Virginia Beach Inshore Charter: Bluefish & Mackerel
Want to get your lines wet without committing to an all-day trip? This 3-hour afternoon charter puts you right where the action is around Cape Henry, targeting two of Virginia Beach's most reliable fighters - Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. Perfect for families with kids who might get restless on longer trips, or anyone looking to squeeze some fishing into a beach vacation. You'll troll the productive waters just offshore while keeping an eye out for the dolphins that love to cruise these same feeding grounds. With everything provided and an experienced captain calling the shots, you can focus on what matters most - getting fish in the boat.
What to Expect on the Water
Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you rigged and ready before you clear the inlet. The boat heads straight for the structure and current breaks around Cape Henry where Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish typically hang out during the warmer months. This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of trip - you'll be covering water, working different depths, and adjusting your approach based on what the fish are telling you. The captain handles navigation and boat positioning while teaching you to read the signs - bird activity, bait schools, and those telltale surface disturbances that mean gamefish are feeding below. Between the fishing action, you'll get some great views of the Virginia Beach coastline from a perspective most visitors never see. Don't be surprised if a pod of dolphins decides to join the party - they're regulars in these waters and always put on a good show.
Light Trolling Tactics
The name of the game here is light trolling with small spoons, feathers, and sometimes live or cut bait depending on what's working that day. Your captain provides all the tackle, which typically means medium-action rods that are perfect for feeling every head shake and run these fish are known for. Spanish Mackerel have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must - don't worry, the captain has that covered. You'll learn to watch your rod tips for that distinctive tap-tap-tap that signals a mackerel picking up your offering, versus the hard strike of a bluefish that's not messing around. The key is maintaining the right trolling speed - too fast and you'll pull the bait away from following fish, too slow and it won't have that injured baitfish action that triggers strikes. Your captain adjusts engine speed and uses the wind and current to dial in the perfect presentation. When someone hooks up, it's all hands on deck to clear the other lines and give that angler room to fight their fish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore scene, and Virginia Beach waters produce some beauties from late spring through early fall. These fish typically run 1-3 pounds but don't let their size fool you - they'll peel line and jump like they're twice as big. What makes them special is their willingness to bite throughout the day, especially when there's a good chop on the water. They school up around structure and baitfish, often giving away their location by creating surface commotion as they slash through schools of anchovies or silversides. The best part? They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect on the grill. Peak season runs from May through September, with the hottest action typically in the early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding.
Bluefish are the bullies of the bunch, and Virginia Beach consistently produces fish in the 2-8 pound range that'll test your drag system. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're known for their hard initial strike followed by strong, determined runs that can catch inexperienced anglers off guard. Bluefish have serious teeth and attitude to match - they'll bite anything that moves and fight dirty all the way to the boat. What's really exciting is their unpredictability - they might show up in 15 feet of water chasing bait, or you might find them relating to structure in 30-40 feet. Summer months are prime time, but these fish can be caught year-round in Virginia Beach waters. They're also fantastic table fare when bled and iced immediately, with a rich flavor that's perfect for smoking or grilling with some lemon and herbs.
Time to Book Your Spot
This trip strikes the perfect balance between serious fishing and family-friendly fun, making it ideal for mixed groups or anyone testing the waters before booking a longer charter. The 3-hour format keeps things exciting without wearing out kids or novice anglers, while still providing enough time to work different areas and techniques. Your captain's local knowledge and provided tackle eliminate the guesswork, letting you focus on learning and landing fish. With Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish being two of the most consistent species in Virginia Beach waters, you're looking at excellent odds for steady action. Add in the wildlife viewing opportunities and scenic coastal views, and you've got a top-rated experience that delivers on multiple levels. Don't wait until peak season to secure your spot - these afternoon trips fill up fast, especially during the summer months when both target species are most active.
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
The Back Deck, Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Private 3
