6-Hour Bay Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore bay charter targeting Cobia and RedfishAccommodates up to six guests with quality gear providedMorning departure ideal for families and beginner anglers
Picture this: you're out on the calm waters of Virginia Beach's productive bay systems at first light, coffee still warm in your hands, watching the sunrise paint the water gold while your lines are already working prime fishing spots. That's exactly what you get with Puttin'n Sportsfishing's top-rated 6-hour bay charter. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking serious inshore action targeting some of the Chesapeake Bay's most sought-after species, including trophy Redfish and powerful Cobia. Departing sharp at 8:00 AM from 3323 Shore Dr, you'll spend quality time on proven grounds where local captains have been putting fish in the boat for decades.
Six hours gives us the perfect window to hit multiple productive spots without wearing you out. We'll start the morning targeting structure and grass beds where Redfish love to ambush baitfish, then move to deeper channels and bridge pilings where Cobia cruise looking for an easy meal. The beauty of bay fishing in Virginia Beach is the variety – one cast you're working shallow flats, the next you're dropping baits near underwater structure in 20 feet of water. Our captain knows these waters like his backyard, reading tides and current breaks to put you on fish when they're most active. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets quality rod time. We provide all the tackle you'll need, from circle hooks for live bait fishing to jigs for working structure, plus a cooler full of ice to keep your catch fresh.
We fish smart on these bay trips, matching our approach to what the fish want on any given day. You'll be using medium to heavy spinning and conventional tackle – think 20-30 pound class gear that can handle a bull Redfish but won't tire you out fighting smaller fish. Live bait is king out here, and we'll have fresh spot, croaker, and blue crabs depending on what's running. When the fish are aggressive, we'll switch to soft plastics and paddle tails that let you cover more water and trigger reaction strikes. The technique varies with the target – for Redfish, we'll often anchor up on productive flats and let baits work in the current, while Cobia fishing means staying mobile and looking for fish cruising near structure. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing – our crew will get you rigged up properly and show you the techniques that work best in these waters.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Virginia Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs fight like they're twice their size, making blistering runs toward structure and testing your drag system. We're targeting slot-size fish in the 18-27 inch range that are perfect for the dinner table, though don't be surprised if a 30+ inch bull shows up to bend your rod in half. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, when schools of Reds work the grass beds and oyster bars feeding on crabs and small baitfish. What makes them so exciting to catch is their unpredictability – one minute they're finicky and requiring a perfectly presented crab bait, the next they're aggressively hitting anything that moves.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn a good day into a great day. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks, but they look like it) are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you a shot at sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. They typically show up in Virginia Beach waters from May through September, with peak action in summer months when water temperatures hit their sweet spot. A typical bay Cobia runs 20-40 pounds, and they fight dirty – expect powerful runs, head shakes, and attempts to wrap your line around anything they can find. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. The key to Cobia fishing is staying alert – these fish often appear when you least expect them, cruising just under the surface near bridge pilings or channel markers.
This 6-hour bay charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing time without committing to a full day on the water. You'll be back at the dock by early afternoon with a cooler full of fish and stories to tell, plus plenty of time to clean your catch and maybe grab a cold beer at one of Virginia Beach's waterfront restaurants. The morning departure time puts us on the water during prime feeding periods, and the 6-person capacity means you get personalized attention from the crew. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a quick fix or a family wanting to introduce kids to the excitement of inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Book early, especially during peak season – word gets around fast about productive fishing trips, and these morning slots fill up quick with both locals and visitors who know quality fishing when they see it.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bay's heavyweight fighters, averaging 30-50 pounds with some monsters pushing 80+. These brown, shark-looking fish are loners that cruise around structure like channel markers, buoys, and wrecks in 15-50 feet of water. Prime season runs May through September when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - you'll actually see them swimming just under the surface, then watch them crush your bait. They fight hard with powerful runs and are outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live eel well ahead of them and work it slowly back - they're curious but spook easily if you drop bait right on their head.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets here in Virginia Beach's shallow bay waters. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-30 inches, though we see some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love cruising the flats in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and structure. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially on warmer days when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make long runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip: watch for their bronze backs and tails "tailing" in skinny water, then cast ahead of where they're moving with a gold spoon or soft plastic.
Virginia Beach