Norfolk Offshore Fishing Charter | 12HR Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour private charter targets marlin, sailfish, and tuna offshoreAtlantic deep water fishing adventure departs 5:00 AM from NorfolkAccommodates up to 6 guests with experienced Prowler Fishing Charter crew
When you're serious about fishing and want to chase the big ones in the Atlantic's deep blue waters, this 12-hour offshore charter from Norfolk is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a proper day on the water - none of that half-day stuff where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Starting at 5:00 AM sharp, you'll have the entire day to work the offshore waters where the real trophy fish live. This private charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing your crew or looking to make new fishing buddies, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably without feeling crowded.
Norfolk's location puts you in prime position to reach some of the Atlantic's most productive offshore fishing grounds. We're not just talking about running out a few miles and dropping lines - this is a legitimate blue water adventure that takes you to the edge of the continental shelf where the water drops off into serious depth. The boat will cover significant ground throughout the day, hitting different structures, wrecks, and temperature breaks where pelagic species congregate. You'll experience everything from high-speed trolling to live bait fishing, depending on what the conditions and fish activity dictate. The Virginia coast offers unique advantages with the Gulf Stream's influence creating upwellings and current edges that attract baitfish, and where baitfish go, the big predators follow. Captain and crew know these waters intimately - they understand how weather patterns, water temperature, and seasonal migrations affect fish behavior in this specific area.
The boat comes rigged with professional-grade tackle and outriggers designed for serious offshore trolling. You'll be running a spread of lures and baits at various depths and distances behind the boat, covering water efficiently while targeting multiple species simultaneously. When trolling for billfish and tuna, the crew will set up a pattern using a combination of artificial lures, ballyhoo, and other natural baits. The key is maintaining the right boat speed - usually between 6-8 knots - to keep the baits swimming naturally. When fish are located, techniques switch based on the species and their behavior. Live bait fishing around structure might call for circle hooks and precise presentations, while sight fishing for billfish requires quick reactions and proper fighting techniques. The crew handles all the technical aspects like rigging, bait preparation, and reading the electronics, but they'll teach you the finer points of fighting big fish, proper rod angles, and when to pump and wind. GPS and fish finder technology help locate productive bottom structure, but reading water conditions, bird activity, and bait schools is still crucial for consistent success.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of Norfolk's offshore scene, and they're absolutely perfect for both novice and experienced anglers. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds and are known for their incredible speed and stamina. They school up in good numbers from late spring through fall, often found around temperature breaks and current edges. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to bite - they're aggressive feeders that will hit trolled baits, live bait, and even jigs. The meat is outstanding, with a rich, red flesh that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. When you hook into a school of blackfins, the action can be absolutely electric with multiple hookups.
Blue Marlin represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing achievement, and Norfolk's waters see some impressive fish each season. These magnificent billfish can exceed 500 pounds, though most caught in these waters range from 200-400 pounds. Peak season runs from June through September when water temperatures reach optimal levels. Blues are ambush predators that often follow trolled baits before making spectacular strikes. The fight is legendary - these fish will sound deep, make blistering runs, and launch themselves clear out of the water in displays of raw power. Even if you practice catch and release, the experience of battling a blue marlin is something that stays with you forever.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that can reach 60 mph in short bursts, making them one of the most exciting fish to hook in these waters. They typically range 20-50 pounds with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. Wahoo are often caught while trolling for other species, hitting baits with incredible violence before making screaming runs that test your drag system. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean - many anglers consider wahoo the ultimate table fare.
White Marlin are smaller cousins to blues but equally spectacular fighters, typically ranging 50-80 pounds. They're actually more common in Norfolk's waters and known for their acrobatic displays when hooked. Whites often travel in small groups and are curious fish that will investigate boat wakes and trolled baits. They feed heavily on small tuna, dolphins (mahi), and squid. The peak season mirrors that of blue marlin, with July and August being prime months. Their smaller size makes them perfect for anglers who want the billfish experience without the extreme physical demands of fighting a giant blue.
Swordfish represent the ultimate challenge in offshore fishing - these nocturnal hunters are typically targeted during evening and night trips. Norfolk's deep waters hold good numbers of swordfish, particularly around underwater canyons and drop-offs. These fish can exceed 200 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and unique fighting style. Unlike other billfish, swords often sound deep when hooked, engaging in prolonged battles that test both angler and equipment. Their distinctive sword-like bill and large dorsal fin make them unmistakable, and the meat is prized worldwide for its firm texture and mild flavor.
