Extended Day – Full Offshore in Virginia Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore targeting tuna, marlin, sailfish and wahooAccommodates up to 6 guests with experienced charter crewNot recommended for children under 10 years old
You're looking at Virginia Beach's top-rated big game fishing experience with Knot Tell'n Fishing Charters. This extended day offshore trip puts you right in the middle of some of the Atlantic's most productive fishing grounds, where the Gulf Stream meets the continental shelf. We're talking about serious fishing here – the kind where you'll battle fish that can weigh more than you do. This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip; we're heading way out where the water turns that deep blue and the real monsters live. Fair warning though – this trip isn't recommended for kids under 10, and there's a good reason for that. The conditions can get rough, the fish fight hard, and the day runs long.
We'll be running anywhere from 30 to 60 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are showing up and what the water temps look like. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, which keeps things comfortable and gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand – they've been working these offshore canyons and ledges for years, watching the seasonal patterns and keeping tabs on where the bite's been hot. You'll spend most of your day trolling the blue water, covering serious ground to find feeding schools of tuna and billfish. When we hook up, that's when things get exciting fast. These fish don't come easy – expect long fights, burning drags, and sore arms by the end of the day. The crew will be right there coaching you through every step, from setting the hook to getting that fish to the boat.
We run a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and lures designed to mimic the baitfish these pelagics are hunting. The boat's rigged with outriggers and a full tower setup, so we can cover maximum water with our spread. You'll be working with heavy tackle – think 50 and 80-pound class gear that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. The technique here is all about reading the water, watching for temperature breaks, bird activity, and bait schools. When we find the right conditions, we'll work that area hard, sometimes spending hours in a productive zone. The crew handles most of the technical stuff – rigging baits, adjusting the spread, and positioning the boat. Your job is to stay alert for that screaming reel and be ready to jump on the rod when it happens. These fish move fast and hit hard, so there's no time to hesitate when the action starts.
Blue Marlin are the kings of Virginia Beach offshore waters, and hooking one of these giants is what fishing dreams are made of. These fish show up best during the summer months when the water's warm and the bait's thick. A decent blue marlin here runs 200-400 pounds, but we see fish over 500 pounds every season. They're ambush predators that come up from the depths to crush a bait, and when they do, you'll know it immediately. The initial run can strip 200 yards of line in seconds, and the jumps are absolutely spectacular. Most anglers say fighting a blue marlin is the toughest thing they've ever done on the water.
Yellowfin Tuna are probably your best bet for consistent action, especially from late spring through early fall. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, you can often hook multiple fish. Virginia Beach yellowfins typically run 30-80 pounds, with some real giants pushing over 100. They're incredibly strong fighters that make long, powerful runs and never give up until they're at the boat. The meat quality is world-class too – nothing beats fresh yellowfin sashimi after a successful day offshore.
White Marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but pound-for-pound they might be even more fun to catch. These fish are acrobatic as they come, spending more time in the air than in the water once they're hooked. Summer's prime time for white marlin in Virginia Beach waters, and we often see multiple fish per trip during peak season. They typically run 40-70 pounds and provide fast, exciting fights that'll have your heart racing.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 50+ mph when they want to. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude, making them one of the most exciting catches out there. They hit baits at full speed and make blistering runs that can empty a reel if you're not ready. Virginia Beach wahoo typically run 20-50 pounds, and their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean.
Bluefin Tuna are the heavyweights of the tuna world, and Virginia Beach sees some real giants, especially during winter months. These fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide some of the longest, most grueling fights you'll ever experience. They're incredibly valuable fish, both for the fight and the table, making them a real prize when you manage to land one. The strength of a big bluefin has to be experienced to be believed – they can fight for hours and still have power left when they reach the boat.
This extended day offshore trip with Knot Tell'n Fishing Charters represents your best shot at tangling with Virginia Beach's premier gamefish. The crew's experience, the boat's capabilities, and the fishing grounds we access put you in position for the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Remember, no meals are included so pack plenty of food and drinks – you'll be out there all day and working up a serious appetite. The 6-angler limit keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets their shot at the fish of a lifetime. Book now and get ready for some serious offshore action that'll test your skills and reward your patience with world-class fishing.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of our offshore waters, with females reaching up to 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, typically in the top 100 feet where water temps hit 70°+ degrees. Summer through early fall gives us our best shots when they follow baitfish migrations. What makes them special? Pure power and those legendary jumps that'll have you shaking. The meat's decent but most folks are after the fight and bragging rights. Here's a tip from years out here - when you get a bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Let them eat for a few seconds, then come tight smooth and steady. These fish have bony mouths and rushing it usually means watching your dream fish swim away.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive torpedo-shaped fighters averaging 200-400 pounds that can reach 1,000+. We target them in deep offshore water where they hunt schools of herring and mackerel. Fall and winter bring the best action when they migrate through our area following baitfish. What sets them apart is the raw power and that incredible sashimi-grade meat that's worth serious money. These are warm-blooded fish that can dive 3,000+ feet and run for miles. We use heavy tackle and troll with live herring or chunk bait. Here's the deal with bluefin: they're federally managed, so you need permits and must report your catch. But when you hook one, it's a battle you'll never forget. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for long fights - these fish don't quit.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - hitting 60 mph with those razor teeth and sleek bodies averaging 3-5 feet. We find them in open water around 60 feet deep, often near floating debris or temperature breaks. Summer and fall are prime time here off Virginia Beach when water temps climb. What guests love about wahoo is the blistering runs and that sweet, flaky white meat that makes amazing fish tacos. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious, and it's well earned. Pro tip: always use wire leader when targeting these guys. Their teeth will slice through mono or fluoro like butter. We troll at 12-15 knots with bullet heads and diving lures. When you hook one, hang on - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish out there.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world, typically running 50-80 pounds with amazing jumping ability. We find them in deep blue water over the continental shelf, usually in the top 100 feet where temperatures stay warm. Summer is prime season here when they follow bait migrations north. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and aerial displays - they'll dance on their tails like nothing else. The meat's decent, but most anglers are after the sport. These fish are smart hunters that'll test your skills. My advice: when trolling ballyhoo, watch behind your baits, not just at them. White marlin are sneaky and will come up behind the spread to investigate. Once you get a bite, don't rush - let them eat before setting the hook or you'll pull it away from them.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are torpedo-shaped powerhouses averaging 60 pounds, though we've seen them push 200+ out here. They cruise the upper 100 feet in warm offshore water, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Late spring through fall gives us the best action when bait concentrates. Guests love the sustained fights and world-class sashimi quality meat - there's nothing quite like fresh yellowfin. These fish can hit 50 mph and dive deep when hooked. We target them trolling ballyhoo rigs and cedar plugs, plus chunking when they get finicky. Here's something most folks don't know: when you see diving birds working, get there fast. Yellowfin often push bait to the surface and that's prime time for topwater action that'll get your heart pumping.
Virginia Beach, VA, United States