Extended Day Offshore Virginia Beach Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting premium tuna and marlin speciesSixguest maximum ensures personalized attention from experienced crewAdultsonly adventure not recommended for children under ten years
When you're looking for the ultimate offshore fishing adventure in Virginia Beach, this extended day trip with Knot Tell'n Fishing Charters delivers everything serious anglers dream about. We're talking about a world-class blue water experience targeting some of the Atlantic's most prized pelagic species. This isn't your typical half-day run – we head way out where the big fish live, giving you the best shot at hooking into yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and even the elusive bluefin tuna. Fair warning though – this trip packs a punch and isn't recommended for kids under 10. The extended time on the water and the intensity of big game fishing requires stamina and focus.
This top-rated offshore charter takes you beyond the continental shelf where the real action happens. We're talking about running 20+ miles offshore to reach the blue water where these pelagic giants cruise. The boat leaves early – and I mean early – to maximize your time in the zone. You'll spend the day working different depths and structures, from the canyons to the temperature breaks where baitfish congregate and predators follow. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the day. Expect to see flying fish, dolphins, and maybe even whales as we search for the telltale signs of feeding fish. The extended format gives us time to really work an area when we find fish, rather than having to cut things short just when the bite heats up. With only 6 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew.
This is serious big game trolling at its finest. We'll be pulling a spread of high-speed lures, ballyhoo rigs, and teasers designed to trigger strikes from apex predators. The boat runs top-shelf tackle – we're talking 50 and 80-class reels spooled with heavy braid, matched to rods that can handle fish pushing triple digits. The crew sets up a proper spread with outriggers, flat lines, and shotgun positions to cover maximum water. When a fish hits, everyone needs to reel in fast to clear the lines for the fight. Don't worry if you've never fought a big tuna or billfish – the crew will coach you through every step, from setting the hook to working the fish boat-side. We also mix in some chunking and live bait fishing when conditions call for it, especially when targeting bluefin tuna. The gear is heavy duty because it needs to be – these fish will test every knot and connection you've got.
Blue Marlin are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach offshore fishing. These legendary billfish can push 400+ pounds and provide battles that last hours. Peak season runs from June through September when water temperatures hit the sweet spot. Blues are notorious for their aerial displays and bulldogging runs that will test your endurance. Landing one is a bucket list achievement that most anglers never forget.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore fleet and for good reason. These fish average 40-100 pounds in our waters and fight like they're twice that size. They show up consistently from late spring through fall, often feeding in schools around temperature breaks. Yellowfins are pure muscle – they'll make screaming runs and circle under the boat for what feels like forever. Plus, they're outstanding table fare if you decide to keep one.
White Marlin might be smaller than their blue cousins, but they're no less exciting. These acrobatic billfish average 50-70 pounds and are famous for their jumping ability. They're more numerous than blues and provide consistent action during summer months. Whites are perfect for anglers wanting their first billfish experience – challenging but manageable on appropriate tackle.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail for many serious anglers. These powerful fish can exceed 200 pounds in Virginia waters and are renowned for their strength and stamina. They're most common during winter months when few boats are willing to make the run. Bluefins require specific techniques and often mean switching to chunking or live bait fishing rather than trolling.
Wahoo are speed demons that can hit 60+ mph when they take a lure. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20-40 pounds and are famous for their blistering initial runs. They show up year-round but peak in fall when they're feeding heavily before winter migrations. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and incredible acceleration that can catch even experienced anglers off guard.
This extended offshore adventure represents the pinnacle of Virginia Beach charter fishing. You're getting access to some of the East Coast's most productive big game waters with experienced guides who know how to put you on fish. The combination of extended time offshore, small group size, and world-class tackle gives you the best possible shot at landing the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're chasing your first billfish, looking to boat a personal best tuna, or just want to experience what blue water fishing is all about, this trip delivers. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and drinks since meals aren't included – you'll be out there all day. Book early because prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when these species are most active.
Makaira NigricansThese are the giants of the billfish world - females can hit over 1,000 pounds while males rarely exceed 350. Blue marlin cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually in the top 100 feet. They're migratory fish that follow warm currents, with our best action typically from June through September when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special? The sheer power and aerial displays when hooked. Plus, landing a "grander" over 1,000 pounds is a lifetime achievement. They feed heavily on tuna, mackerel, and squid. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your spread moving at 8-10 knots with fresh ballyhoo or large skirted lures. Once you get a bite, don't rush the hookset - let them eat the bait and come tight on their own.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - powerful, smart, and worth their weight in gold. The ones we target here run 100-300 pounds, though giants over 500 show up. They roam from the shelf edge out to deep water, comfortable in both cold and warm conditions. Winter and spring bring the best fishing when they move north along our coast. What sets them apart is the incredible fight and that prized meat - it's what top sushi restaurants pay premium prices for. These fish require heavy tackle and patience. Federal permits and strict regulations apply, so catch reporting is mandatory. Best technique is trolling with fresh herring or chunking when you find a school. Remember: they're spooky, so keep boat noise down and use fluorocarbon leaders in clear water.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - they'll hit 60 mph and strip line like nothing else out there. Most fish we catch run 30-80 pounds, though they can reach over 100. You'll find them in open water around structure like wrecks and drop-offs, usually in the top 200 feet. Summer through fall gives us the best shots here off Virginia Beach. What guests love is the blistering runs and that buttery white meat - it's some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. My advice: always use wire leaders when wahoo are around, and troll fast with small lures or rigged ballyhoo. When they hit, hang on - the initial run will test your drag and your nerves.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller cousins of blues, typically running 40-80 pounds, but they're just as acrobatic and fun to fight. They prefer the blue water along temperature breaks and drop-offs, usually within 100 feet of the surface. Peak season runs June through September when warm water pushes up from the south. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and jumping ability - they'll put on a real show. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties. They hunt flying fish, small tuna, and squid around structure. Here's the deal with white marlin: when you see one come up behind your spread, don't change anything. Let it look, and if it doesn't eat right away, circle back through the same area - they often return for a second look at the bait.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family - solid fighters that average 40-100 pounds out here, though we see bigger ones. They school in open water, usually in the top 300 feet around temperature breaks and current edges. Summer into early fall is prime time when bait concentrates offshore. People target them for two reasons: they fight hard with long runs, and the meat is perfect for sashimi or steaks. These fish are always on the move, so finding them is half the battle. We'll troll to locate schools, then switch to chunking or jigging once we mark them. Key tip: when chunking, use whatever bait they're feeding on - usually menhaden or herring. Keep your chunks small and steady, and have baited hooks ready in the slick.
Virginia Beach, VA, United States