Virginia Beach Full Day Midshore Fishing
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Full day fishing at Wind Farms and Triangle WrecksTarget Seabass, Tautog, Flounder, Cobia, and King MackerelSmall group charter accommodating up to four guests
Picture this: you're heading out for a full day on the water with Patriotic Excursions, targeting some of the most productive fishing grounds off Virginia Beach. We're talking about the Wind Farms and Triangle Wrecks – spots that have been producing consistent action for years. This isn't your typical nearshore trip. We're going where the big fish live, and with only 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and all the personalized attention you need to make it count.
When you step aboard with Patriotic Excursions, you're signing up for a legitimate full-day adventure. We're not talking about a quick half-day run – this is the real deal. The plan is to hit the Wind Farms first, where those massive offshore structures create perfect habitat for sea bass and tautog. These artificial reefs are fish magnets, plain and simple. The Triangle Wrecks are our backup plan, but honestly, they're just as productive. Both spots sit in that sweet midshore zone where the water's deep enough to hold quality fish but close enough that we can maximize our fishing time. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might even swing by Chesapeake Bay. That's where things get interesting – we're talking cobia, spadefish, and if we're really lucky and the water's right, some king mackerel action. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's working that day.
Wreck fishing is a whole different animal from your typical bottom fishing. We're dropping baits right into structure, which means you need to know what you're doing or you'll be re-rigging all day. The good news? Your captain has this dialed in. We're talking circle hooks to minimize gut hooking, enough weight to get down in the current, and leader material that can handle the inevitable scrapes against barnacle-covered steel. For the sea bass and tautog around the wrecks, we'll be using everything from green crabs to squid strips. When we're targeting spadefish, it's all about the presentation – these fish can be picky, but they're absolute bulldogs when you hook them. If we venture into the Bay for cobia, that's when things get fun. These fish are sight feeders and incredibly curious. Your captain might have you casting live eels or working bucktails around the pilings. The key is staying versatile and ready to switch tactics based on what the fish want that day.
Sea bass are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach wreck fishing, and for good reason. These chunky fighters love the structure and will absolutely hammer a well-presented bait. Most of the keepers we're seeing are running 12 to 16 inches, with some real doormat-sized fish mixed in when conditions align. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, which works perfect for our full-day format. Tautog are the muscle of the wreck scene – these fish have jaws like bolt cutters and will test your drag system every time. They're year-round residents around the wrecks, but fall and winter fishing can be absolutely phenomenal when other species have moved on. Southern flounder are the wildcards. When they're around, they're usually quality fish, and there's nothing quite like watching a big flatfish inhale your bait on the fishfinder. Spadefish are pure fun on light tackle. These disk-shaped fighters will bend your rod double and run circles around the boat. They school up around structure during the warmer months and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. Spanish mackerel round out the target list with their blistering runs and acrobatic fights. When they move through the area, usually during the summer and early fall, it's game on with light tackle and small lures or bait.
Look, there's a reason Patriotic Excursions keeps this trip limited to 4 anglers – it's about quality over quantity. You're not going to be fighting for rail space or waiting in line to use the net. This is personalized fishing at its finest, targeting some of the most productive waters off the Virginia coast. Whether you're after keeper sea bass for the dinner table, want to tangle with bruiser tautog, or hoping to sight-cast to curious cobia, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of prime fishing locations, expert local knowledge, and small group size makes this a top-rated charter option that books up fast. Don't sleep on this one – grab your spot and get ready for a day of world-class fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Our reliable motorboat gets you to the productive Virginia Beach fishing grounds where the action happens. With a fish finder to locate schools and mark structure, plus GPS to navigate between the Wind Farms and Triangle Wrecks, you'll spend more time with lines in the water. The VHF radio keeps us connected for safety and fishing reports from other boats working the area. An onboard ice box ensures your seabass, tautog, and flounder stay fresh during the full day out. When conditions allow, we'll cruise into Chesapeake Bay waters targeting bigger game like cobia and king mackerel around structure. The boat comfortably handles our small group of 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their rods and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that ambush prey from sandy and muddy bottoms. These flat, oval fish typically measure 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, with trophy fish reaching over 20 pounds. They bury themselves in soft bottom areas of the Chesapeake Bay and nearshore waters, especially around creek mouths and drop-offs. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward spawning areas and feeding aggressively. Anglers love them for their unique appearance - both eyes on one side - and their excellent table quality with sweet, flaky meat. They hit live bait hard but require patience. Drift fishing with live bull minnows or shrimp works best. My tip: use a Carolina rig and drag it slowly across the bottom - when you feel that thump, count to three before setting the hook.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are the bread and butter of our wreck fishing trips. These dark, chunky fish average about a foot long and weigh around 9 pounds, with some reaching 26 inches. They live right on the bottom around hard structure - the Triangle Wrecks and Wind Farm foundations are perfect habitat. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when they're feeding heavy before winter. People love targeting them because they're aggressive biters, fight hard for their size, and make some of the best table fare you'll find. They'll eat just about anything - squid, clams, bucktail jigs work great. Pro tip: when you're fishing the wrecks, drop your jig right to the bottom and work it slow. They'll usually grab it on the way down.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish as locals call them, are the bulldogs of the wreck fishing world. These mottled, dark fish with powerful jaws average 1-3 pounds but can reach 28 pounds and live over 30 years. They stick tight to rocky structure - our Triangle Wrecks are prime habitat where they crush shellfish with their strong teeth. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they're most aggressive. What draws people to them is the challenge - they're tough fighters that'll try to wrap your line around structure, plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Fresh green crabs are the go-to bait. Here's my trick: crush some crab shells near your fishing spot first to get them fired up, then present a whole green crab right on the bottom and be ready for a solid hookset.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of those unique targets that really put on a show when you hook them. These disk-shaped, silver fish with black stripes typically run 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, though we've seen some push 14 pounds. They love hanging around structures like our Triangle Wrecks and the Wind Farm towers in schools of hundreds. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. What makes them special is their angelfish-like appearance and the scrappy fight they give you - they're surprisingly strong for their size. The meat is excellent eating too. Here's the key: use small circle hooks with fresh clam strips and cast past the school, then slowly drag your bait through them. They spook easy, so keep the boat quiet.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes when they show up in numbers. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds. They travel in massive schools near the surface, especially around the Chesapeake Bay mouth during warmer months from late spring through early fall. What makes them exciting is their blistering speed and acrobatic fights - they'll make multiple runs and jump repeatedly. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. When you spot birds working or see bait jumping, that's your cue. Troll small spoons or cast jigs into the feeding schools. Key tip: use a light wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Richmond