6 Hour Norfolk VA Inshore Fishing Charter
Looking for solid inshore action without burning half your day getting to the fishing grounds? This Norfolk-based charter puts you right where the fish are feeding. Captain and crew from Remedy Sport Fishing know these Virginia waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you hooked up on quality inshore species from the moment you clear the inlet. At $700 for up to four anglers, you're getting six full hours of guided fishing that's perfect whether you're just getting your feet wet or you've been working these waters for years. All licenses are covered, so just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods.
What to Expect on the Water
Norfolk's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent fishing along the mid-Atlantic coast, and this charter takes full advantage of that reputation. You'll be targeting structure-loving species that call these productive waters home year-round, with the specific targets shifting based on what's moving and feeding when you're out there. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you might be pulling up a chunky sheepshead from around the pilings, the next you could be fighting a bull red drum that's making your drag sing. The boat stays close to shore, so you're not dealing with long runs or rough offshore conditions. This makes it ideal for families, first-time charter guests, or anyone who wants to maximize their time with lines in the water rather than bouncing through swells for hours.
Techniques & Tackle
The crew switches between trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. When trolling the inshore lanes, you'll be covering water efficiently while targeting species like Spanish mackerel and cobia that cruise these productive corridors. The bottom fishing game focuses on working structure – think bridge pilings, channel edges, and artificial reefs where tautog, sheepshead, and drum like to hang out. All the tackle is provided, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or bringing your own gear. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts techniques throughout the day, which means you're always fishing the most effective method for the current situation. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on what's working, and the crew handles all the details so you can focus on fighting fish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tautog are the bulldogs of the inshore scene around Norfolk. These thick-bodied fighters love hanging around hard structure like bridge pilings and rock piles, where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are prime time for tog fishing, with fish ranging from keeper-sized up to genuine doormat specimens pushing 8-10 pounds. They fight dirty, using every bit of structure to try and cut you off, which makes landing a big tog feel like a real victory. The meat is some of the best eating you'll find in these waters – firm, white, and sweet.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and acrobatics to your fishing day. These silver bullets show up in Norfolk's inshore waters during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. They're absolute rockets when hooked, making blistering runs and jumping clear of the water. Spanish macks are perfect for light tackle fishing, and they respond well to both trolling small spoons and casting jigs to feeding schools. At 2-4 pounds on average, they might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they make up for it with pure energy and excellent table fare.
Black drum are the heavy hitters of the inshore game, with mature fish capable of testing your tackle and your back muscles. Norfolk's waters hold both smaller "puppy" drum and the massive bull reds that can push 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. These copper-colored bruisers are ambush feeders that patrol the shallows and structure looking for crabs and baitfish. When a big drum takes your bait, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight you every inch of the way back to the boat. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with some of the biggest fish showing up during the cooler months.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world, famous for their ability to steal bait right off your hook without you feeling a thing. These black-and-white striped convicts have human-like teeth that they use to pick crabs and barnacles off pilings and structure. They're finicky biters that require patience and finesse, but once you figure out their game, they're incredibly rewarding to catch. Norfolk's bridge pilings and dock structures hold good populations of sheepshead, particularly during the spring spawn when they gather in large numbers. The meat is outstanding – many anglers consider it among the best eating fish in the bay.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn an ordinary day into something special. These brown-colored, shark-like fish are curious and aggressive, often following other hooked fish right up to the boat. They're sight-fishing opportunities when you can spot them cruising the surface, but they also respond well to bottom baits around structure. Cobia are powerful fighters that make long runs and have a habit of diving deep when they see the boat. They typically show up in Norfolk's waters from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from 20 pounds up to true monsters pushing 50+ pounds.
Time to Book Your Spot
Norfolk's inshore fishing delivers consistent action with enough variety to keep every angler in your group happy. This charter gives you the perfect balance of guided expertise and hands-on fishing without the expense and uncertainty of offshore trips. The crew at Remedy Sport Fishing has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while making sure everyone has a great time on the water. With all licenses included and a private charter setup, you're getting personalized attention that larger head boats simply can't match. Six hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots an