Full-Day Wreck Fishing Charter Norfolk VA
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Ten-hour wreck fishing charter targets flounder, sea bass, and mahiAll rods, reels, tackle, and safety equipment provided onboardExpert crew guidance for anglers of all experience levels
Get ready for a serious day on the water with Goin' Anyways SportFishing's full-day wreck fishing charter out of Norfolk, VA. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking 10 hours of prime fishing time targeting some of the most productive wreck sites off the Virginia coast. Whether you're chasing flounder, black sea bass, or hoping to hook into a mahi, our experienced crew knows exactly where to put you on the fish. With all gear provided and expert guidance every step of the way, this top-rated charter is perfect for both seasoned anglers and folks just getting serious about offshore fishing.
Your day starts early at the Norfolk marina, where our crew will have everything prepped and ready to roll. We'll head out to carefully selected wreck sites that have been producing consistently, and trust me, there's something special about fishing these underwater structures. The wrecks create perfect habitat for baitfish, which draws in everything from aggressive cobia to hefty black drum. Our boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to work without feeling crowded. The crew stays busy all day – rigging fresh tackle, netting fish, and sharing the kind of local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Expect to move between multiple spots as we chase the bite, and don't be surprised if we stay on a hot wreck when the action heats up.
Fishing wrecks requires a different approach than your typical bottom fishing, and that's where our crew really shines. We'll set you up with the right tackle for each species – heavier rigs for the black drum and cobia, lighter setups when the sea bass are being finicky. The key is getting your bait right in the strike zone around the wreck structure without getting hung up on the metal. We use a mix of live bait and cut bait depending on what's working that day, and our crew will show you how to read your bottom machine to understand what you're seeing down there. When we're targeting mahi, we'll often work the edges of the wrecks where these fish cruise looking for an easy meal. Circle hooks are the name of the game for most of our fishing, and we'll walk you through proper hook-setting techniques if you're not familiar with them.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Norfolk wreck fishing, and for good reason. These scrappy fighters love the structure and cover that wrecks provide, and they're active year-round in our waters. You'll typically find them in the 12-18 inch range, though trophy fish over 20 inches show up regularly. They hit hard and fight dirty, using every piece of wreck structure to try to break you off. What makes them so popular with our guests is their reliability – even on tough days, the sea bass usually cooperate.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the wreck fishing world around Norfolk. These bruisers can push 40-50 pounds and will test your arms and your drag system. They're most active during the warmer months and have a habit of showing up when you least expect them. The fight is all about endurance – they don't make flashy runs like a cobia, but they'll wear you down with steady, powerful pulls. Landing a big drum is a team effort, and our crew knows exactly how to coach you through the fight.
Spadefish might look funny with their disk-shaped bodies, but they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. They school up around wrecks in impressive numbers during summer and early fall, creating some of the fastest action you'll find offshore. They're notorious for being picky eaters, so we keep multiple bait options ready. When you find a good school of spades, you can literally catch them one after another until your arms give out.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of wreck fishing – these black-and-white striped fish have incredibly sharp teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They're most active in cooler months when other species slow down, making them a favorite target for winter charters. The key is using small hooks and staying alert to their subtle bites. When you finally hook one, you'll understand why experienced anglers get so excited about sheepshead fishing.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks-lookalikes cruise the wrecks looking for an easy meal, and when one decides to eat, you better hold on tight. They're incredibly strong fish that love to make long runs and jump when hooked. Cobia fishing is best from late spring through early fall, and our crew knows how to spot them cruising near the surface around the wrecks. Landing a 30-40 pound cobia is a memory that'll last a lifetime.
This world-class wreck fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and heavy. At 10 hours on the water with all gear included, you're getting serious value and the chance to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Virginia coast has to offer. Our crew's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a customer favorite year after year. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with sea bass or hoping to tangle with a trophy drum, this full-day adventure delivers the goods. Don't wait – reserve your spot with Goin' Anyways SportFishing and get ready for a day of world-class wreck fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
This rugged 29-foot Topaz sportfishing vessel cuts through Norfolk waters with twin 230HP Volvo engines, cruising at 24 knots to get your crew of up to 6 anglers to the hottest wreck sites fast. Built tough in 1989, she's equipped with everything serious fishermen need - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the structure holding flounder and sea bass, plus a flybridge for better visibility when working the wrecks. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 10-hour days targeting mahi and cobia. Her deep-V hull handles Norfolk's offshore conditions while providing a stable platform for dropping lines on productive bottom structure. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking to work the local wrecks where the big fish hide.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 50-60 pounds. They're bottom crushers with powerful jaws built for demolishing oysters and crabs. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and shallow muddy flats, though they also hang near deeper structure up to 100 feet. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning and become much easier to target. What draws anglers is their bulldogging fight and that distinctive drumming sound they make. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones are tough and better released. Fresh blue crab is king for bait - it stays on the hook better and drum can't resist it. My advice: use enough weight to keep your bait planted on bottom where they feed.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive fighters that love hanging around wrecks and structure in 30-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we see some nice males pushing 6-8 pounds in deeper spots. They're part of the grouper family and put up a solid scrap until they break the surface. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them special is their excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. These fish are mostly bottom feeders, so we'll have you rigged with squid or clam strips on a two-hook rig. Pro tip: once you hook one, work the same area hard. Where there's one bass, there's usually more, and they'll keep biting if you stay on them.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking bruisers that average 20-40 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're loners, not schooling fish, so each one is a prize. We find them cruising structure and wrecks in 30-100 feet, especially during their spring migration when they move through our area heading north. What makes cobia special is the combination of their powerful runs and top-shelf table fare - firm, almost steak-like meat. They're curious fish that will come up to investigate the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range work great, and color doesn't matter much. The secret is presentation: when you spot one, cast well ahead of where it's swimming and work the jig with steady retrieves. Don't cast right at them or they'll spook every time.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth that can crush barnacles off pilings. They typically run 2-8 pounds, but we catch some real slabs over 15 pounds around the wrecks. These guys are structure huggers - the tighter to pilings, bridge supports, or wreck debris, the better. Spring is peak season when they spawn, but they bite year-round in our waters. What makes them challenging is they're notorious bait thieves with delicate nibbles, but once hooked, they make strong runs back to cover. The payoff is some of the best eating you'll find - sweet, white meat that's restaurant quality. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crab works great, but here's the key: keep your bait tight to structure and set the hook hard at the first tap. They'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are silver disks with black stripes that school up tight around wrecks and structure. Most average 3-8 pounds and 18 inches, but we get some pushing 12-14 pounds on the better wrecks. They're popular because they fight way above their weight class - that flat body gives them serious pulling power in the current. You'll find big schools of 100+ fish hanging around our offshore structure in 40-80 feet during summer months. What's cool is they'll actually play dead when spooked, drifting like leaves until danger passes. The meat is white and flaky, making great table fare. Fresh clam on small circle hooks is the ticket, but here's the trick: cast past the school and drag your bait right through the middle of them. They're curious and competitive, so that movement triggers strikes when a stationary bait gets ignored.
Norfolk