8 Hour Inshore Virginia Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting seven different species yearroundEighthour trips accommodate up to four anglers with licensed guideTrolling and bottom fishing around Virginia reefs and bridge structures
When you want to spend a full day chasing some of Virginia's best inshore species, this 8-hour charter with Remedy Sport Fishing delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Running from March through December, this trip puts you right in the sweet spot of Virginia's most productive inshore waters where tautog, flounder, mackerel, and other prized catches are waiting. You'll fish around reefs, bridges, and structure that local captains have been hitting for years – the kind of spots that consistently produce fish when conditions line up right. At $900 for up to four anglers, with space for a fifth at an extra $100, this charter gives your group plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without crowding each other.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job – eight hours gives you real time to work multiple spots and adjust to what the fish are doing that day. Your captain knows these Virginia inshore waters like the back of their hand, and they'll move around based on tides, weather, and where the bite is happening. You might start the morning working structure for tautog, then shift to trolling for mackerel or cobia as conditions change. The beauty of a full-day trip is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, you've got time to relocate and try different presentations. All fishing licenses are covered, so you can focus on fishing instead of paperwork. The boat handles up to five anglers comfortably, giving everyone space to fish their own water without tangles or crossed lines.
You'll be working two main techniques that consistently produce in Virginia's inshore waters: trolling and bottom fishing around productive structure. Trolling lets you cover ground efficiently, perfect for intercepting schools of mackerel, cobia, or drum that are moving through the area. When you mark fish or hit known structure like reefs and bridge pilings, you'll switch to bottom rigs targeting tautog, sheepshead, and flounder that hold tight to cover. Virginia's inshore waters are loaded with artificial reefs, natural rock piles, and bridge structures that concentrate baitfish and create feeding opportunities. Your captain will position the boat based on current, wind, and tide to keep your baits in the strike zone. Bottom fishing here means working different depths and adjusting your presentation as you learn what the fish want – sometimes they're aggressive, other times you need finesse to get them to commit.
Tautog are the backbone of Virginia inshore fishing, especially during their prime season when these hard-fighting fish stack up around structure. These chunky, powerful fish average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds for trophy hunters. They're notorious for their crushing bite and bulldogging fight – once hooked, they'll try every trick to wrap you around the nearest rock or piling. Peak tautog action typically runs from April through June and picks up again in fall, making them a reliable target throughout most of the charter season.
Spanish mackerel bring pure speed and excitement to Virginia inshore fishing. These silver torpedoes rarely exceed 2-3 pounds, but they make up for size with blistering runs and acrobatic fights. When schools move through in late spring and summer, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups. They're perfect for anglers who love constant action and the challenge of landing a fish that never stops moving.
Black drum represent the heavyweight division of Virginia inshore fishing. These bronze-colored bruisers can range from keeper-sized fish around 5-10 pounds up to massive 40+ pound bulls that will test your tackle and technique. They're most active during warmer months and known for their sustained, powerful runs that can strip line in a hurry. Landing a big drum is a true accomplishment that separates this fishery from lighter inshore options.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge every angler needs to experience. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and a reputation for stealing bait without getting hooked. They typically run 2-6 pounds and require precise presentation and quick hook sets. When you finally connect with a good sheepshead, you've earned it – they're considered some of the best eating fish in Virginia waters.
Cobia are the wild card that can turn any good day into a great one. These brown, shark-like fish can reach 20-50 pounds and are known for their curious nature and powerful fights. Spring and early summer offer the best shots at cobia as they move into Virginia waters for spawning. They're sight-fishing opportunities when conditions allow, and hooking into a big cobia will give you a fight you'll remember for years.
An 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Virginia's inshore waters have to offer. You're not rushed, you can work multiple techniques, and you have time to adjust when fish behavior changes throughout the day. With all licenses included and room for your whole group, this trip eliminates the hassles and lets you focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. The March through December season covers the best fishing Virginia has to offer, from spring tautog runs to summer mackerel schools to fall drum action. Book your dates early, especially during peak season, because full-day charters fill up fast when word gets out about good fishing.
Fish Virginia's productive inshore waters aboard this well-equipped 28-foot Century boat. The Yamaha 250hp engine gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, cruising at 35 knots to maximize your time with lines in the water. With space for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods while targeting flounder, cobia, drum, tautog, and more around reefs and bridge structure. The stable platform handles both trolling runs and bottom fishing with ease, giving you confidence whether you're drifting over structure or making moves between productive spots. Clean layout keeps gear organized and gives everyone space to fight fish. Perfect for groups wanting to cover serious ground during an 8-hour day on Virginia's inshore fishery.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. These bottom-feeders love muddy flats, oyster beds, and bridge pilings where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning in shallow water. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones get tough and stringy. They're known for their drumming sounds during spawning season, which you can actually hear underwater. My go-to technique is fresh crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom - they won't chase bait far from structure. Keep your drag loose because these fish can make surprising runs when they feel the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking loners that cruise alone or in small groups around structure and open water. These bruisers average 6 feet and can hit 100 pounds, making them serious opponents on medium tackle. We spot them near the surface from spring through fall, often following rays or hanging around buoys and wrecks. They're top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Unlike schooling fish, each cobia is usually a solo encounter, which makes every hookup special. The trick is sight-fishing - look for that dark shape just under the surface. When you see one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. They're curious fish that often come up to check out the boat.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth that crunch barnacles off pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders show up around deeper structure. They're notorious bait thieves that nibble softly before committing, so you need sharp reflexes to set the hook. Spring spawning season offers the best numbers when they gather around bridges, docks, and reefs. The white, flaky meat is some of the finest eating you'll find. These fish stick tight to structure - often within inches of pilings. Get your bait as close as possible and be ready for that subtle tap. I use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, and always set the hook hard when I feel them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silvery speedsters with distinctive yellow spots that run in large schools near the surface. These fish average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, but their speed makes them a blast on light tackle. We find them around structure and open water from spring through fall when they're migrating along our coast. They're some of the best eating fish we catch - mild flavor that grills, smokes, or fries up perfectly. The key to landing them is matching their speed with quick presentations. I always keep shiny spoons and small jigs ready because when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding mackerel pushing baitfish to the surface.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky wrasse that love rocky structure around reefs and bridge pilings. These 1-3 pound fish have powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish and thick, rubbery skin that protects them from sharp rocks. We target them March through December when they're most active during daylight hours. Tautog make great table fare and put up a decent fight on lighter tackle. They're territorial fish that stick close to structure, so precision matters more than power. My tip: use green crab for bait, but crush up some shell pieces and drop them around your spot first - the scent brings them in fast. Fresh bait is key since it only stays effective for about 5 minutes before you need to change it out.
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