Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing Charters
Fishing for Cobia in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is known for its world-renowned inshore fishing. The Chesapeake Bay is home to 348 species of finfish and 173 species of shellfish making the Chesapeake Bay watershed truly an extraordinary place. Reigning supreme among all the finned fishes in the Bay is Cobia. Cobia are some of the biggest and hardest hitting fish inshore. The beasts can weight over 70+ lbs. Cobia Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is unlike anywhere else, these fish arrive around mid-May and the hunt beings lasting till about mid-September. Typically you will see 100+ boats scouring the bay in towers doing what we call sight-fishing. We look from our towers to find the Cobia then we present them with lures such as bucktails and twitch-baits or live bait such as eels and bunker. When the sun isn't shinning though we have to resort to bottom fishing for these guy to which we will chum the water with cut-up bunker and use crabs, eels and bunker for bait.
What Will We Catch?
A Variety Of Species & Tactics
Some of the other species in the bay, creeks and inlets that local and visiting anglers go on the hunt for are spotted seatrout, tautog, cobia, red drum, flounder, Stripers, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, black sea bass and black drum to name a few. We target these species using a number of methods such as sight-fishing, trolling and bottom fishing in Virginia Beach.
Red Drum Fishing in Virginia Beach
Red Drum aka "Redfish" come to Virginia Beach in massive schools. Red drum arrive in Virginia Beach and Norfolk area in late April and hang around till about the end of October. These fish can weight up to 80 lbs and measure in at 50 inches. These are what we call Bull Red drum, and boy are they fun to catch. They are however catch and release only when they are that size as these are the mature males that spawn. If we catch their smaller brothers and sisters, aka "puppy drum" they are good eating. Cobia fishing and Red drum fishing can be found just a few miles from the docks.
Inshore Fishing In Virginia Beach
Around the base of the Chesapeake Light Tower are literally acres of discarded tires, lengths of steel, old train cars, and wrecked boats. These structures mean hiding places for smaller fish, and where there are smaller fish, big predators can usually be found. If you ever get the chance to fish the tower, you’ll be in for a real angling adventure, with lots of opportunities to land spadefish, sea bass, cobia, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, flounder, triggerfish, and tautog. Spadefish some of my favorite inshore fish! Pound for pound these are some of the hardest fighting fish and taste delicious. The best time to target spadefish is mid May to early July.
Where Do We Fish?
The Chesapeake light tower is also another iconic inshore fishing spot. You can find it thirteen miles from Virginia Beach, in the Atlantic Ocean. This is a prime spot for Virginia Beach inshore fishing. The light and its tower are fascinating to history buffs, but they might be even more fascinating for anglers. Its original purpose was to guide boats and ships to the entrance of the Bay, and while it certainly fulfills this purpose, it also attracts huge numbers of saltwater fish. They typically follow the channels like a underwater highway right into the Chesapeake Bay.
One thing’s for sure – Virginia Beach inshore fishing is never dull!
Most of our fishing charters include just about everything you’ll need to have a wonderful, successful Virginia Beach fishing experience. If you don’t have a full day to devote to saltwater fishing, no problem. Inshore fishing trips can be done in just a few hours, and you’ll spend most of your time fishing, instead of riding. These shorter trips are perfect for families with small children as we can keep them entertained for a few hours then your off to the rest of your day!
Five-Stars On Google
Melanie Galloway
Melanie Galloway
Melanie Galloway
This was my first time charter fishing and Kraken Charters did not disappoint! Absolutely 10/10 would recommend over and over. :)
Ariane Enriquez
Melanie Galloway
Melanie Galloway
SAFE OPERATION! GREAT SERVICE! Capt. Tom and crew were very professional and accommodating resulting in a wonderful and memorable experience for our children catching fish. It was a great experience fishing onboard Kraken Charters with my family, the kids had a great time!
Angela Felsher
Melanie Galloway
Angela Felsher
We had a fantastic time fishing the wrecks. He made sure we were able to catch as much as we could handle!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Provide?
We provide all the necessary tackle, fishing rods, bait, ice and cooler for your catch. Most importantly we provide some of the best fishing mates in Virginia Beach. These mates work hard and work for tips so be sure to take care of them, 20% is customary.
What Do We Need To Bring?
You should bring clothing appropriate for the season. In the summer shorts and t-shirts is fine but in the winter you will want a hat, coat and maybe even some gloves. We always highly recommend that you bring rain gear as you never know when a storm can pop-up. While we do have a cabin to stay dry in, you can't fish from in there. You will also want to bring plenty of water, snacks and/or food. A soft sided cooler is preferred for this so we can store it properly. Also don't forget sunscreen but please no spray sunscreen as it turns the boat pink! We recommend children under 90lbs bring their own lifejacket as availability is limited.
Can We Keep The Fish?
Yes, you get to keep your catch as long as it falls within the regulations for the particular species we are fishing for. We do our best to protect the oceans and practice ethical and sustainable harvesting so keep what you need and throw back what you don't.
Do We Need A Fishing License?
No, we provide all the necessary licenses and permits.
What If We Need To Cancel?
All charters are weather permitting and will be up to the Captain's discretion if the trip needs to be rescheduled. All bookings require a 25% deposit to secure the date. This deposit is non-refundable once within 30 days of the booking date. Requests to change a trip date are subject to availability and may not always be accommodated. Any cancellations by the customer within the cancellation window will be refunded the cost of the trip minus any CC/booking fees. Any cancellations by the customer within 24 hours of the booking date will result in a charge of 100% of the balance of the trip.
What If There Is Bad Weather?
All charters are weather permitting and will be up to the Captain's discretion if the trip needs to be rescheduled. If we cancel for weather we will do our best to reschedule you promptly. If we can not find a suitable date we will refund your deposit.
Marijuana is legal in Virginia, can we bring it onboard?
Marijuana is NOT allowed on the vessel. It will be throw overboard if found. We will immediately return to the dock with NO refund. Waterways have federal jurisdiction and all vessels fall under federal regulations. See article for questions
Plan Your Inshore Fishing Experience
Other Fishing Charters
Deep Sea Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters around Virginia Beach is a haven for deep sea anglers. In fact, it provides the best saltwater fishing of all the mid-Atlantic fishing spots. Deep Sea fishing or wreck fishing as it is sometimes called, is fishing the historic shipwrecks off the coast of Virginia Beach.
Walk-On Charters
Deep Sea Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing
We offer a variety of charter options, including half-day, full-day, and overnight trips. We can also customize your trip to suit your preferences and needs.
Offshore Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Virginia Beach Offshore fishing, which includes deep sea or deep drop fishing over and around wrecks and scattered debris. If you want to fish really deep water, there are the Norfolk Canyon and the famous Gulf Stream.
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