Norfolk Offshore Fishing Charter | 12HR Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour private offshore charter targets premium Atlantic gamefishDeparture at 5:00 AM accommodates up to 6 guestsDeep water fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo
Ready to push beyond the continental shelf and chase some serious game fish? This 12-hour Norfolk offshore charter puts you right in the middle of world-class Atlantic fishing action. We're talking deep blue water, structure fishing, and the kind of trophy shots that'll have your buddies questioning their weekend plans. With a 5:00 AM departure, you'll maximize prime fishing hours when the big fish are feeding most aggressively. This private charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to fight fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
The Norfolk Canyon system is your playground on this top-rated offshore adventure. We'll be working water depths ranging from 100 feet out to the deep blue beyond 1,000 feet, depending on where the fish are showing up on the charts and what the bait situation looks like. Early morning starts are crucial for offshore success - you'll watch the sunrise paint the Atlantic while we're already setting lines and watching the fish finder. The 12-hour window gives us flexibility to move between productive spots, whether that's trolling the thermocline, working structure, or drifting baits in the current. Weather permitting, we'll push out to the renowned Norfolk Canyon edges where the real monsters hang out. Pack your sea legs and bring plenty of sunscreen - once we find the bite, you'll be working hard to keep up with the action.
This isn't your typical inshore setup - we're rigging heavy for the big leagues. You'll be working with 50-80 pound class tackle depending on target species, and we'll have everything from live baits to high-speed trolling lures in the spread. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and locating active fish, but don't be surprised if we switch to chunking, live bait fishing, or even some bottom work over structure. The boat comes equipped with top-shelf electronics including color fish finders, GPS plotters, and radar to locate bait schools and mark productive bottom. We'll be running a full spread of outriggers, downriggers when needed, and always have a few rods ready for when something big shows up on the sounder. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and we'll walk you through proper fighting techniques to maximize your chances of landing that fish of a lifetime.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the Norfolk offshore scene, and these scrappy fighters will test your endurance on medium tackle. Running anywhere from 10-30 pounds, blackfins are most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often mixing with dolphin and other pelagics. What makes blackfins special is their never-quit attitude - they'll make multiple runs and keep your drag screaming right to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that deep red meat perfect for sashimi or blackened steaks.
Blue Marlin represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing achievement, and Norfolk's deep waters hold some genuine giants. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and are most commonly encountered from June through September when water temperatures climb into the upper 70s. Blues are structure-oriented fish, often found around the continental shelf break and deeper canyon edges. The fight is legendary - explosive jumps, blistering runs, and the kind of drag-peeling power that separates marlin from everything else in the ocean. Even a smaller blue in the 200-pound range will give you a 30-minute battle you'll never forget.
Wahoo Fish are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting trolled lures at nearly 50 miles per hour. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20-60 pounds in Norfolk waters and are prime targets during the cooler months when they move closer to shore following bait schools. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and a tendency to cut through leaders, so we rig accordingly with wire and heavy shock leaders. The initial strike is absolutely violent - often resulting in cut-off lures before you even know you had a fish on. When you do connect, wahoo make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll leave you breathless.
White Marlin are Norfolk's customer favorite billfish, more abundant than their blue cousins and equally spectacular fighters. These smaller billfish typically range from 40-80 pounds and are most active during summer months when they follow warm water masses up the coast. Whites are notorious for their aerial displays, often spending more time out of the water than in it during the fight. They're also more willing to take smaller baits and lighter tackle, making them accessible to anglers who might struggle with larger game. The white marlin bite often happens fast and furious, with multiple fish in the spread creating controlled chaos that tests everyone's skills.
Swordfish fishing represents the ultimate test of patience and skill, with these deep-water gladiators requiring specialized techniques and serious commitment. Norfolk's deep canyons hold good numbers of swords, but they're primarily nighttime feeders or deep daytime dwellers. On longer trips, we'll target them with deep-dropped baits or during twilight hours when they rise in the water column. Swordfish average 50-200 pounds locally, and their broad bill and powerful shoulders make for epic battles in deep water. Landing a sword is a badge of honor among offshore anglers - the kind of achievement that defines a fishing career.
