Virginia Beach 6-Hour Midshore Wreck Fishing
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
6hour midshore fishing targeting tuna, flounder, and seabass speciesCaptain Jay guides wreck fishing adventures from Chesapeake BaySmall group trips accommodate maximum 4 guests aboard
Captain Jay knows where the fish are biting, and he's ready to put you on them during this top-rated 6-hour midshore adventure out of Virginia Beach. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the productive wreck sites where the big boys hang out. You'll be targeting some of the area's most sought-after species including Sea Bass, Tautog, Spanish Mackerel, Southern Flounder, and Black Drum. With only 4 anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories and going home with a cooler full of dinner.
This midshore fishing charter takes you to Virginia Beach's best-kept secrets – the wreck sites and structure that hold fish year-round. Captain Jay's been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly which wrecks are firing and when. You'll start early to make the most of your 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to work multiple spots and techniques. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to fresh bait and tackle. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and drinks – we've got the rest covered. The wreck fishing here is world-class, with structure that attracts baitfish and the predators that follow them.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and knowing how to work the structure without losing your rig in the process. Captain Jay will set you up with the right tackle for each spot – heavier gear for the deeper wrecks where the big Tautog hide, and lighter setups when we're working the edges for Flounder and Spanish Mackerel. You'll be bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait most of the time, but don't be surprised if we switch to jigging or even some light trolling when the conditions are right. The key to successful wreck fishing is getting your bait down to where the fish are holding without getting hung up in the structure. That's where Captain Jay's local knowledge really pays off – he knows exactly how to position the boat and where to drop your line for maximum success.
Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach wreck fishing, and for good reason. These chunky fighters love hanging around structure, and the wrecks off Virginia Beach hold some real quality fish. You'll typically find them in 20-60 feet of water, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit squid, clams, or cut bait. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish moving in during the cooler months. What makes Sea Bass so popular is their fight-to-size ratio – a 2-pound bass will give you a battle, and the bigger ones will really test your drag.
Tautog, or "Tog" as the locals call them, are the ultimate wreck specialists. These bulldog-strong fish have crushing jaws designed for eating crabs and mussels right off the structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first tap. Fall and early winter are peak seasons when the biggest Tog move in close. A 5-pound Tog is a nice fish, and anything over 8 pounds is a real trophy. They're excellent eating too – sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and excitement to your wreck fishing adventure. These silver rockets will hit small jigs, spoons, or live bait with incredible force, often jumping and making screaming runs. They show up in good numbers during late spring through early fall, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're perfect for light tackle fishing, and their size makes them ideal for a fish fry. The 1-3 pound range is typical, but they make up for size with pure energy.
Southern Flounder are the ambush predators of the wreck sites, lying flat against the bottom waiting for an easy meal. These flatfish can be tricky to hook since they often grab bait and swim off before swallowing it. The key is patience – let them run with it before setting the hook. Fall is prime time for Flounder fishing when they're fattening up before their offshore migration. A 20-inch Flounder is a keeper, and anything over 24 inches is a real doormat that'll feed the whole family.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the bunch, and when you hook into a big one around the wrecks, you'll know it immediately. These powerful fish can exceed 30 pounds and will test every piece of your tackle. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and clams, and they're most active during the warmer months. The bigger drums are often catch-and-release fish, but the smaller ones in the 5-15 pound range are excellent eating. Their deep, powerful runs and bulldog fight make them a customer favorite.
This renowned Virginia Beach wreck fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime season. With Captain Jay's local expertise and a maximum of just 4 anglers, you're getting a personalized fishing experience that's hard to find elsewhere. The 6-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and target different species based on what's biting best. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this midshore adventure delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Captain Jay's well-equipped motorboat is your ticket to Virginia Beach's productive offshore waters. This reliable fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful wreck fishing adventure - a quality fish finder to locate those structure-holding hotspots, GPS to mark productive spots, VHF radio for safety, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails while targeting tuna, flounder, seabass, and tautog around the wrecks. When conditions allow, Captain Jay will run you out toward Chesapeake Bay waters to chase spade fish, cobia, and those hard-fighting Spanish and king mackerel. The boat handles the offshore conditions well, getting you to the fish and back safely while you focus on what matters most - putting bent rods and fish in the box during your 6-hour trip.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll test your tackle and patience. These fish typically range 10-30 pounds in our area, though we've seen them push 50+ pounds around the Bay Bridge Tunnel. They're dark gray to black with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and shallow flats, especially in spring when they school up to spawn. That's when you'll hear their signature drumming sounds underwater. What gets guests excited is the sheer power - these fish fight like trucks and can make long, stubborn runs. The meat on smaller ones is excellent, but anything over 15 pounds gets tough. Spring is your best bet when they're concentrated and feeding heavily. My secret weapon is fresh blue crab on a fish-finder rig. Cut the crab in half and use circle hooks - they take their time with baits, so be patient and let them run with it before setting up.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are one of our most reliable targets around Virginia Beach. These chunky fish average about a foot long and 2-3 pounds, with dark scales and that classic bass shape. They love hanging around structure - wrecks, reefs, and jetties where they can ambush crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. You'll find them from about 20-80 feet deep, and they're active pretty much year-round here, though spring through fall gives you the best action. What makes them popular with guests is they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare - some of the best eating fish we catch. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more below. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig tipped with squid or clam, and don't be afraid to bounce it right off the bottom structure where they hide.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise in our shallow waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, though we catch some pushing 8 pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change colors to match the bottom perfectly. They bury themselves in sand and mud in bays, inlets, and near-shore waters, usually in 10-30 feet. Fall is absolutely prime time when they're moving toward inlets to spawn. What makes flounder special for guests is the challenge of finding them and that sweet, white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're ambush predators, so they don't fight like other fish - more of a heavy, head-shaking pull. The key to consistent flounder fishing is drift fishing with live minnows or mullet on Carolina rigs. Keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are pure speed and excitement on light tackle. These silver bullets average 1-2 feet and 2-3 pounds, with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. They run in big schools near the surface, especially around bait balls and structure from late spring through fall. When conditions are right, you'll see them breaking water as they chase baitfish. Guests love them because they hit hard, run fast, and jump - plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters with that mild, flaky meat. They're also great for kids since the action can be non-stop when you find a school. You'll find them anywhere from the surf to several miles offshore, but they prefer warmer water. Pro tip: when trolling for them, use small shiny spoons or Clark spoons behind planers. Once you hook up, immediately put more lines in the same area because where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or "blackfish" as old-timers call them, are the bulldogs of our waters. These thick-bodied fighters average 2-4 pounds but can push 10+ pounds around our local wrecks and jetties. They've got serious teeth built for crushing crabs and mussels, which is exactly what they spend their time doing around rocky structure. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most aggressive and territorial. What guests love about tog fishing is the challenge - these fish are smart and structure-oriented, so you're always fishing tight to cover. The fight is straight down and dirty, no fancy runs, just pure power. They're also fantastic eating if you can get past the tough skin. Here's the key: use green crabs for bait, break off the claws and legs, then crush them up around your fishing spot. That scent drives them crazy, but change your bait every 5 minutes or it loses its magic.
Richmond