Half-Day Norfolk Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour inshore charter targets cobia, red drum, and Spanish mackerelAll equipment and expert guidance included for anglers of every levelMaximum 6 guests ensures personalized attention and prime fishing spots
Nothing beats the rush of hooking into a solid red drum in Norfolk's productive inshore waters. This 5-hour charter with Goin' Anyways SportFishing puts you right in the thick of the action, targeting some of the Chesapeake Bay region's most sought-after species. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler or a seasoned angler wanting to dial in new techniques, this half-day trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
Your day starts early at one of Norfolk's prime launch points, where Captain and crew have already prepped the boat with fresh bait and dialed-in tackle. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation – the team knows these waters like the back of their hand and adjusts the game plan based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. You'll hit multiple spots during your 5 hours, from shallow grass flats where reds cruise for crabs to deeper structure where cobia and Spanish mackerel patrol. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. All your gear is provided, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. The crew's approach is hands-on but not overbearing – they'll put you on fish and help with technique, but they know when to step back and let you work your magic.
Norfolk inshore fishing is all about reading the water and matching your presentation to what the fish want that day. The crew runs a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and target species. For red drum, you'll often find yourself sight-fishing with cut bait or live spot in skinny water, watching for those telltale tails and wakes. Cobia action typically involves working deeper channels and structure with live eels or bucktails, while Spanish mackerel respond well to small spoons and jigs worked through bait schools. The tackle setup is medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from 2-pound Spanish macks to 40-inch bull reds. Circle hooks are standard for live bait work, and the crew keeps multiple rods rigged and ready so you can capitalize when the bite turns on. Expect to move around quite a bit – successful inshore fishing here means covering water and staying mobile until you find active fish.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests, but these black-and-white striped convicts are some of the smartest fish in Norfolk waters. They hang around pilings, jetties, and any structure with barnacles and crabs, using their human-like teeth to crush shellfish with ease. Peak sheepshead action runs from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop and they move into their spawning areas. These fish average 2-4 pounds but can push 8-10 pounds for trophy specimens. What makes them so addictive to target is their finicky nature – they'll pick up your bait, feel the slightest resistance, and drop it faster than you can blink. Landing a cooler full requires patience and technique that only comes with practice.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Norfolk inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are year-round residents that grow fat in the nutrient-rich waters around the Chesapeake Bay mouth. Slot-size reds (18-26 inches) are perfect eating and fight like fish twice their size, while the oversized bulls that cruise the shallows in summer will test your drag system and your arms. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action as schools of reds work the grass flats and oyster bars hunting blue crabs. The sight-fishing opportunities here are world-class – nothing beats watching a 30-inch red slowly cruise up to your bait in 3 feet of crystal-clear water.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene, and Norfolk sits right in their migration path. These brown sharks (as locals call them) show up in spring as water temperatures hit the mid-60s and stick around through early fall. Average fish run 20-40 pounds, but 50-60 pounders are caught regularly, and the occasional 70+ pound giant shows up to make your day. What makes cobia so special is their curious nature – they'll follow the boat, investigate lures, and often give you multiple shots if you don't spook them. Their fight is legendary too, combining the initial run of a large red with the head-shaking power of a big striper.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around, typically from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets average 1-3 pounds and travel in schools that can number in the hundreds. When you find them, it's game on – multiple hookups are common, and the bite can be so fast you'll barely have time to unhook fish before dropping back down. They're excellent eating and perfect for kids or beginning anglers who want to feel their rod bend. The key is finding the bait schools they follow, which often means watching for diving birds or working your electronics to locate the food chain.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Norfolk's creeks, channels, and drop-offs hold good populations of these flatfish, with fall producing the best action as they fatten up before their offshore spawning run. Keeper flounder (15+ inches) are becoming more precious each year due to regulations, making every legal fish a celebration. They hit live finger mullet, mud minnows, and Gulp baits worked slowly along the bottom. The fight isn't spectacular, but the table fare is outstanding, and there's something satisfying about fooling such a well-camouflaged predator.
This half-
Get ready to chase cobia, red drum, and Spanish mackerel aboard this reliable 29-foot Topaz sportfisher! Built in 1989 and powered by twin 230HP Volvo engines, she cruises comfortably at 24 knots to get you to Norfolk's hottest inshore fishing spots quickly. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish and navigating shallow waters, while the radar keeps you safe when visibility drops. Find your targets fast with the onboard fish finder, and keep your catch fresh in the spacious icebox. GPS navigation ensures you'll hit all the productive structure and drop-offs where these species love to hang out. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat strikes the perfect balance between fishing functionality and comfort for your half-day Norfolk adventure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize fish of our Norfolk waters - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks when they cruise near the surface. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds, making them serious tackle-busters. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water, especially during their spring migration from May through June. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. The fight is pure power, and the meat rivals any fish in the sea with its firm, white flesh. They're usually solo hunters, not schooling fish, so each one is a trophy. My best tip: when you spot one, don't rush the cast. Let them get comfortable near the boat, then drop a bucktail jig or live eel right in front of their nose.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the backbone of our Norfolk inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 20-35 inches around here, though we get some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're feeding heavy before migrations. Guests love redfish because they fight like trucks and aren't too picky about baits. Plus, the smaller ones make outstanding table fare with firm, mild meat. The real thrill is sight-casting to them in skinny water. My local trick: look for nervous bait or muddy water where they're rooting around, and don't be afraid to fish water that seems too shallow.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are Norfolk's most notorious bait thieves, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These gray fish with black stripes (nicknamed "convict fish") run 1-8 pounds typically, though we occasionally see 15+ pounders. They love munching barnacles off dock pilings, bridges, and jetties with their human-like teeth. Spring through fall is prime time when they're active around structure. What guests love most is the challenge - these fish are picky eaters with a soft bite, then they turn into bulldogs once hooked. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare if you can get past those tough scales. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep your bait tight to the structure, and set the hook hard the second you feel weight.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our Norfolk shallows, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. We target them in shallow bays, creek mouths, and around docks where they hunt shrimp and small fish. Fall is prime time when they're feeding up before moving offshore. Guests enjoy the challenge of finding them and the surprise of their strong fight once hooked. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, white meat. The trick is fishing right on the bottom with slow, subtle movements. My best advice: use live mud minnows or shrimp on a carolina rig, drag it slowly across sandy bottoms, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap, give them a second to swallow before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are pure speed and excitement on light tackle. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. We find them in schools near the surface around structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks from late spring through early fall. They're one of the fastest fish in our waters, hitting lures with lightning strikes that'll wake you up fast. Guests love the non-stop action when we find a school, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is light tackle and fast-moving baits. My go-to setup: small silver spoons or gotcha plugs trolled at 4-6 knots. When you hook one, keep reeling because where there's one spanish, there's usually a dozen more ready to bite.
Norfolk