Ready to get your line wet in some of the East Coast's most productive waters? Our 4-hour private fishing charter in Norfolk, VA is the perfect way to kick off your day with a serious dose of angling action. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, we've got everything you need for a stellar morning on the Chesapeake Bay. From hard-fighting cobia to tasty Spanish mackerel, there's always something biting in these parts. So grab your crew (up to 6 folks) and let's hit the water!
We'll meet you bright and early at 7 AM, just as the sun's peeking over the horizon. That's prime time for fish activity, so we waste no time getting out to the good spots. Our expert captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious fish-finding action. We'll be targeting a mix of inshore and nearshore species, depending on what's running hot that day. Expect a combo of bottom fishing and trolling as we hunt down the big ones. Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew's always happy to show you the ropes and help you land that trophy catch.
Leave the tackle box at home, folks. We've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and all the bait you'll need. We're talking circle hooks for those big drum, light tackle setups for Spanish mackerel, and heavy duty gear when the cobia are around. Our boat's decked out with fish-finding tech to put you on the schools, and we've got plenty of cooler space for your catch. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up).
Redfish: These copper-colored brutes are a favorite among local anglers. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow to monster sizes in the Chesapeake. Look for them around structure and oyster beds. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch 'em year-round.
Cobia: The prize catch of the summer months. These powerful fish can top 100 pounds and will test your stamina. We often spot them cruising near the surface, following rays or hanging around buoys. They're known for their wild runs and acrobatic jumps - landing one is an unforgettable experience.
Spanish Mackerel: Fast and furious, these sleek predators are a blast on light tackle. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. We'll troll small spoons or cast lures into feeding frenzies. Their flaky white meat makes for excellent eating too.
Bluefish: The bullies of the bay, bluefish are all attitude. They hit hard and fight dirty, often putting on aerial displays. We catch them trolling or casting topwater lures. When they're in a feeding mood, it's not uncommon to have double or triple hookups. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Black Drum: These heavyweight bruisers can top 80 pounds in our waters. They're bottom feeders, so we'll use fresh crab or clam to tempt them. Black drum make a distinctive croaking sound, earning them the nickname "sea monsters". They're a true test of strength when hooked.
Norfolk's fishing scene is the real deal, folks. We've got a unique mix of species thanks to our location where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic. One day you might be battling bull reds in the shallows, the next you're offshore chasing cobia. The diversity keeps things exciting - you never know what might grab your line next. Plus, our waters are teeming with baitfish, so the action stays hot nearly year-round. Add in some of the friendliest captains you'll ever meet (if we do say so ourselves), and you've got a recipe for an addictive fishing experience.
Listen, time on the water is precious, and these fish aren't going to catch themselves. Our 4-hour charter is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without eating up your whole day. It's ideal for families looking to introduce the kids to the thrill of the catch, or for seasoned anglers wanting to squeeze in some quality fishing time. We provide everything you need, from rods to bait to local knowledge. All you have to do is show up ready for action. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water for some Norfolk-style fishing fun. Trust us, once you've felt that first big hit on your line, you'll be hooked for life!
Black drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge, with some topping 80 pounds. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, pilings, and bridge supports. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Drum put up a stubborn, powerful fight - more brute force than speed. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are good eating too. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or clams on the bottom. Here's a local secret: listen for their distinctive croaking sound. Sometimes you can actually hear a school of big drum before you see them!
Bluefish are like the bulldogs of the sea - aggressive and always ready for a fight. These choppers average 2-5 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them busting bait on the surface, often in inlets and along beaches. They're most active here from spring through fall. Blues are known for their savage strikes and strong runs. While not everyone's favorite for eating, they're fun to catch and great for smoking. To hook one, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. Local tip: when you see gulls diving and water churning, that's often a bluefish blitz. Get in there quick, but watch those teeth when unhooking!
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish we target. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. They migrate through our area from late spring to early fall. Cobia put up an incredible fight - powerful runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your gear and skills. They're also delicious eating. To land one, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live eels. Here's a local secret: cobia love following big rays, so keep your eyes peeled for those dark shadows gliding by. When you spot one, get ready for some serious action!
Redfish are a real crowd-pleaser on our charters. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them cruising the shallows, often tailing in just a foot or two of water. They love hanging around oyster bars and grass flats. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Redfish are popular for their strong pulls and excellent table fare. To hook one, try a gold spoon or a live shrimp under a popping cork. My local tip? Look for their distinctive tail breaking the surface - that's your cue to make a quiet, accurate cast. Just be ready when they hit - these fish can strip line in a hurry!
Spanish mackerel are a blast to catch and perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These speedy fish typically run 2-4 pounds and travel in big schools. You'll find them in open water, often near the surface. They're most active here from late spring through early fall. Spanish macks are known for their fast runs and acrobatic leaps. They're also tasty on the grill. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or casting light jigs into feeding frenzies. My top tip? Watch for diving birds - that's often a dead giveaway that Spanish mackerel are feeding below. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop!