5.0(1 Reviews)World Class 8 Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure Norfolk
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targeting cobia and red drum speciesProfessional crew provides equipment and fishing instruction for beginnersAccommodates up to six guests with safety gear included
Norfolk's inshore waters are calling, and Captain Mike and James at Goin' Anyways SportFishing know exactly where the fish are biting. This 8-hour full-day charter puts you right in the heart of Virginia's most productive inshore fishing grounds, where cobia cruise the shallows and red drum patrol the grass flats. Whether you're shaking off years of rust or looking to add new species to your logbook, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day kicks off early, meeting the crew at the dock as they prep the boat with fresh tackle and ice down the coolers. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – Mike and James run a tight ship that's built around putting fish in the boat. The 8-hour window gives you serious time to work different spots, from shallow grass beds where red drum tail in knee-deep water to deeper structure where cobia and spanish mackerel stage up. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out without bumping elbows, whether you're working live bait or throwing artificials. The crew provides all your rods, reels, and tackle, but they're also happy to let you bring your own gear if you've got favorites you like to fish with. Safety equipment is standard, and the captains keep a close eye on conditions to ensure everyone stays comfortable and productive throughout the day.
Norfolk's inshore scene is all about versatility, and this crew knows how to adapt their approach based on what's happening with the tides and weather. You'll likely start the morning working live bait around structure – think spot, croakers, and finger mullet rigged on circle hooks for the bigger predators. As the day progresses, the crew might switch you over to artificials like bucktails, soft plastics, or topwater plugs when the fish are more aggressive. The boat carries a full spread of tackle from light spinning gear for flounder and spanish mackerel up to heavier conventional setups for when the cobia show up. Mike and James are big on teaching technique, so if you're rusty on your bottom fishing or want to learn how to properly work a jig through grass beds, they'll get you dialed in. The inshore waters around Norfolk offer everything from 3-foot shallows to 20-foot channels, and the crew knows how to read the water and position the boat for maximum success.
"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's inshore scene, and these flatfish know how to put up a fight despite their pancake profile. Running anywhere from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to genuine doormats pushing 5-6 pounds, flounder are most active during the warmer months from May through October. They love to ambush prey from sandy bottoms near structure, making them perfect targets for bouncing bucktails or drifting live bait. What makes flounder so appealing is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – there's nothing quite like fresh flounder fillets after a day on the water.
Redfish, or red drum as the locals call them, are the crown jewel of Virginia's inshore fishery. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that'll tape out over 40 inches and give your drag system a serious workout. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, when they're most active in the shallows. Red drum are sight fishing opportunities waiting to happen – watching one tail in 2 feet of water, then seeing your rod double over when it inhales your bait, is pure adrenaline. They're also catch-and-release for the bigger specimens, making them a sustainable target that helps ensure future generations of anglers get to experience the same rush.
Cobia are the wanderers of the inshore world, showing up seemingly out of nowhere to make your day. These brown sharks, as some anglers call them, can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 50-pound fish aren't uncommon in Norfolk waters during their peak season from May through September. Cobia are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing with live bait or large artificials. They're strong fighters that make long runs and aren't afraid to dive for structure. The bonus with cobia is their excellent eating quality, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and aggression that gets your heart pumping. These silver bullets rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, but they make up for their size with pure attitude and razor-sharp teeth. They're most active during the warmer months and love to smash small spoons, jigs, and live bait. Spanish mackerel often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're also excellent on the table when prepared fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect for smoking or grilling.
Bluefish round out the target list as the choppers that'll test your tackle and your nerves. These aggressive predators travel in schools and aren't picky about what they eat, making them reliable targets throughout much of the fishing season. Norfolk's blues typically run from snapper-sized fish up to larger choppers in the 3-8 pound range.
Step aboard our reliable 1989 29-foot Topaz sportfishing boat, built for serious angling in Norfolk's productive inshore waters. Twin 230HP Volvo engines push this fishing machine up to 24 knots, getting you to the hot spots where Cobia, Red Drum, and Spanish Mackerel are biting. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish movement and working structure, while our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. GPS and radar keep you fishing safely even when conditions change. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with room to fight fish, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long battles with trophy Red Drum. This boat's proven layout and dependable power make it perfect for targeting everything from Sheepshead around the pilings to Flounder in the shallows.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with blue-green backs and a mouth full of sharp triangular teeth. They run anywhere from 2-pound "snappers" to 15-pound choppers, with most falling in the 3-8 pound range. These fish hunt in schools, often creating feeding frenzies called "blitzes" where they'll attack baitfish right at the surface. They're found in everything from surf zones to 40+ feet of water around structure and bait concentrations. Summer into fall is prime time, especially when they're pushing bait into shallow water. What makes blues special is their fierce fight and willingness to hit anything that moves. Fresh blues are excellent eating when prepared right - firm, rich meat that's great smoked or grilled. The key is finding the bait - where you see birds diving and water churning, you'll find blues. Throw anything shiny or fast-moving, but use a wire leader. These fish will bite through anything, including your fingers if you're not careful.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of inshore fishing, often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish average 30-50 pounds, but we regularly see 60-pounders, and they can hit 100+ pounds. They're loners, not schoolers, hanging around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet. Spring through early fall is peak season, especially during their spawning run in May and June. What gets anglers hooked is their raw power - they'll strip line like a freight train and make multiple runs. The meat is top-shelf too, firm and white like mahi. Around Norfolk, sight fishing is huge - we spot them cruising near the surface or following rays. When you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live eel ahead of them and work it slow. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the boat, giving you multiple shots.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are built for the fight with their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These drum run 20-35 inches on average, but bull reds can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure in 1-6 feet. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding aggressively in the shallows. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and the way they peel drag on long runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh. The key here in Norfolk waters is working the grass edges early morning or late evening. Throw topwater plugs or soft plastics right against the structure, and be ready - when a red hits topwater, it sounds like a toilet flushing and they'll take you to school.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons with silver sides covered in yellow spots and razor-sharp teeth. They typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but we catch some 4-5 pounders that'll surprise you. These fish travel in schools near the surface, often giving away their location by busting bait on top. They love open water around structure, inlet mouths, and drop-offs in 15-50 feet. Late spring through early fall is prime time, especially when the water warms up and bait moves in. Anglers love them because they hit hard, fight fast, and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick with Spanish is speed and flash. Small silver spoons or gotcha plugs worked fast near the surface will trigger strikes. Use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono like butter. When you find one, work the area - where there's one, there's usually a whole school.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. These "chameleons of the sea" change color to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we catch plenty in the 3-5 pound range, with some doormat-sized fish hitting 8+ pounds. They're ambush predators that love structure - wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. Best fishing happens September through November when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live minnows or bucktails, and when you feel that subtle tap, wait a second before setting the hook - flounder bite sideways and need time to turn the bait.
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