5.0(1 Reviews)6-Hour Speckled Trout & Redfish Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Six-hour weekend charter targeting Speckled Trout and RedfishMaximum two guests for personalized fishing experienceLaunch from optimal marina based on daily conditions
The Lower Rappahannock River has earned its reputation as one of Virginia's premier inshore fishing destinations, and there's no better way to experience it than with Captain Kris Johnson's weekend charter. This isn't your typical run-and-gun fishing trip – we're talking about a dedicated 6-hour pursuit of two of the most sought-after species in these waters: speckled trout and redfish. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or someone looking to learn the ropes, this charter delivers the perfect blend of action and education on some of the most productive flats and grass beds the Chesapeake Bay system has to offer.
Your day starts bright and early at either Yankee Point Marina or Norview Marina – Captain Kris picks the launch based on tide charts, weather conditions, and where the fish have been biting. This isn't a cookie-cutter approach; every trip is tailored to give you the best shot at success. The Lower Rappahannock's shallow flats and creek mouths come alive during the weekend morning hours, making this the prime time to target feeding trout and prowling reds. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped flats boat that can get into those skinny water spots where the big fish like to hang out. With a maximum of just two anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your favorite techniques. The scenery alone is worth the trip – rolling Virginia countryside meets pristine tidal waters, creating the kind of backdrop that makes you forget about everything else happening back on shore.
Captain Kris specializes in light tackle fishing that keeps things exciting while giving you the best chance at landing quality fish. You'll learn to work soft plastics through grass beds, drift live bait over oyster bars, and read the water like a local. The Rappahannock's structure is perfect for multiple techniques – shallow flats for sight fishing, deeper channels for drifting, and creek mouths where ambush predators wait for unsuspecting baitfish. Depending on conditions and what the fish are doing, you might find yourself casting to visible redfish tails in two feet of water or working the edges of deeper holes where speckled trout stack up during tide changes. The beauty of fishing with an experienced guide is learning when to switch tactics and why certain spots produce at different times of day. You'll go home with knowledge that translates to success on future trips, whether you're coming back with Captain Kris or venturing out on your own.
"Capt. Kris Johnson exceeded my expectations for the planned guided fishing trip as I am not too familiar with saltwater fishing. He has the credentials, experience, local connections, friendly attitude, and willingness to help teach an old dog new tricks. Main goal was for providing an opportunity for my son Andrew to learn ways in lower tidal rivers and areas to catch saltwater species or his bucket list fish. The time of year at the location yielded speckled trout and we surely caught many trout. We were expecting maybe a few bites, but Kris really showed us ways to keep on top of them. I believe Andrew will be able to come back with his boat in the future and replicate methods learned from Kris. The quality of the fish caught surpassed our expectations. We learned that speckled trout is one of our favorite species to cook at home. Throughout the day Kris was safe, kind, helpful teaching, organized, timely, and respectful. I look forward to booking more trips with him in the future." - Andrew Peter
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Lower Rappahannock fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish are aggressive feeders with a distinctive spotted pattern that makes them instantly recognizable. In these waters, you can expect trout ranging from 14 to 20 inches, with the occasional trophy pushing over two feet. They're most active during moving water, especially around grass bed edges and oyster bar drop-offs. What makes specks so popular isn't just their willingness to bite – they're fantastic table fare and put up a respectable fight on light tackle. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak fishing typically occurring during the warmer months when baitfish are most abundant. The key to consistent speckled trout fishing here is understanding their relationship with structure and current flow, something Captain Kris has mastered through years of fishing these waters.
Redfish bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their incredible power and stubborn fighting style that can test both your tackle and your patience. In the Lower Rappahannock, reds typically run between 18 and 30 inches, with fish over the slot limit providing catch-and-release excitement you won't forget. Unlike speckled trout, redfish often cruise the shallows in small schools, creating opportunities for sight fishing that gets your heart pumping. They're particularly active around oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow flats during moving tides. What sets redfish apart is their year-round presence – while other species come and go with the seasons, reds provide consistent action for dedicated anglers. Their diet consists mainly of crabs, shrimp, and small fish, making them responsive to both live bait and artificial presentations when worked properly along the bottom.
This top-rated weekend charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing season when the trout are schooled up and the redfish are prowling the flats. Captain Kris's reputation for putting clients on fish while teaching valuable techniques has made this one of the most requested trips in the area. Remember, this charter runs weekends only and takes a break on federal holidays, so planning ahead is essential. You'll want to pack sunscreen, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing – Virginia's coastal weather can change quickly,
This 2001 Triton TX-186 bass boat is your ticket to prime fishing spots on the Lower Rappahannock River. At 19 feet with a fresh 2021 Yamaha 150HP engine, she'll get you to the redfish and speckled trout quickly, cruising at up to 50 knots. Built for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The GPS navigation keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate those holding spots where the fish stack up. Perfect for working the flats and shallow waters where these species love to feed. This boat handles Virginia's coastal waters with ease, getting you into tight spots where the bigger fish hide while keeping you comfortable during those long 6-hour charters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bulldogs of the shallows, averaging 28-33 inches but capable of much more. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in water so thin their backs sometimes show. You'll spot them by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Best action happens on incoming tides when they push into the shallows to feed. What hooks anglers is their powerful runs - once hooked, they'll strip line and test your drag. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Spring and fall provide the most consistent fishing when water temps are just right. Local trick: look for nervous water or "V" wakes in skinny areas. Reds often give themselves away before you see them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout around here typically run 14-24 inches and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially during moving tides. They love structure like oyster bars and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Spring through fall are prime time, but don't sleep on winter fishing when they school up in deeper channels. What makes specks special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats that surface explosion at dawn. The meat is white, flaky, and tastes great if you don't overcook it. Pro tip: when fishing the Rappahannock's grass beds, work your lure slowly and pause it often. These fish are ambush predators and that hesitation triggers strikes when steady retrieves won't.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt. Kris Johnson exceeded my expectations for the planned guided fishing trip as I am not too familiar with saltwater fishing. ...
Virginia