Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Trout inshoreLaunch from Oceanfront or Lynnhaven Inlet locationsAccommodate up to 4 guests with varied techniques
When you're looking for some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast, Virginia Beach delivers year-round action that keeps anglers coming back. This top-rated charter with Patriotic Excursions puts you right in the heart of where the big fish are biting, whether we're launching from the bustling Oceanfront or the calmer waters of Lynnhaven Inlet. With a maximum of 4 guests, you get that personal touch that makes all the difference between just casting a line and really learning how to fish these waters like a local.
Your day starts at either the Virginia Beach Oceanfront or Lynnhaven Inlet, depending on conditions and what's biting that day. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish using whatever technique works best. Some days that means anchoring up and dropping baits to the bottom for big black drum, other times we're drifting with the current to find schools of feeding redfish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - you never know if you'll be sight-casting to tailing reds in shallow grass beds or working structure for hefty sheepshead. The boat stays close enough to shore that you can still see the Virginia Beach skyline, but far enough out to hit the productive waters where these fish love to hang out. Pack light since meals aren't provided, but definitely bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe some snacks to keep your energy up during the longer fights.
The captain switches up techniques based on what species we're targeting and where they're holding. Bottom fishing is huge here, especially when we're after black drum and sheepshead around the pilings and structure. You'll be using circle hooks with fresh bait like blue crab, shrimp, or cut bait to entice these bottom dwellers. When the redfish are schooled up, we shift to trolling with spoons or casting soft plastics and live bait. Spin casting becomes the go-to method when we locate feeding trout - nothing beats the excitement of watching your topwater plug get smashed by a hungry speckled trout. Drifting is another productive technique, especially when targeting multiple species over grass flats and oyster bars. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you need, but if you have a favorite setup, feel free to bring it along. The gear is matched to the fish we're targeting, so you'll have the right rod action and line weight to handle everything from 2-pound trout to 20-pound drum.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of Virginia Beach inshore waters, and these bruisers can easily top 40 pounds when you find the right school. They're most active during cooler months, typically from late fall through early spring, when they move into the shallows to feed on crabs and oysters around structure. What makes black drum so exciting is their incredible fighting power - they don't jump like a tarpon, but they'll drag you around the boat with their bulldogging runs. Plus, the smaller "puppy drum" in the 3-8 pound range make fantastic table fare.
Redfish, or red drum as the locals call them, are arguably the most sought-after species on these trips. They're here year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations when massive schools move through our waters. These copper-colored fighters are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn attitude - a 30-inch red will test your drag and your patience. What really gets anglers excited is sight-fishing for reds in skinny water, watching their backs and tails break the surface as they root around for crabs in the grass.
Sheepshead are the master thieves of the inshore world, known for stealing bait with surgical precision around docks, pilings, and oyster bars. These black-and-white striped convicts are most active during their spring spawn, roughly March through May, when they gather in large numbers around structure. Landing a quality sheepshead requires skill and patience - they're notorious for their light bites and ability to strip your hook clean. But when you connect with a 4-5 pound sheepshead, you've got one of the best eating fish in Virginia waters.
Speckled trout, or just "specks" to most Virginia anglers, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These beautiful spotted fish are most active during warmer months, especially in spring and early summer when they move into the grass flats to feed. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their aggressive strikes on artificial lures - watching a big speck blow up on a topwater plug in shallow water is pure adrenaline. They're also excellent table fare and perfect for novice anglers since they're typically cooperative and fun to catch.
Virginia Beach inshore fishing offers something special that you won't find in many other destinations - consistent year-round action with world-class variety. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or a family wanting to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The 4-person limit means you get personalized instruction and more time with fish on the line instead of waiting for your turn. Book your trip with Patriotic Excursions and experience why Virginia Beach has become a customer favorite for inshore fishing. The fish are here, the captain knows where to find them, and your next personal best might be just a cast away.
Get ready to chase Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Trout around Virginia Beach's prime inshore waters! This reliable motorboat handles up to 4 anglers and comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS keeps you on productive spots around the Oceanfront and Lynnhaven Inlet. An ice box keeps your catch fresh, and VHF radio ensures safe communication. Your captain switches between bottom fishing, trolling, spin casting, and drifting depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Whether you're working the shallows for drum or targeting trout in deeper channels, this setup puts you right in the action. The boat's size makes it perfect for accessing those shallow inshore spots where the big fish like to feed while still providing comfort for the whole crew.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Virginia Beach waters, sporting those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-5 pounds around dock pilings, bridge supports, and any barnacle-covered structure from the inlet to offshore. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they're less spooky. Guests love the challenge - these guys are notorious bait thieves with lightning-quick nibbles. The payoff is some of the sweetest white meat you'll find. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fiddler crabs or barnacles, get tight to structure, and when you feel that subtle weight change, hammer them immediately. They'll pick your bait clean otherwise. Fish right on the bottom first, then work up the pilings in one-foot intervals.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but occasionally hitting 50+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths around the Lynnhaven area. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the best action. What makes them special is their crushing power and the drumming sound they make underwater. They're decent eating up to about 15 pounds, but the real thrill is the fight. Here's a local tip: use fresh peeler crab on a Carolina rig and keep it right on the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard because those crusher jaws can spit your bait in a heartbeat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore species - copper-backed beauties with that distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most Virginia Beach reds run 18-27 inches, perfect slot fish. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is magic time when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What hooks people is watching their backs break water as they hunt and that explosive strike on topwater baits. They're also great eating with firm, mild meat. Local secret: look for nervous water over the flats early morning. Throw a gold spoon or walk-the-dog topwater ahead of cruising fish, not right at them. Let them find it naturally and hold on tight when they blow up on it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Virginia Beach classics, running 14-20 inches on average with those beautiful spots dotting their silver sides. These grass flat specialists love shallow waters around the inlet and back bays, especially over sandy bottoms near structure. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures and the way they fight - lots of head shakes and runs. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with delicate white meat. Pro tip from years of guiding here: work the grass edges at dawn or dusk with a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. Keep it subtle - loud splashes will shut them down fast in our clear water.
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