. I look forward to the next opportunity to fish with them. Thanks captains James and Mike for a wonderful time fishing." - Will
Summer Flounder are the bread and butter of Norfolk inshore fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. The best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to doormat-sized specimens over 25 inches. What makes Flounder so addictive is the subtlety – you need to feel that light tap and set the hook at just the right moment. They're also fantastic eating, making them a customer favorite for taking home.
Redfish, or Red Drum as we call them locally, are absolute bruisers that'll test your tackle and your patience. These copper-colored fighters can range from slot-sized fish around 20 inches up to massive bulls that'll stretch your tape past 40 inches. Peak season runs through late summer and fall when they school up in impressive numbers. What gets anglers hooked on Reds is their power – they make long, sustained runs that'll have your drag screaming. Plus, they're surprisingly smart fish that require finesse in your presentation.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Virginia inshore fishing, and Norfolk waters produce some true giants. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them, can exceed 50 inches and put up a fight that'll leave you questioning your gear choices. Late spring through early fall is prime time, when they cruise near the surface around structure. Cobia fishing is visual and exciting – you'll often see them coming before you make your cast. They're curious fish that'll follow boats and investigate anything that looks like food. Landing a big Cobia is a badge of honor among local anglers.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around, typically showing up in good numbers during warmer months. These speed demons rarely exceed 20 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in aggression and numbers. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged and beginners confident. Spanish Mackerel travel in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found many. They hit hard and fast, making them a blast on light tackle.
Bluefish are the pit bulls of the inshore scene – aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. They show up throughout the fishing season in varying sizes, from smaller harbor blues to chopper-sized fish that can reach 15+ pounds. Blues will hit almost anything you throw at them, making them reliable when other species are finicky. They're known for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes, providing consistent action throughout the day.
This full-day Norfolk inshore charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – variety, action, and the chance to target multiple species in productive waters. With expert guidance from Captain Mike and Captain James, you're not just fishing, you're learning techniques that'll make you a better angler long
Step aboard this reliable 29-foot Topaz sportfisher, your ticket to Norfolk's prime inshore fishing grounds. Built tough in 1989 and powered by twin 230HP Volvo engines, she'll cruise comfortably at 24 knots to get you on the fish fast. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting feeding birds and surface activity, while the fish finder helps locate structure where cobia and red drum like to hang out. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of elbow room at the rails when the action heats up. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Virginia summer days. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation through Norfolk's waters, whether you're working the shallows for reds or heading to deeper structure for cobia. This working fishing machine has everything you need for a productive day chasing Norfolk's best inshore species.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators known for their feeding frenzies and razor-sharp teeth. Most run 2-10 pounds, but larger ones can reach 20+ pounds and provide serious fights. They roam our inshore waters in schools, from surf zones to 30-foot depths, especially where baitfish are thick. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding on menhaden and anchovies. What makes blues exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost any lure or bait with vicious strikes. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for beginners, while bigger fish test your gear with powerful runs. They're good eating when prepared fresh, with flaky meat that's best grilled or smoked. Word of caution: always use wire leaders and handle them carefully - those teeth are no joke. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - powerful, aggressive fish that average 30-60 pounds and can easily top 100. They're usually loners, cruising around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is peak season when they move north through our area. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll actually swim up to the boat to investigate, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. The fight is something else too - long, strong runs that'll test your gear. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where it's swimming. They're easily spooked by boat noise, so cut the engine and drift when you see them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are tough fighters that love our shallow inshore waters, often cruising in just 1-4 feet around grass beds and oyster bars. You'll spot them by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most fish we catch run 20-35 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They're here year-round, but spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs and baitfish. What guests love is the aggressive strikes and strong runs - these fish don't give up easy. They're also great on the table with mild, sweet meat that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle. They spook easily, so quiet approaches work best.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that travel in schools, making for fast-paced action when you find them. These sleek fish typically run 1-3 pounds with distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. They prefer open water around 15-40 feet deep, especially near structure where baitfish concentrate. Summer months bring the best fishing when they're actively chasing schools of menhaden and anchovies near the surface. What anglers love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make blistering runs on light tackle. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's great grilled or smoked. The key to success is speed: use small, shiny spoons or jigs retrieved quickly through the school. Once you find them, work fast because they move constantly and can disappear as quickly as they showed up.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, watching for prey above. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see plenty that'll make great table fare. They're scattered across our inshore waters from shallow bays to 30-foot depths, especially around structure and drop-offs. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavy before winter. What makes flounder special is they're excellent eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Plus, watching someone hook their first "doormat" never gets old. My tip: use a circle hook and let your bait sit still on bottom. These fish bite sideways, so give them time to turn the bait before setting the hook. Patience pays off with flounder.
5.0 out of 5.0Both Mike and James made this very enjoyable. I haven’t fished on a boat in over a decade so it took me a while to get use to it a...
Norfolk