Norfolk Shark Fishing: 8-Hour Private Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targets Atlantic Ocean sharksBattle hammerhead, blacktip, and mako sharks offshoreAccommodates six guests with experienced fishing guide
When you're ready to trade the inshore game for some serious offshore action, this 8-hour private shark fishing charter out of Norfolk puts you right where the big boys swim. We're talking about heading into the deep Atlantic waters where hammerheads patrol, blacktips cruise the structure, and if you're lucky, a mako might just decide to take your bait for the ride of a lifetime. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going the distance to find the sharks that'll have you talking about this day for years to come.
Your day kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp from Norfolk, and trust me, that early start is worth every minute of lost sleep. We'll be running 20-30 miles offshore to reach the productive waters where these apex predators hunt. The Atlantic Continental Shelf off Virginia Beach creates perfect conditions – deep water drops, baitfish concentrations, and the kind of structure that draws sharks like a magnet. You've got up to 6 anglers on this private charter, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different baits without getting tangled up. The boat comes equipped with everything you need, from heavy tackle rated for big sharks to the wire leaders that'll stand up to razor-sharp teeth. Captain and crew handle all the prep work, so you can focus on what matters – fighting fish. No meals are included, so pack a cooler with plenty of food and drinks because 8 hours on the water works up an appetite, especially when you're battling sharks that can peel line off your reel like it's nothing.
Shark fishing is all about patience, proper technique, and having the right gear for the job. We'll be running multiple rods with different baits at various depths – some suspended in the water column, others right on the bottom where the big bulls like to cruise. Fresh bluefish, mackerel, and bonito make up the bulk of our bait selection, though we'll also have some chunks of menhaden for the smaller sharks. The tackle setup includes 80-130 pound class rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with heavy braided line. Wire leaders are a must – sharks don't mess around when it comes to cutting through mono or fluorocarbon. We'll be chumming pretty heavily to bring the sharks into our spread, creating that scent trail that can pull them in from miles away. When a shark takes your bait, the crew will coach you through the fight. These aren't quick battles – a good-sized shark can take 30-45 minutes to bring to the boat, and the bigger ones will test every ounce of strength you've got. Circle hooks help ensure clean hooksets and make catch-and-release much more effective for these important predators.
The Norfolk offshore waters consistently produce some serious shark action throughout the fishing season. Shortfin mako sharks are the speed demons of the bunch – these torpedoes can hit 40+ mph and when they grab your bait, you'll know it immediately. Most makos we see range from 100-200 pounds, though the real bruisers can push 300+ pounds and provide fights that'll leave your arms shaking. They're most active during the warmer months from June through September when the water temps climb above 70 degrees. Blacktip sharks are another customer favorite, especially for anglers who want consistent action. These guys are aggressive feeders and typically run 30-80 pounds, making them perfect for anglers of all experience levels. They're acrobatic fighters that love to jump and spin, putting on a show that's almost as exciting as the fight itself. Tiger sharks represent the true heavyweights of our local waters – these apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and have the attitude to match their size. They're opportunistic feeders with teeth designed to crush turtle shells and cut through just about anything. Bull sharks round out our target species list, and these stocky bruisers are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. They prefer the murkier water near structure and can be found year-round in our area, though late spring and summer produce the most consistent action.
This 8-hour private shark charter represents some of the best offshore fishing Virginia has to offer, and the memories you'll make battling these apex predators in their own backyard are worth every penny. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add some serious species to your bucket list or someone who wants to experience the raw power of these ocean legends, this trip delivers the goods. The private charter format means you're fishing with your own crew at your own pace – no strangers, no rushing, just pure fishing time with the people who matter most. Book your date now because prime shark season fills up fast, and the best fishing days of the year don't wait around for anyone. Get ready to test your tackle, your technique, and your endurance against some of the ocean's most respected predators.
Our 42-foot Hatteras is your ticket to serious shark fishing in Norfolk's Atlantic waters. This classic 1974 sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2015 and packs twin 450HP Detroit Diesel engines that'll cruise you out to the shark grounds at 25 knots. The deep-V hull cuts through swells like butter, keeping you stable when you're locked into battle with hammerheads, blacktips, and lightning-fast makos. Up on the flybridge, you've got commanding views to spot surface action and incoming weather. Down below, there's a full galley for keeping bait fresh and preparing lunch between fights, plus a head for those long 8-hour days on the water. The fish finder will help locate baitfish schools where sharks love to hunt, while GPS and radar keep you positioned over productive bottom structure. With room for 6 anglers, everyone gets prime fishing real estate along the gunwales. Heavy tackle and fighting chairs mean you're ready when that drag starts screaming and a big shark makes its first blazing run toward the depths.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing - known for their high-flying jumps and excitable nature. These streamlined sharks run 4-6 feet on average, with those distinctive black-tipped fins that give them their name. We target them in 30-100 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. They're social feeders, so where you find one, you'll often find more. Spring through fall offers consistent action, especially when baitfish are thick. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and put on a show with their aerial displays. They can be a bit timid at first but turn into feeding machines once competition kicks in. Pro tip: chum with ground mackerel and herring, then use live sardines on circle hooks. The oil trail drives them crazy.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers of the shark world - thick, aggressive, and ready to rumble. These gray torpedoes run 8-10 feet typically, weighing 200-400 pounds of pure muscle. What's unique is they move between salt and brackish water, so we catch them in the lower Chesapeake Bay during summer months, June through September. They're ambush predators that hang near structure and drop-offs in 20-80 feet. Guests love the surprise factor - you never know when that heavy rod tip will slam down. They fight dirty, using their bulk to bulldoze toward cover. Fresh eel works magic for bait due to its high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook. Cut it in chunks and let the scent trail work. Heavy tackle is a must - these fish don't give up easy.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are pure adrenaline on a line. These sleek predators average 8-13 feet and pack serious muscle, hitting speeds over 30 mph. Out here in the Atlantic, we find them cruising near the surface in deep water, usually 20+ miles offshore. Summer through early fall brings the best action when water temps climb above 60°F. What makes them special? They fight like nothing else - jumping 20 feet out of the water and making blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're smart and will use every trick to break free, including circling the boat. My tip: use fresh bluefish on a wire leader and keep that drag tight but not locked down. When they jump, bow to them or you'll lose your fish.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the ultimate apex predator - big, powerful, and built for battle. These striped giants commonly reach 11-14 feet and can push 1,000+ pounds. We find them in deeper water, typically 100-500 feet, though they'll cruise shallower at night hunting. Late spring through early fall gives us our best shots when they follow the warm currents north. What sets them apart is their incredible strength and endurance - they'll give you a workout that lasts hours, not minutes. Their broad heads and massive jaws make them instantly recognizable. The fight is methodical but relentless. For bait, nothing beats fresh tuna or mackerel chunks on heavy tackle - we're talking 100+ pound test. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to, or they'll snap you off.
Norfolk