Norfolk's 12HR Offshore Charter: Epic Game Fish

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Norfolk
$450 - $3,900 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious deep-sea action? This 12-hour offshore trip from Norfolk, VA is the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with the ocean's heavyweights. You'll be heading out at the crack of dawn – 5 AM sharp – to reach the prime fishing grounds where the big boys play. We're talking Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. The Prowler Fishing Charter crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so they'll put you right on the fish. Whether you're dropping lines near wrecks or trolling the open Atlantic, you're in for a full day of rod-bending action. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for a group of fishing buddies or family members who want to test their skills against some of the most sought-after game fish out there. Just remember to bring your A-game – these fish don't give up easy!

Norfolk's 12HR Offshore Charter: Epic Game Fish

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Epic 12-Hour Offshore Fishing in Norfolk

Get ready to tackle some serious deep-sea action on this all-day offshore trip out of Norfolk. We're talking 12 full hours of chasing down monster pelagics in the Atlantic. This ain't your average bay fishing - we're going where the big boys play. Our 54-foot Prowler is geared up to put you on trophy fish like marlin, tuna, and mahi. Whether you're an old salt or new to bluewater fishing, our crew will make sure you're in the right spots to hook into something special.

What's the Deal with This Trip?

Alright, here's the scoop - we shove off at the crack of dawn, 5 AM sharp. Trust me, you'll want every minute out there. We'll cruise about 60 miles offshore to some prime fishing grounds. Once we hit blue water, it's game on. We'll be trolling, chunking, and maybe even doing some kite fishing if conditions are right. The boat's got all the bells and whistles - outriggers, fighting chair, the works. And with only 6 spots, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those rods. Fair warning though - pack some grub and stay hydrated. It's a long day on the water and those offshore bruisers will test your stamina.

How We Hunt the Big Ones

Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from inshore. We're not just drifting with bait here. We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species. For marlin and sailfish, we'll be trolling with big plastic lures or rigged ballyhoo. When we mark a good school of tuna, we might switch to chunking - basically chumming with cut bait to bring them to the surface. For mahi, keep an eye out for floating debris or weed lines - that's where they love to hang out. And if we're lucky enough to spot a swordfish, get ready for some deep dropping. It's all about reading the water, finding the bait, and putting you where the fish are biting.

Fish You'll Want to Tangle With

Blackfin Tuna: These speedsters might not be as big as their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Expect fish in the 15-30 pound range, with larger ones possible. They school up nicely, so when you find them, it can be non-stop action. Blackfin are great eating too, perfect for some fresh sashimi on the ride home.

Blue Marlin: The crown jewel of offshore fishing. Blues are the biggest and baddest of the billfish, known for their incredible aerial displays and long, powerful runs. While we can't guarantee a blue marlin hookup (that's fishing for ya), when it happens, it's the memory of a lifetime. Most blues we see are in the 200-400 pound range, but bigger ones are always possible.

Wahoo: If you want to see your reel scream, hope for a wahoo. These torpedoes are one of the fastest fish in the sea, known for blistering first runs that can dump half your spool before you know what hit you. They're usually in the 30-50 pound range here, but 100-pounders aren't unheard of. And man, do they make for some good eating.

White Marlin: The acrobats of the billfish world. Whites aren't as big as blues, usually 50-80 pounds, but they more than make up for it with their aerial show. They're known for tail-walking across the surface and making multiple jumps. White marlin are a blast on lighter tackle and are a prized catch for any angler.

Swordfish: The gladiators of the deep. Swords are a bit of a unicorn - they're out there, but hooking one is always special. We target these guys in deep water, sometimes over 1,500 feet down. They fight like crazy and can weigh anywhere from 100 to over 300 pounds. Landing a sword is the ultimate feather in any offshore angler's cap.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running offshore trips for years, and there's nothing quite like the rush of big game fishing. It's not just about the size of the fish (though that doesn't hurt). It's about the whole experience - being out on the open ocean, the anticipation of not knowing what might crush your bait next, the teamwork it takes to land a real monster. Plus, our waters off Norfolk are some of the most productive on the East Coast. You've got a shot at multiple species in a single trip, from tasty meat fish like tuna and mahi to bucket-list billfish. And let's be real, there's something pretty sweet about coming back to the dock with a cooler full of fresh fish and a camera roll full of epic pictures.

