Chincoteague Sunset Fishing & Pony Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Two-hour sunset charter combining fishing and pony watchingAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included onboardFamily-friendly trip accommodating up to four guests maximum
There's something magical about fishing Chincoteague waters as the sun starts to dip and the evening light turns everything golden. This 2-hour charter with Reed And Reel Fishing Company gives you the best of both worlds – you can stay focused on your lines or take a break to cruise over and check out the famous wild ponies along the shoreline. It's a top-rated evening trip that works perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to end their day with a rod in hand and some serious peace on the water. The captain keeps things flexible, so whether you're dead set on filling the cooler or just want to relax and see what bites, you're covered.
Your captain knows these backwater channels and flats like the back of their hand, and they'll adjust the game plan based on what's biting and what you're in the mood for. Some evenings you might start with light tackle casting near the grass beds, working topwater plugs or soft plastics for redfish that are cruising the shallows. Other times, the captain might suggest a drift with bottom rigs to target flounder and black drum holding in the deeper cuts. The boat stays comfortable with just four anglers max, so there's plenty of room to cast without getting tangled up with your buddies. All your gear comes included – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and even your fishing license – so you can travel light and focus on the fun stuff. Kids are totally welcome, and the captain keeps multiple sizes of life vests on board. Just bring your own snacks and drinks, and let the crew handle all the technical details like size limits and seasons.
Depending on the season and what's moving, your captain will walk you through different approaches that work best in Chincoteague's waters. Spring and fall often mean spinning gear with soft plastics, bouncing jigs along the bottom structure, or working the edges of grass flats with spoons and paddle tails. Summer evenings can be perfect for topwater action – nothing beats the surface explosion when a red or trout hammers a popper in shallow water. The captain might also set you up with Carolina rigs or knocker rigs for bottom fishing, especially when targeting flounder in the channels or sheepshead around structure. The beauty of this trip is that you don't need to be an expert – the captain will show you the techniques, help you read the water, and make sure your presentation is dialed in. Whether you're comfortable with spinning reels or want to try something new, they'll match the gear to your skill level and keep things simple but effective.
Southern Flounder are one of the customer favorites around Chincoteague, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, laying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush baitfish. They typically run anywhere from keeper size around 16 inches up to doormat-sized fish pushing 6-7 pounds. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore migration, making them more aggressive and easier to pattern. What makes them exciting is the fight – they're not just dead weight like some bottom fish. A good flounder will make runs and use that flat body to really pull against the rod.
Black Drum are the workhorses of the inshore scene here, and they're perfect for kids or anyone who wants steady action. These fish school up and feed heavily on crabs, oysters, and marine worms around structure. You'll typically find them in the 2-8 pound range, though bigger fish show up regularly. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall. Black drum fight harder than most people expect – they use their deep bodies and strong tails to make solid runs, especially in shallow water where they can really dig in.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge fish that keep experienced anglers coming back. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, and they're notorious bait thieves. They hang around any kind of structure – docks, pilings, oyster bars – and require perfect timing and sensitive tackle to hook consistently. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters in the bay. Spring is peak season when they move shallow to spawn.
Sea Trout (speckled trout) are the bread-and-butter gamefish that make Chincoteague famous. These spotted beauties love grass flats, channel edges, and areas with good current flow. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for all skill levels. Most fish run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches show up regularly, especially in fall and winter. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures – watching a big trout blow up on a surface plug in shallow water never gets old.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here, and Chincoteague's shallow flats provide world-class red drum action. These copper-colored bruisers are built for the shallows, with powerful tails and an attitude to match. School-sized reds run 18-27 inches and provide fantastic sport on light tackle, while the occasional bull red over 30 inches will test your drag and your patience. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially in the morning and evening hours. Reds are sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right – seeing their backs and tails in skinny water gets the adrenaline pumping like nothing else.
This evening charter hits all the right notes – quality fishing, stunning scenery, and the flexibility to make it your own trip. Whether you're a serious angler looking to add some Chincoteague species to your list or a family wanting to share a beautiful evening on the water,
Cast off aboard this well-rigged 21' Carolina Skiff, built to handle whatever Chincoteague's waters throw your way. The 115HP Mercury gets you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 40 knots when you need to chase the bite or beat the weather back to port. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, this 2014 boat keeps you comfortable while you work the shallows for redfish, flounder, and seatrout. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, along with cold drinks for when the sun starts painting the sky. Whether you're jigging drop-offs, working topwater around grass beds, or drifting cut bait along the channels, this skiff puts you in prime position. The shallow draft lets your captain slide into skinny water where the big reds cruise, and the stable platform gives everyone room to fish without tangling lines. Built for inshore work, she handles the shifting tides and wind that make Chincoteague fishing so rewarding when you know where to look.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights around here - these bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds, though we've seen some real monsters pushing 50+. They cruise our shallow flats and oyster beds with their powerful jaws, crunching up crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll hear them before you see them - they make that distinctive drumming sound that gives them their name. What guests love is the solid fight they put up, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: fresh crab bait works best, and keep it right on the bottom. When they pick it up, give them time to really take it before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put Chincoteague on the map for many anglers. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tail typically run 20-30 inches in our waters. They love super shallow flats where you'll sometimes see their backs out of water, plus around oyster bars and creek mouths. Fall is prime season when they school up, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special is that heart-stopping topwater strike and the way they bulldoze through shallow water once hooked. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They're also sight-fishing targets when conditions are right. Local tip: when you see one tailing in shallow water, cast your lure well ahead of where they're going and work it slowly past their nose. Spook them once and they're gone for good.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect light-tackle fish running 14-20 inches on average. These silver beauties with black spots love our grass flats and shallow water, especially during evening hours when they come up to feed. Spring through fall are your best seasons, with late evening and early morning being prime times. What guests enjoy is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their gentle but exciting fight on light gear. The meat is soft and sweet - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're also great for kids since they're not too aggressive. Here's a local secret: work topwater plugs or soft plastics over grass beds right at sunset. When you get a bite, don't horse them - their mouths are soft, so steady pressure works better than yanking.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the pickpockets of the flats - these gray fish with black stripes have human-like teeth perfect for picking barnacles off dock pilings. They typically run 1-3 pounds around here, though the occasional 5+ pounder will surprise you. Look for them around any structure: bridges, docks, or oyster bars where they can feed on crustaceans. They're active year-round but really fire up in spring. What makes them challenging is they're notorious bait thieves, nibbling everything off your hook before you know it. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, flaky white meat. My trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep your bait tight to the structure, and when you feel that nibble, set the hook immediately and hard.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but you'll occasionally hook into one pushing 25+ inches. They love our shallow bays, creeks, and around dock pilings where they can blend in perfectly. Fall and spring are your best bets when they're moving through the area. What makes them fun is that sneaky bite - they'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit first, or you'll pull the bait right out of their mouth.
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