Full-Day Wreck Fishing Charter Norfolk VA
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday wreck fishing charter targeting flounder and sea bassAll tackle, rods, and safety equipment provided onboardExpert crew guidance for anglers of all experience levels
When you're serious about bottom fishing and want to hit Norfolk's most productive wreck sites, this 10-hour charter with Goin' Anyways SportFishing delivers the goods. We're talking about a full day targeting flounder, black sea bass, mahi, cobia, and other structure-loving species that call these underwater monuments home. Captain and crew know these wrecks like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while sharing the kind of local knowledge that turns a good day into a great one. With all gear provided and expert guidance from first drop to last fish, this top-rated Norfolk charter gives you everything needed for a productive day on the water.
Your day starts early with a 10-hour commitment that pays dividends in fish and experience. The crew handles all the heavy lifting - they've got your rods, reels, tackle, and safety gear sorted, plus they know exactly where to position the boat for maximum action. We're hitting multiple wreck sites throughout the day, each one holding different species depending on current, depth, and structure. The captain reads the water and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means switching from bottom rigs to live bait or moving to a different wreck when the bite slows down. With only six anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without tangling up with your neighbors. The crew's hands-on instruction means beginners feel confident while experienced anglers pick up new tricks.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and understanding structure. These Norfolk wrecks create perfect ambush points where predators wait for baitfish to get swept by in the current. We're primarily bottom fishing with heavy sinkers to get your bait down fast and keep it in the strike zone despite strong currents. The crew sets you up with everything from chicken rigs for sea bass to single-hook rigs for bigger species like cobia and black drum. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on what's working that day. GPS technology gets us right on top of the wrecks, but it's the crew's knowledge of how fish relate to different parts of these structures that makes the difference. They'll show you how to work the up-current side, the down-current side, and the debris fields where different species hang out.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Norfolk wreck fishing, and these chunky bottom dwellers are always ready to eat. They typically run 1-3 pounds with occasional bigger fish pushing 4-5 pounds, and they're most active during spring through fall months. What makes sea bass so popular is their aggressive nature - they'll hit just about anything you drop down there, from squid strips to bucktails. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the wreck scene, often weighing 20-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 60 pounds or more. These bruisers are most active during spring and fall migrations, and they'll test your tackle and fighting skills. They're bottom feeders that love crab, clam, and cut bait, and once hooked, they use their bulk and the wreck structure to try and break you off. Landing a big drum requires patience, proper drag settings, and a little luck.
Spadefish are seasonal visitors that show up in summer months, typically running in schools around the mid-water column near wrecks. These disk-shaped fish are excellent eating but can be finicky biters, often requiring light tackle and small baits like jellyfish or small pieces of clam. When you find a school of spades, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups at once.
Sheepshead are the bait thieves of the wreck world, with their human-like teeth perfectly designed for crushing crabs and picking baits clean. These black-and-white striped fish are most active during cooler months and require finicky presentations with small hooks and fresh bait. They're frustrating to catch but incredibly rewarding when you figure out their game, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can show up any time during the warmer months, typically running 20-50 pounds with occasional giants over 60 pounds. These brown sharks - as they're sometimes called - are curious fish that will follow the boat and often hit live bait or large artificials. They're strong fighters that make long runs and are prized for their excellent table quality, with meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
This world-class wreck fishing charter gives you access to Norfolk's most productive bottom fishing grounds with experienced crew who know how to put you on fish. The 10-hour format means you're not rushed, and the six-angler limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and prime fishing spots. Whether you're looking to load the cooler with sea bass and sheepshead or hoping to tangle with a trophy drum or cobia, these Norfolk wrecks deliver the goods. The crew provides everything you need tackle-wise, so just bring your fishing license, food and drinks for the day, and get ready for some serious bottom fishing action. Book your spot now because the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when these species are most active.
This 1989 29-foot Topaz sportfishing boat cuts through Norfolk waters with twin 230HP Volvo engines, cruising at 24 knots to get you on the wrecks fast. Built for serious fishing, she handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with a flybridge for scanning the horizon and working the hot spots. The fish finder helps locate structure where flounder, sea bass, and mahi hang out, while GPS keeps you locked on productive wreck sites. Radar ensures safe navigation when weather kicks up. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 10-hour days targeting the best bottom structure off Virginia's coast. Perfect setup for both seasoned anglers and newcomers ready to learn wreck fishing techniques.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 50+ in our waters. These powerful fish cruise brackish areas, oyster beds, and surprisingly shallow flats where you can actually hear them "drumming" during spawn. Spring is prime time, especially April through June when they school up near inlets and structure. What draws folks to target them is that raw pulling power - they'll test your drag and your arms. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with flaky white meat. Bigger fish get tougher but still fun to catch and release. Best tip I can give you is fresh crab bait on a fish-finder rig. Unlike other species, drum won't chase bait far, so keep it right on bottom near structure. They're picky but once hooked, they fight hard.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see some beauties pushing 8+ pounds on our wrecks. These chunky members of the grouper family love hanging around structure - perfect for our wreck sites in 60-120 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore from their winter migration. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding and decent table fare. Males turn bright blue during spawn and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They'll hit bottom rigs with squid strips or clams, but here's a local trick - if you're marking fish but not getting bites, try bouncing a small jig with squid just off the wreck. Sometimes they want that movement to trigger a strike. Season runs May through December with a short February window.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary predators averaging 20-50 pounds that'll give you a workout on medium tackle. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise our wrecks and buoys, often visible just under the surface during their spring migration through Virginia waters. Peak season is May through September when they're feeding aggressively on crabs, eels, and smaller fish. What gets anglers fired up is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll make long runs and test your equipment. Plus they're top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat. We typically sight-fish for them or target structure in 30-100 feet. Bucktail jigs work great, but live eels are deadly if you can get them. Pro tip: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it - lead them like a moving target and work the bait naturally past their nose. They're curious but spook easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-6 pounds, but we see some doormat-sized fish over 10 pounds around our deeper wrecks. They stick tight to any structure - bridge pilings, wrecks, docks - feeding on crustaceans and mollusks. Spring spawning season, February through April, brings the best action when they school up. What makes them challenging is they're master bait thieves - they'll pick your hook clean before you know it. But that white, flaky meat makes them worth the effort. Key tip: use fiddler crabs or sand fleas on small hooks, get tight to structure, and set the hook hard at the first nibble. Don't wait for a solid pull because you won't get one with these sneaky feeders.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of our most underrated fighters, averaging 3-8 pounds with that distinctive disk-shaped body and black stripes. These silver beauties school up in massive groups around our wreck sites, typically in 30-80 feet of water during summer months. What makes them exciting is how they fight - think of a scaled-up bluegill with serious attitude. They'll make long runs and use that flat body to their advantage. The meat is excellent, white and flaky when prepared right. You'll find them suspended around wrecks, not always on bottom like other species. Clam strips on small circle hooks work best, but here's the key - they're notorious bait thieves with small mouths, so downsize your hooks and keep fresh bait on. Cast past the school and drag your offering through them. Peak season is July through September.
Norfolk