Norfolk's offshore fishing delivers year-round, but this 12-hour format really shines during peak season when multiple species are active simultaneously. The longer trip duration means we can adapt to conditions and fish movement patterns without watching the clock. Private charters book up quickly, especially during prime months when the bite is hot and weather windows are favorable. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just ready to test yourself against world-class game fish, this charter puts you in position for the kin
Step aboard our restored 42-foot Hatteras sportfisher, your ticket to Norfolk's premier offshore fishing grounds. This classic 1974 beauty runs on twin 450HP Detroit Diesel engines, cruising smoothly at 25 knots to get you to the fish fast. The spacious flybridge gives you commanding views of the Atlantic while our captain navigates using GPS, radar, and fish finder technology to locate the hottest spots for marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi. Below deck, you'll find a full galley for storing your catch and prepping meals, plus a private head for comfort during those long 12-hour runs. Built for serious anglers, this boat handles offshore swells with ease while providing plenty of fighting room for up to 6 guests. From trolling the deep blue for billfish to working structure for wahoo, she's equipped to chase whatever's biting in Virginia's productive waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy underdogs of the tuna family - smaller than their cousins but packed with attitude. These 20-40 pound fish have beautiful golden stripes that fade quickly after landing, so get your photos fast. They're found in warm Atlantic waters, usually near the continental shelf where they school up with skipjack tuna. Summer through fall is prime time here off Norfolk. What makes them special is their fierce fight - they punch way above their weight class. Plus, the meat is outstanding - sweet and firm, perfect for sashimi or searing. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders. These fish have sharp eyes and will turn away from heavy gear. Vertical jigging with small jigs often outproduces trolling when you find a school.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the kings of offshore fishing - massive, powerful, and built for battle. We're talking fish that can hit 400+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. They cruise deep blue waters along temperature breaks and current edges, usually 30+ miles offshore. Summer months bring the best action here in Virginia waters. What gets anglers hooked is the raw power and those legendary jumps - watching a 200-pound fish launch itself skyward never gets old. The meat's decent but most folks release these beauties. Here's the key: when one shows up behind your spread, don't get excited and start reeling. Let the fish eat, count to ten, then slowly come tight. Rushed hooksets lose more marlin than anything else. Heavy tackle is a must - these fish will test every piece of gear you own.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - massive, powerful fish that can stretch over 10 feet and weigh several hundred pounds. They live in the deep blue, typically 800-1500 feet down during the day, rising to shallower depths at night to feed. We target them year-round, but summer and early fall produce the most consistent action. What draws anglers is the sheer size and strength - these fish make long, powerful runs and fight like underwater bulldozers. The meat is fantastic too - firm steaks that are restaurant-quality. Night fishing is typically more productive since they come up to feed after dark. Here's the secret: use plenty of light to attract squid and baitfish, then drop your squid baits deep. Keep your drag light initially - a big swordfish will break you off if you try to stop that first run.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that hit lures at 60 mph and keep that pace during the fight. Most run 20-50 pounds with that distinctive blue-striped pattern. They patrol open ocean waters, often around floating debris or temperature breaks in 100+ feet of water. Fall and winter months are prime time off Norfolk when they move through following baitfish. Anglers love them for two reasons: that blazing initial run that'll peel line like crazy, and some of the best eating in the ocean - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's my go-to trick: run wire leaders and troll fast - 12-15 knots minimum. Most boats fish too slow for wahoo. When you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their mouths are soft and hooks pull out easily.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world - smaller than blues but twice as energetic when hooked. They typically run 40-80 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumping ability. These fish prefer the deep blue water along canyon edges and drop-offs, following warm currents and temperature breaks. Late summer into fall is our best shot at them here off Virginia. What makes white marlin special is their aggressive nature - they'll often tease baits for minutes before striking, and once hooked, they put on an aerial show that'll leave you breathless. The fight is pure electricity. Key tip: when trolling for whites, watch your baits constantly. These fish will come up and "light up" behind the spread, changing colors as they get excited. Don't pull the bait away - let them eat it. Patience wins more white marlin than anything else.
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