5.0(3 Reviews)Norfolk Fishing Charters | 6HR Private Trip
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour private offshore fishing charter accommodates up to six guestsTarget Cobia, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel in Norfolk watersExpert guides provide topquality equipment and personalized fishing experience
When you book a 6-hour private charter with Prowler Fishing Charter out of Norfolk, you're getting access to some of the best fishing waters on the East Coast. Captain Louis and his crew know these Virginia waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the family out for their first real fishing adventure. Norfolk sits right where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, giving us incredible diversity in what we can target depending on conditions and what you're looking to catch.
Your private 6-hour trip starts early - we're talking about getting out there when the fish are most active. With just your group of up to 6 people aboard, you get the captain's full attention and can fish at your own pace. No strangers elbowing for rail space or dealing with someone else's tangled lines. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, and Captain Lou will adjust the game plan based on what's biting that day. Some trips we'll start inshore working structure for stripers and redfish, then head offshore if the bite's hot for Spanish mackerel or cobia. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility - if the bottom fishing is slow, we can switch to trolling or try a different spot without worrying about what other customers want to do.
Depending on what species we're targeting, you'll be using different approaches throughout the day. For striped bass, we might be chunking with cut bait around bridge pilings or trolling umbrella rigs in deeper water. When the Spanish mackerel are running, it's all about small spoons and fast retrieves that trigger those aggressive strikes. Cobia fishing often means sight casting to fish we spot on the surface, or working them around buoys and structure with bucktails or live eels. For bottom species like black sea bass, we'll drop down heavy jigs or bait rigs to the wrecks and structure. The crew handles all the rigging and will coach you through each technique, so don't stress if you've never targeted these species before. We carry backup tackle for those inevitable tangles and break-offs that come with serious fishing.
"Captain Louis and first mate Nate gave us the fishing experience of a lifetime. They got us on the Spanish Mackerel and it was all hands on deck. It was a Mack attack. Best fishing trip ever!!!" - David
"Went out on a last minute trip with Prowler Fishing Charter for a bottom fishing trip. Immediately got on decent Black Sea bass while fishing wrecks. Later we headed even further offshore to target tilefish. We caught a limit of nice tilefish including one citation at 12.3 pounds. Great trip!" - James
"These guys are awesome!!!! Captain Lou and Chris our mate made sure we had fish to take clear back to Colorado!! Next trip out here we will definitely be back!! Thank you for an awesome time and memory....even though it was a realllllyyyy long day!" - Aleca Michael
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Norfolk fishing, and for good reason. These bruisers can range from schoolie size up to real cows pushing 40+ pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're migrating through our waters, but we get decent striper action most of the year. What makes them so popular is the fight - they'll make drag-screaming runs and aren't giving up easy. Plus, they're fantastic eating when prepared right. We find them around structure, in channels, and schooled up in open water depending on bait movements and time of year.
Redfish have become a real customer favorite over the past few years. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches in our waters and will absolutely bend your rod double. They're most active in warmer months from late spring through early fall, and we target them around grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure. What guests love about reds is their tenacity - they fight dirty, using their broad sides to pull hard and stay deep. They're also beautiful fish with those distinctive black spots, making for great photos before release.
When cobia show up, usually from May through September, it's game time. These brown sharks (that's what some old-timers call them) can reach 30-50 pounds and will test your tackle to the limit. We often spot them cruising on the surface near buoys, rays, or other structure. The sight fishing aspect gets everyone excited - there's nothing like watching a 40-pound cobia swim up to your bait. They're curious fish but can be picky, so presentation matters. When you hook one, get ready for a battle that combines power with surprising agility.
Spanish mackerel bring the action when they're schooled up, typically from summer into early fall. These silver bullets hit hard and fast, often resulting in multiple hookups when you find a good school. They're not huge - most run 1-3 pounds - but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and attitude. Kids especially love mackerel fishing because the action can be non-stop. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. We find them around structure, temperature breaks, and wherever baitfish are concentrated.
Black sea bass are the go-to bottom species, especially when offshore conditions allow us to hit the wrecks and artificial reefs. These chunky fighters are most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round when we find the right structure. They're not the biggest fish in the ocean, but pound-for-pound they fight well and they're absolutely delicious. Sea bass are also great for less experienced anglers because they're aggressive biters and relatively easy to handle once you get them to the boat. The wrecks that hold good sea bass populations are
Step aboard our beautifully restored 42-foot Hatteras for your Norfolk fishing adventure! This classic 1974 sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2015 and runs like a dream with twin 450HP Detroit Diesel engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast at 25 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, with a full galley for snacks, private head, and an elevated flybridge that gives you the perfect vantage point to spot fish and enjoy the coastal views. Our fish finder and GPS will help locate where the Cobia, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel are biting, while radar keeps you safe in changing conditions. Whether you're casting lines with the family or targeting trophy fish with your crew, this boat delivers the perfect blend of classic sportfishing style and modern reliability for your day on Virginia's productive offshore waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for families and newer anglers looking for steady action. These chunky fish typically run 1-3 pounds around here, with dark bodies and white-centered scales. They hang tight to bottom structure - wrecks, rock piles, jetties - in 30-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is best when they move closer to shore. What makes them popular is they're easy to catch and absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They fight well for their size but won't break your tackle. Local secret: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips, but add a small piece of clam or sea worm to one hook. They can't resist that combo, and it often outfishes just squid alone.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most exciting fish we target around Norfolk. These brown torpedoes average 30-50 pounds and look like sharks with that single dorsal fin until you get close. We find them around buoys, channel markers, and wrecks from late spring through summer when they move north to spawn. They're usually loners, not schooling fish, which makes each one special. What makes them a favorite is that aggressive strike and bulldogging fight, plus they're amazing table fare - firm white meat that tastes like a cross between mahi and grouper. Here's what works: when you spot one cruising near the surface, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose. Color doesn't matter much, but that presentation needs to be perfect.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are a blast to target in our shallow backwaters and marsh areas. Most run 20-30 inches with that distinctive copper-bronze color and black eyespot near the tail. They love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around old pilings in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water warms up in late spring. What guests love is sight fishing for them - watching that red back cruise by before making your cast. They fight hard with powerful runs and taste great on the table with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your shrimp or soft plastic ahead of where they're going, not right at them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving silver bullets that show up around Norfolk from late spring through early fall. Most run 1-2 feet long, weighing 2-4 pounds with those distinctive yellow spots along their sides. They school up near the surface around structure, inlet mouths, and wherever baitfish are concentrated. Summer is prime time when they're thick in our waters. Guests love the nonstop action - these fish hit hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat perfect for the grill. Key tip: use light tackle with small spoons or jigs, and keep moving until you find the school. Once you locate them, work fast because they'll move on quickly chasing bait.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are one of our most reliable fish here in Norfolk waters. These silver beauties with their distinct dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 50+. They love structure - bridges, pilings, drop-offs - and feed best during moving water on the tides. Spring through fall gives us the best action as they migrate up and down the coast. What makes them special is that powerful fight they put up, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working baitfish near the surface, get a live eel or chunk of bunker down there quick. Those stripers are usually feeding just underneath all that commotion.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Louis and first mate Nate gave us the fishing experience of a lifetime. They got us on the Spanish Mackerel and it was all...
Went out on a last minute trip with Prowler Fishing Charter for a bottom fishing trip. Immediately got on decent Black Sea bass wh...
These guys are awesome!!!! Captain Lou and Chris our mate made sure we had fish to take clear back to Colorado!! Next trip out he...
Norfolk