Norfolk VA Tautog Inshore Half Day Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore charter targeting tautog, flounder, and cobia.Fourhour trips departing 7am or 1pm, March through December.All fishing licenses included with trolling and bottom techniques.
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that puts you on productive inshore waters around Norfolk? This tautog-focused charter with Remedy Sport Fishing hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without burning a whole day. Whether you grab the 7am morning slot or the 1pm afternoon departure, you're looking at a minimum four hours on some of the best inshore structure the Chesapeake Bay area has to offer. We're talking reefs, bridge pilings, and channels where tautog stack up thick during their peak season from March through December.
This isn't your typical tourist boat trip – it's a top-rated private charter designed for small groups and families who want personalized attention. With space for up to four anglers (and room for a fifth if needed), you'll have plenty of elbow room and direct access to the captain's local knowledge. The beauty of targeting tautog is that they're structure fish, which means we're fishing around the kind of bottom that holds multiple species. Don't be surprised when your tautog rig gets hammered by a hefty sheepshead, or when we spot a school of Spanish mackerel busting bait and switch tactics mid-trip. The captain reads conditions daily – tide, wind, and fish movement – to put you on the most productive spots. All fishing licenses are covered, so you just show up ready to fish.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Bottom fishing is the bread and butter for tautog – these fish love hugging structure, so we'll anchor up on productive reefs and pilings where they feed. Think heavy sinkers, short leaders, and baits that can handle the current. When conditions are right, we'll also pull some trolling spreads to cover water and target species like cobia and Spanish mackerel that cruise the inshore waters. The gear is provided, but if you've got favorite rods or tackle, bring them along. The captain knows these waters inside and out, from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel structure to the nearshore reefs that hold fish year-round. We're fishing productive water where recreational anglers consistently boat keeper fish, and the variety keeps things interesting throughout the trip.
Tautog are the main event here, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish are prized by local anglers for their stubborn battle and excellent table fare. They're structure-oriented, which means they stick tight to reefs, pilings, and rocky bottom where they feed on crabs, mussels, and other shellfish. Peak tautog action runs from fall through early winter, when they're feeding heavily before moving to deeper water. What makes them exciting is their fighting style – they'll dive straight back to the structure and try to wrap you up, so it's a tug-of-war from the moment you hook up. Plus, they're one of the best eating fish in these waters.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and action when they're around. These silver bullets show up in good numbers during the warmer months, often feeding in schools around bait pods. They'll absolutely destroy small lures and baits, making screaming runs that test your drag. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and add serious excitement when we encounter them trolling between bottom fishing spots. The key is having the right size tackle – too heavy and you lose the fight, too light and they'll cut you off with those razor-sharp teeth.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this mixed bag. These powerful fish can range from slot-sized keepers up to massive bulls that'll test your back and your tackle. They're bottom feeders like tautog but prefer different structure and baits. When you hook into a big drum, you know it immediately – they use their weight and strength to bulldoze toward cover. They're most active during their spawning runs in spring and fall, when big schools move through the inshore waters. The fight is all about endurance and keeping steady pressure.
Sheepshead are the ultimate light-tackle challenge. These black-and-white striped fish have incredible eyesight and are notorious bait thieves. They hang around the same structure as tautog but require finesse and patience. When you finally connect with a good sheepshead, they fight with surprising power for their size, making multiple runs and using every trick to throw the hook. They're excellent table fare and a favorite target for experienced anglers who appreciate technical fishing.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your whole trip. These brown sharks look-alikes are curious, powerful fish that show up around structure and in open water. They're sight fishing opportunities when they cruise near the surface, and absolute tackle-busters when hooked. A good cobia will make long runs, dive deep, and test every knot on your rig. They're also outstanding on the dinner table, making them a customer favorite when we're lucky enough to encounter them during the warmer months.
At $500 for up to four anglers, this half-day charter delivers serious value for groups and families wanting quality inshore fishing around Norfolk. The licensed, experienced captain, included tackle, and productive fishing spots make this a no-brainer for your next fishing trip. Whether you're targeting tautog specifically or just want to get on some good inshore action, this trip puts you on fish without the commitment of a full day. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so book when you're ready to fish. The tautog season runs March through December, but the best action often comes during the cooler months when these fish are feeding heavily. Don't wait – productive fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak tautog season.
Step aboard this well-built 28-foot Century fishing boat, your ticket to Norfolk's productive inshore waters. Powered by a reliable Yamaha 250hp engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly, this vessel handles the Chesapeake Bay's chop with confidence while keeping your group of up to four anglers comfortable throughout the trip. The boat's clean fishing layout gives everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up, whether you're dropping bottom rigs around the bridge pilings for tautog or trolling the channels for cobia and drum. Built for both comfort and performance, she cruises smoothly at 35 knots to maximize your fishing time rather than travel time. From March through December, you'll target whatever's biting based on the tides and structure - flounder, mackerel, sheepshead, spade fish, and those hard-fighting tautog that make Norfolk waters famous. The stable platform makes it easy to feel the subtle bites that blackfish are known for, while the spacious deck handles the action when drum and cobia show up hungry.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of the inshore scene, typically running 5-30 pounds around Norfolk's brackish waters and oyster bars. These powerful fish make distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws that love crabs, clams, and mussels around structure. Spring during spawning season is prime time when they school up in shallow flats and around pilings. Guests love the steady, bulldogging fight they put up - no flashy jumps, just pure strength. Smaller fish under 15 pounds eat great, but the big ones get tough. My go-to technique is fresh soft crab on the bottom near oyster beds. Keep your bait right on the sand since they rarely feed up in the water column.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are impressive brown torpedoes that often get mistaken for sharks with their single dorsal fin. These solitary hunters typically run 6 feet and can push 100 pounds around Norfolk's inshore structure. You'll find them cruising reefs, wrecks, and buoys from spring through fall, often just below the surface. They're sight-fishing targets that eat well and fight like freight trains with long, powerful runs. The firm meat is restaurant quality - some of the best eating in the ocean. Since they're loners, finding one usually means just that - one fish. My approach is bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range worked around structure. When you spot one, make your first cast count because they spook easily and won't give you many chances.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These 1-8 pounders love barnacle-covered pilings, bridges, and any hard structure around Norfolk waters. They're notorious bait thieves that nibble delicately before committing, making them a fun challenge. Spring spawning season offers the best shots when they gather around jetties and channel markers. The white, sweet meat is outstanding table fare, though cleaning them takes patience with those tough scales. They're curious fish that reward persistence. My trick is to get as close to structure as possible with fresh fiddler crab or shrimp. When you feel that first tap, wait a beat then set the hook hard - their bony mouths need a solid hookset to stick.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, sleek fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds around Norfolk waters. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots travel in large schools near the surface during summer and fall months. You'll spot them around channels, reefs, and open water where they chase baitfish. They're popular because they fight hard, hit lures aggressively, and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is staying mobile - when you find a school, work it fast before they move on. I like trolling small spoons or casting jigs when we see birds working. Keep your drag smooth because these fish make blistering runs that'll test your equipment.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky wrasse that love rocky structure around Norfolk's inshore waters. These 1-3 pound fish have tough, rubbery skin and powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish. You'll find them around pilings, reefs, and jetties where they feed on crabs and mussels during daylight hours. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. Tautog are territorial fighters that will test your tackle around structure. The meat is excellent eating - sweet and firm. My tip: use green crab bait and crush up some shell pieces to create scent in the water. Change your bait every 4-5 minutes since they'll pick it clean quickly, and don't be afraid to fish tight to the structure where they hide.
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