A 12-hour offshore charter from Norfolk gives you the time and opportunity to target some of the Atlantic's most prized game
Step aboard our classic 42-foot Hatteras and get ready for serious offshore action! This 1974 beauty was completely restored in 2015 and packs twin 450HP Detroit Diesel engines that'll cruise you out to the deep water at 25 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers looking to battle marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi mahi, and wahoo in the Atlantic's best fishing grounds. You'll have everything you need for a full day on the water - GPS and radar to navigate safely, top-notch fish finders to locate the action, plus a galley and head onboard for comfort during those long 12-hour trips. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting feeding birds and surface activity. Whether you're targeting structure around offshore wrecks or trolling the blue water for pelagics, this boat handles beautifully in Norfolk's Atlantic waters. Built for fishing and designed to get you on the fish!
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tunas, blackfins typically run 20-30 pounds and up to 39 inches. They're scrappy fighters with that classic tuna speed and endurance. We find them in warm waters over 68°F, often schooled up with skipjacks around wrecks and continental shelf areas. Summer through fall is prime time here off Norfolk when the water temps are right. These fish have incredible eyesight, so I always scale down to lighter leaders - 30lb fluorocarbon and 5/0 circle hooks work best. They're fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh that's perfect for sushi or grilling. The key trick is using live pilchards as chum to draw them in close, then vertical jigging or chunking once you get them fired up. Their beautiful golden stripe fades fast once they're boated, so get your photos quick.
Makaira NigricansThe ultimate trophy fish - females can reach over 1,000 pounds while males stay around 300-350 pounds. Blue marlin are powerful, acrobatic fighters that'll test every bit of your gear and stamina. We target them in deep blue water, usually 100+ fathoms, around temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season runs May through September when they're most active in our waters. What makes them special is that raw power combined with those aerial displays - watching a grander leap is something you never forget. We troll heavy tackle with industrial-grade reels and wire leaders since these fish can destroy lighter gear in seconds. The meat has high mercury, so most get released. My go-to tip: when one comes up behind the spread, don't change anything - let the fish make the decision to eat.
Xiphias GladiusThese deep-water giants average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with some pushing over 1,000 pounds. Swordfish are primarily nighttime feeders that come shallow to hunt around 300 feet deep, then drop deeper during the day. We target them year-round, but peak action is April through September. They live in deep water - 1,500 feet or more - so we're fishing way offshore. What draws people to swordfish is the mystery and challenge of deep-dropping for such a legendary fish, plus the excellent eating quality. The meat is firm, meaty, and perfect for steaks. We deep-drop with heavy sinkers, bright LED lights, and squid baits on 10/0 hooks. The key is staying patient - it can take hours before getting a bite. My tip: use multiple lights at different depths since these fish have excellent eyesight adapted for the deep.
Acanthocybium SolandriBuilt for speed, wahoo can hit 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 20-50 pounds and 3-5 feet, though they can reach 8 feet. They cruise open water but love hanging around floating debris and structure. We catch them year-round here, but fall and winter are best when they move closer to shore. Anglers love wahoo for two reasons - they fight hard with blistering runs, and the meat is absolutely delicious. White, flaky flesh that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. The key is using bright bullet-head lures or skirted ballyhoo. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the drag smooth - their initial run can snap you off if your drag sticks.
Kajikia AlbidaThese smaller billfish average 50-80 pounds and up to 9 feet, making them perfect for lighter tackle. White marlin are acrobatic jumpers that put on an amazing show when hooked. They roam deep blue water looking for flying fish, small tunas, and squid, often around underwater canyons and temperature breaks. Summer is prime time when they follow the warm water north. What makes them special is their intelligence - they're cunning hunters that know they're being hunted. Most anglers target them trolling ballyhoo on circle hooks behind dredges. The fight is pure excitement with those classic billfish jumps. Here's the key: when one shows up behind your bait, don't reel or change anything. Let it eat, count to ten, then come tight. They're notorious for being here one second, gone the next if you rush the bite.
Norfolk