Offshore Walk-On Trip – 4 Hours
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore trip targets Cobia, Redfish, and Sheepshead.Walkon fishing adventure departs 7 AM from Virginia Beach.Expert Captain Preston guides all skill levels effectively.
Want to get offshore without breaking the bank? Captain Preston Hukill's 4-hour walk-on trip from Virginia Beach is exactly what you've been looking for. At just $150 per person, this shared charter gives you access to some of the best nearshore fishing grounds off the Virginia coast. You'll be targeting hard-fighting species like Cobia, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Spadefish – all the fish that make Virginia Beach famous among serious anglers. With only three spots available, you get personalized attention without the full boat price tag.
The day starts early with a 7:00 AM departure, putting you on productive water while conditions are prime. Captain Preston knows these Virginia Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over structure and drop-offs where these species love to hang out. The 4-hour window is perfect for hitting multiple spots without wearing yourself out – you'll cover plenty of ground and get quality time with your rod bent. This is a walk-on trip, meaning you're sharing the boat with other anglers, but with only three total spots, it never feels crowded. The light tackle approach keeps things sporting, and you'll learn techniques that work specifically in these mid-Atlantic waters.
Captain Preston runs light tackle exclusively on these trips, which means more fight per fish and better action throughout the day. You'll be working with spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the species you're after – strong enough to handle a big Cobia but sensitive enough to feel a Sheepshead picking at your bait. The nearshore waters off Virginia Beach are loaded with structure – wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural bottom changes that hold fish year-round. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself drift fishing over a wreck, anchored up on a reef, or working structure with jigs and live bait. The $20 bait fee covers quality fresh bait that these fish can't resist, and Captain Preston will show you how to present it properly for each species.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach fishing, and for good reason. These brown sharks (as locals call them) show up in late spring and stick around through fall, cruising shallow water and hanging around structure. They're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you shots at sight fishing that's hard to find anywhere else on the East Coast. A good Cobia will test your drag and your arms – they're powerful fish that make long runs and don't give up easy. The Virginia Beach area is famous for producing trophy-class Cobia, with fish over 40 pounds caught regularly during peak season.
Redfish might be the most fun fish swimming in these waters. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight dirty, using their broad sides to pull drag and make you work for every inch of line. Virginia's Reds are typically in the 20-30 inch range, perfect eating size with enough fight to keep things interesting. They school up around structure and in shallow water, and when you find them, you can often catch several before they move on. The fall months are prime time for Redfish action, but they're caught year-round in these productive waters.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters you'll encounter, but that's what makes them so satisfying to catch. These black and white striped convicts have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, and they're incredibly structure-oriented. You'll find them tight to pilings, wrecks, and rocky bottom where they can pick off crustaceans. The key is small hooks, light line, and patience – they'll steal your bait ten times before you hook one, but when you do, you'll have a quality fish that's excellent on the table. Virginia Beach Sheepshead run bigger than in many areas, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon.
Spadefish are often overlooked, but they shouldn't be. These disk-shaped fighters school up around structure and provide fast action when you locate them. They're primarily plankton feeders, so you'll typically catch them on small jigs or tiny baits fished in the water column. When the Spadefish are biting, you can catch them as fast as you can drop your line, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're also excellent eating, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or simply grilled.
This walk-on trip fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when all four target species are active. At $150 per person, you're getting access to top-rated offshore fishing with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to find fish. The 4-hour format is perfect for anglers who want quality fishing without committing to a full day, and it's an excellent way to experience Virginia Beach's world-class fishing scene. Remember that additional anglers can be added for $100 each, making it easy to bring a buddy along. With light tackle techniques, expert local knowledge, and proven productive spots, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This Carolina Skiff is built for Virginia Beach's productive offshore waters where Cobia, Bull Reds, and Sheepshead roam. The boat handles the chop well and gets you to the fish quickly, whether you're sight casting to cruising Cobia or working structure for Redfish. Captain Preston knows these nearshore spots like the back of his hand, and the skiff's shallow draft lets him access those honey holes bigger boats can't reach. Perfect for light tackle work and built tough enough for the harder-fighting species that call these waters home. The open layout gives you plenty of room to work a fish, and with three anglers max, you won't be fighting for rail space when the action heats up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these powerful fish are pure muscle and attitude. Most run 20-50 pounds and 3-5 feet long, with some monsters pushing 60+ pounds. They cruise solo around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet of water, often visible just under the surface. Late spring through summer is prime time during their migration through our area. What makes cobia exciting is their size, strength, and willingness to eat big baits - plus they're phenomenal on the table with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. These are sight-fishing opportunities most of the time. When you spot that dark torpedo cruising near structure, cast a bucktail jig or live eel ahead of them. The key is not spooking them - they're curious but smart, so make that first cast count.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore bruiser that'll give you a memorable fight on light tackle. These copper-colored fish with the distinctive black spot near their tail typically range from 18-30 inches in our waters. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges in 1-6 feet of water. Late spring through early fall are peak times, especially on moving tides. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging runs that test your drag. They're also great table fare with firm, mild flesh. These fish aren't picky eaters - they'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or topwater plugs. The secret is watching for their backs or tails breaking the surface in shallow water. When you spot that, make a quiet cast ahead of their path and get ready for a solid hookup.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the bait thieves of the sea, but that's what makes them so challenging and fun to catch. These gray fish with black prison stripes typically run 1-8 pounds and have human-like teeth that crush barnacles and crabs. You'll find them tight to any structure - bridge pilings, docks, wrecks, and jetties in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall are best, especially when water temps are steady. What guests love about sheepshead is the challenge - they're notorious for stealing bait and require quick hook sets. The payoff is worth it though, as they're some of the best eating fish around with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to trick is using small hooks with fresh fiddler crab or shrimp, and getting your bait as close to the structure as possible. Feel that subtle tap-tap? Set the hook hard immediately.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of those species that really put up a fight once hooked. These disk-shaped silver fish with black stripes typically run 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, though we've seen some push 14 pounds. They love hanging around structures like wrecks and reefs in 20-60 feet of water, usually traveling in big schools of hundreds. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're most active near our local structures. What makes them fun to target is their scrappy nature - they'll bend your rod and make multiple runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. The key trick is using small circle hooks with fresh clam strips and getting your bait right into the school. Don't be surprised if you see them swimming near the surface around structure - that's your cue to drop a line fast.
Virginia Beach