Offshore Walk-On Trip – 8 Hours
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting Cobia with Captain Preston HukillShared walkon trip departing 7 AM with light tackle providedThree seats available with expert guidance and top fishing spots
Looking to get offshore without breaking the bank? Captain Preston Hukill's 8-hour walk-on trip is exactly what you need. Departing Virginia Beach at 7:00 AM sharp, this shared charter gives solo anglers and small groups a shot at some serious fish without the private charter price tag. With just three seats available, you'll get personalized attention while targeting hard-fighting species like Cobia in the deeper waters off the Virginia coast. At $100 per additional angler and a modest $20 bait fee, it's one of the best values you'll find for quality offshore fishing.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With only three anglers max, Captain Preston can focus on putting everyone on fish and teaching proper techniques along the way. You'll be fishing the productive offshore structure and wrecks that Virginia Beach is famous for, where the big boys like to hang out. The 8-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to work different spots and adapt to what's biting that day. Preston knows these waters like the back of his hand and isn't shy about sharing his knowledge – from reading the fish finder to perfecting your jigging technique. Don't forget to bring your cooler because you'll likely need it for the trip home.
Captain Preston runs light tackle setups that maximize the fight while still having enough backbone to handle the bigger fish. You'll be working everything from live bait to jigs, depending on what the fish are responding to that day. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. Most of the fishing happens around structure – wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural bottom contours where baitfish congregate. Expect to do some bottom fishing for the Sheepshead and Spadefish, but stay ready to switch tactics when Cobia or Redfish show up. Preston will walk you through proper fish handling techniques and make sure you're getting the most out of every hookup.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Virginia Beach offshore fishing, and for good reason. These brown sharks (as locals sometimes call them) can stretch over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll test your tackle and your endurance. They're curious fish that often cruise near the surface around structure, making them exciting to spot and target. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in June and July. What makes Cobia special is their willingness to eat just about anything – crabs, eels, jigs, you name it. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Spadefish might look unassuming, but don't let their pancake profile fool you. These silver discs are strong fighters that school up around wrecks and structures in impressive numbers. They're picky eaters that require finesse – small hooks, light leaders, and the right bait presentation. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're most active during the warmer months and make excellent eating, with sweet, flaky meat that's similar to flounder. Spadefish fishing teaches you patience and precision, skills that'll make you a better angler overall.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the offshore world with their distinctive black and white stripes. They're notorious bait thieves with crushing jaws designed for eating barnacles and crabs off structure. These fish require quick reflexes and sensitive tackle – they'll pick your bait clean before you know you had a bite. The bigger ones, often called "old drums," can reach impressive sizes and provide surprisingly strong fights. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months. Sheepshead are outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat that's perfect for fish tacos or blackened preparations.
Redfish, or Red Drum as they're officially known, are the workhorses of Virginia's inshore and near-shore waters. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, with broad tails that can drag you around the boat. They're opportunistic feeders that will smash cut bait, live bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. The slot-sized fish (18-26 inches in Virginia) make excellent eating, while the oversized bulls are trophy fish meant for photos and release. Redfish are most active during the warmer months but can be caught year-round when you know where to look. Their distinctive spot pattern and bronze coloring make them one of the most recognizable catches in Virginia waters.
Walk-on spots fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. Captain Preston's reputation for putting anglers on fish means repeat customers book well in advance. The shared charter format makes this trip accessible to anyone wanting a taste of serious offshore action without the full charter investment. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try new waters or a newcomer ready to step up your game, this 8-hour adventure delivers the goods. Remember to factor in the $20 bait fee and grab your spot before someone else does. The fish are waiting, and Captain Preston knows exactly where to find them.
This Carolina Skiff is built for serious offshore action in Virginia Beach waters. Captain Preston runs this versatile motorboat on 8-hour fishing adventures, targeting everything from sight-casting Cobia to battling Bull Reds in deeper water. The boat handles Virginia's offshore conditions with ease, getting you to the productive spots where the big fish cruise. Perfect for anglers who want to experience guided sportfishing without the full private charter cost. Light tackle fishing keeps the fight exciting when you hook into powerful species. With room for three anglers total, you'll have plenty of space to work the water and land your catch. The captain knows these Virginia Beach fishing grounds inside and out, putting you on fish from dawn to afternoon. Whether you're casting for Cobia or working the bottom for other offshore species, this boat delivers the platform you need for a solid day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown submarines of the offshore world - big, solitary fish that cruise near the surface and can easily hit 50+ pounds. You'll spot them around wrecks, reefs, and oil platforms in 30-300 feet of water, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. Peak season runs May through September when they migrate through Virginia waters. What draws anglers is their incredible fight and premium table quality - firm white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. These fish are curious and will often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. My go-to technique is a bucktail jig in the 4-8 oz range worked near structure. When you see one, cast ahead of its path and work the jig with steady lifts. Don't horse them - let that drag work and enjoy the ride.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. These drum family members typically run 20-35 inches and love shallow structure where they can ambush prey. While we're targeting them offshore on this trip, they're most famous for their explosive topwater strikes in skinny water. Spring through fall offers the best action as they move through our Virginia waters following baitfish. What makes them special is their fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's the tip: when sight fishing for them, lead your cast and let your lure sink before starting your retrieve. They often follow before striking, so don't get excited and speed up your presentation when you see one tracking your bait.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Virginia Beach - gray bodies with black bars and human-like teeth that crush barnacles off pier pilings. These 1-8 pounders hang tight to any structure they can find, especially during their spring spawn from February through April. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves that nibble before committing. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and oil platforms in our offshore waters. They're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, though those scales are tough to clean. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keeping your bait tight to structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Their powerful jaws will crush your hook if you hesitate.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are silver disks with black stripes that travel in massive schools around wrecks and reefs. These 3-10 pounders might look like angelfish, but they put up a solid fight on light tackle. We find them best in summer months around structure in 30-80 feet of water. They love clams on small circle hooks - the key is getting your bait right through the school since they're not shy about feeding. What makes them special is the sheer numbers you'll see and their willingness to bite. Plus, they're decent table fare with white, flaky meat. When you spot a school, cast past them and drag your clam rig right through the middle. They'll often play dead when hooked, so keep steady pressure and don't let them fool you into thinking they're gone.
Virginia Beach