Inshore Half Day Norfolk VA Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore trips targeting flounder, cobia, and tautogAccommodates up to four guests with all licenses includedOperating March through December from Norfolk waters
Captain and crew at Remedy Sport Fishing know Norfolk's inshore waters like the back of their hand, and this half-day trip puts you right in the action without eating up your whole day. Whether you're rolling out of bed for the 7am departure or catching the afternoon bite at 1pm, you're looking at a solid four hours of fishing some of Virginia's most productive inshore spots. From March through December, these waters come alive with everything from hard-fighting tautog to acrobatic cobia, and the crew knows exactly where to find them based on daily conditions and fish movement.
This charter runs smooth and simple - perfect for families or small groups who want quality fishing without the fuss. You'll have the boat to yourselves with up to four anglers included in the base price, or squeeze in that fifth person for an extra hundred bucks. The crew handles all the licensing paperwork, so you just show up ready to fish. Depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding, you might find yourself working structure for bottom dwellers or covering water with trolling spreads. The morning trips often catch fish that have been feeding all night, while afternoon departures can capitalize on the midday bite when baitfish start moving. Norfolk's inshore zone offers everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges, giving the crew plenty of options to put you on fish no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
The beauty of Norfolk inshore fishing lies in the variety - one minute you're dropping baits to the bottom around bridge pilings and structure, the next you're pulling lines through productive travel corridors where fish move between feeding areas. Bottom fishing here means working everything from live crabs and cut bait for tautog and sheepshead to chunks of fresh fish for black drum. The crew knows which structures hold fish during different tides and seasons, positioning the boat where currents create feeding opportunities. When conditions call for trolling, you'll pull small spoons and jigs through areas where Spanish mackerel and cobia cruise, covering water efficiently to locate active schools. The tackle stays appropriately sized for the target species - medium spinning and conventional setups that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to powerful cobia without being overkill for the smaller stuff.
Tautog remain the backbone of Norfolk's inshore scene, especially during their peak season when these bottom huggers stack up around structure in impressive numbers. These fish fight like bulldogs once hooked, using every piece of structure to try breaking you off - that's exactly what makes them so addictive to target. They're notorious bait thieves too, requiring perfect timing on the hookset and patience to feel the subtle bite. Black drum provide consistent action throughout the warmer months, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized specimens perfect for dinner to heavyweight brutes that'll test your drag system. Their powerful runs and head-shaking fights make every hookup exciting, plus they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and aggression to the mix, often hitting trolled baits with explosive strikes that get everyone's attention on deck. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby - leading to some fast-paced action that keeps rods bent. Sheepshead earn their reputation as the "convict fish" not just for their black stripes, but for their light-fingered approach to stealing bait right off your hook. Successfully catching sheepshead requires finesse and quick reflexes, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers. Cobia represent the prize catch of the trip - these curious fish often approach the boat for a look, giving anglers shots at sight-fishing opportunities. When a cobia decides to eat, you know you're in for a fight, as these fish combine size, strength, and stamina in one impressive package.
At five hundred dollars for up to four people, this half-day charter delivers serious value for groups wanting to experience Norfolk's renowned inshore fishing scene. The crew's local knowledge, combined with quality time on productive water, makes this trip a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking for a relaxed morning with friends, the four-hour format gives you enough time to work different spots and techniques without the commitment of a full day. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know that you're booking with a top-rated operation that's been putting clients on fish in these waters for years. Norfolk's inshore fishing season runs strong from March through December, giving you plenty of opportunities to get out there and see what's biting.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a 28-foot Century boat that's built to handle Norfolk's inshore waters with ease. The Yamaha 250 hp engine delivers smooth cruising at speeds up to 35 knots, getting you to the fish quickly and comfortably. This boat's clean layout and stable ride make it perfect for working the productive structure and travel lanes where flounder, mackerel, sheepshead, and tautog like to hang out. Whether you're trolling for cobia or dropping lines for drum, the fishing-ready setup gives you plenty of room to work. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, with space for a fifth if your group needs it. From the Chesapeake Bay's calm waters to the more active inshore spots, this Century boat delivers the performance and comfort that makes a half-day trip feel just right.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running 5-30 pounds with some giants hitting 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders that love oyster beds, muddy flats, and brackish areas where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time during spawning when they school up and make those famous drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare, while the big ones are better released. They're strong, steady fighters that test your drag. Best local tip: use fresh blue crab or clam on a fish-finder rig, and don't set the hook too early - let them walk away with it first before you tighten up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking loners that cruise structure and open water, averaging 20-50 pounds with some real monsters pushing 100+. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, especially during spring migration and spawning season. What makes them special is their incredible fight - long runs and bulldog strength - plus they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. They're solitary hunters, so it's usually one at a time rather than schools. Local tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of a cruising cobia with a bucktail jig and work it slowly - they're curious but spook easily if you splash it right on them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish with black stripes and human-like teeth that live around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, you name it. They typically run 1-8 pounds and are notorious bait thieves, nibbling softly before committing. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up around structure. What makes them challenging is their light bite and quick reflexes, but the payoff is some of the best eating fish around - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're year-round residents but most active in warmer months. Here's the key: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook hard the second you feel weight - they'll steal your bait otherwise.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver speedsters with golden spots that school up in huge numbers during warmer months. They average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, but their speed makes them a blast on light tackle. You'll find them near the surface around structure, flats, and inlet mouths from late spring through fall. They're some of the fastest swimmers out there, hitting lures hard and making screaming runs. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect grilled or smoked. These fish are constantly moving, so when you find a school, work it fast. Local tip: when trolling small spoons or casting jigs, keep moving if you don't get bit in 15 minutes. They're either there or they're not.
Tautoga OnitisAlso known as blackfish, tautog are chunky, thick-skinned fighters that live around rocks, jetties, and hard structure. These wrasse family members run 1-3 pounds typically, with some hitting 10+ pounds. They crush shellfish with powerful jaws and hang tight to their rocky homes. Spring through fall is prime time, especially April through August when they're most active during spawning. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're territorial and aggressive once hooked. The meat is sweet and firm, great eating. Here's a local trick: use green crabs with legs crushed off, and crush the shells nearby to create a scent trail. Change your bait every 5 minutes max - fresh crab scent is everything with these guys.
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