Private Full Day Fishing Trip | PM
There's something special about heading out on the water at noon when the afternoon sun starts working its magic on Chincoteague's inshore waters. This 8-hour private charter with Reed And Reel Fishing Company gives you the prime time slots when fish are actively feeding and the bite really picks up. You'll have the boat to yourself and up to three other anglers, making it perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting a personalized fishing experience without the crowd.
What to Expect on the Water
Starting at 12:00 PM means you're fishing through the best parts of the day - from the active afternoon bite right into the golden evening hours when many species move shallow to feed. Chincoteague's inshore waters are famous for their diversity, and your captain knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The shallow bays, grass flats, and channel edges around here hold some of the best fishing on the East Coast. You'll be working areas where the water clarity lets you sight-fish in some spots, while other areas require reading the structure and letting your bait do the talking. The boat stays comfortable for the whole crew, and since it's private, you can fish at your own pace whether you're teaching the kids or trying to land a personal best.
Techniques and Tackle
Inshore fishing around Chincoteague means adapting your approach throughout the trip. Your captain will have you working everything from live bait on the flats to artificial lures around structure. When targeting drum and redfish, you'll often be using chunk bait or live crabs fished on the bottom near oyster bars and drop-offs. For striped bass, expect to work the channels with cut bait or live spot, especially as the tide moves. Flounder fishing means bouncing jigs tipped with squid or minnows along sandy bottoms, while trout and redfish on the grass flats call for topwater plugs or soft plastics worked slowly. The captain provides all the gear, but if you have favorite rods or tackle, bring them along. Circle hooks are the standard here for conservation, and your guide will show you the best techniques for each species you're targeting.
Target Species You'll Hook
Southern Flounder are the ultimate challenge for inshore anglers visiting Chincoteague. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with doormat-sized fish over 25 inches always possible. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into shallow areas during higher tides. What makes flounder so exciting is the subtle bite - you need to feel the difference between a pickup and just dragging bottom. Once hooked, they fight with surprising power for a flatfish.
Black Drum around Chincoteague can range from schoolie-sized fish to massive bulls over 40 pounds. The smaller ones in the 5-15 pound range are fantastic table fare and fight hard in shallow water. These fish love structure - oyster bars, bridge pilings, and channel edges are prime spots. They're year-round residents but most active in spring and fall. Black drum have incredible hearing, so they'll often respond to baits that make noise or vibration. The bigger fish are catch-and-release only, but landing a 30+ pound drum in shallow water is a memory that lasts forever.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped tricksters that keep even experienced anglers on their toes. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans, and they can steal bait faster than you can set the hook. Around Chincoteague's docks, pilings, and rocky structure, sheepshead provide year-round action with peak fishing in cooler months. They typically run 2-8 pounds here, with occasional fish pushing double digits. What makes them special is the technique required - you need small hooks, fresh bait, and lightning-fast reflexes to hook up consistently.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout, are the bread-and-butter species that make Chincoteague inshore fishing so productive. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots love grass flats and provide consistent action from spring through fall. Most fish run 14-18 inches, but gator trout over 25 inches cruise these waters. They're aggressive predators that hit topwater plugs with explosive strikes during low-light periods. Trout are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for families wanting to take dinner home.
Redfish are the copper-colored bruisers that have made inshore fishing famous throughout the South, and Chincoteague's population is thriving. These fish are built for power, with broad tails that let them make blistering runs in shallow water. Most reds here run 18-27 inches, perfect for the slot limit and excellent eating. They're ambush predators that cruise grass flats and oyster bars, often feeding with their tails up in skinny water. Sight-fishing for redfish when you can see them tailing or cruising is pure adrenaline - it combines the visual excitement of watching the fish with the challenge of making the perfect presentation.
Time to Book Your Spot
This afternoon-to-evening charter hits all the right notes for a memorable day on Chincoteague's waters. With your fishing license included and an experienced captain reading the conditions, you're set up for success from the start. The private boat means no rushing, no crowds, and fishing tailored to your group's experience level. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or trying to check new species off your list, these 8 hours on the water deliver the kind of fishing that brings people back year after year. Pack your snacks and drinks, bring your camera, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the East Coast has to offer.