Time to Lock in Your Spot

If you're itching for some world-class offshore action, this is your ticket. We've got the boat, the gear, and the know-how to put you on fish. All you need to bring is some sunscreen, a good attitude, and maybe a lucky hat. Whether you're looking to check "catch a marlin" off your bucket list or just want to experience the thrill of battling big pelagics, we've got you covered. But heads up - these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long. Give us a shout, and let's get you out there where the big fish play. Trust me, once you feel that first screaming run from a wahoo or see a blue marlin greyhounding across the surface, you'll be hooked for life.

Learn more about the species

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin Tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus genus, typically reaching 3 feet and 45 pounds. These speedy fish are found in warm Atlantic waters, often near the continental shelf. We usually target them from late summer through fall when they're most abundant off Virginia's coast. Blackfin put up an energetic fight on light tackle, making them a blast to catch. Their firm, dark meat is prized for sushi and grilling. To land one, try trolling small lures or live bait around underwater structures and temperature breaks. When you spot birds diving, that's a good sign Blackfin are feeding near the surface. These fish can be cannibalistic, so using chunk bait from other tuna species can be effective. Just remember to scale down your leaders and hooks – Blackfin have sharp eyes and can be line-shy. A 30-pound fluorocarbon leader with a 5/0 circle hook is a good starting setup when targeting these sporty tuna.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females growing up to 1,800 pounds and 16 feet long. These powerful fish roam warm ocean waters, often following the Gulf Stream past Virginia in late summer. We usually find them in deep blue water over 100 fathoms. Blues are known for their incredible acrobatics when hooked – they'll leap and tailwalk across the surface, putting on a real show. Anglers prize them for their fighting spirit and the challenge of landing such a massive fish. To target Blues, we troll large lures or rigged baits like Ballyhoo at speeds around 7-8 knots. Keep an eye out for frigate birds, as they often follow Blue Marlin hunting schools of tuna or dolphinfish. When you get a strike, be ready for a long, tiring fight. My top tip: don't try to muscle them in. Let the fish run and tire itself out before slowly working it to the boat. Patience is key with these ocean warriors.

Swordfish

Swordfish are deep-dwelling giants, averaging 200-400 pounds but capable of topping 1,000. These prehistoric-looking fish inhabit waters from the surface down to 1,500 feet, making them a unique offshore target. We find them year-round off Virginia, though summer and fall offer the best conditions. Swordfish are prized for both their fighting ability and their excellent table fare. Catching one is a true test of an angler's skill and patience. We typically target them by deep-dropping baits like squid to the ocean floor, using heavy weights and light sticks to attract attention in the darkness. It's a waiting game – sometimes hours pass between bites. When a Sword does hit, be ready for a long, powerful fight as you winch it up from the depths. My insider tip: use an electric reel if you can. It'll save your arms and back during those marathon battles with big Swords.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish known for blistering runs and tasty white meat. They typically range from 3-5 feet long and 15-50 pounds, though trophy fish over 100 pounds aren't unheard of. We find them in blue offshore waters, often near dropoffs or floating debris. Late summer and early fall are prime Wahoo seasons off Virginia when water temperatures peak. These fish are lightning fast, clocked at speeds up to 60 mph, making for some exciting strikes and screaming reels. Wahoo flesh is a prized catch, with a mild flavor perfect for grilling or sashimi. To target them, we often high-speed troll at 12-15 knots using wire leaders (those teeth are razor sharp) and lures like bullet heads or jet heads. My go-to trick is adding a strip of colored rubber or vinyl to your lure for extra flash and action. When a Wahoo hits, hang on tight – their initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds!

White Marlin

White Marlin are the smaller cousins of Blues, averaging 60-80 pounds and 6-8 feet long. We typically find them in warm offshore waters from late summer through fall, often following bait schools along temperature breaks and underwater structure. These fish are known for their acrobatic fights, putting on aerial displays that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. While not as massive as Blues, Whites are still a prized catch due to their beauty and the skill needed to land one. We usually target them by trolling small lures or rigged baits like Ballyhoo at slower speeds, around 5-7 knots. Keep an eye out for working birds or bait dimpling the surface – that's often a sign White Marlin are feeding nearby. My top tip: when a White hits, don't set the hook right away. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds before slowly coming tight. This gives the fish time to get the bait in its mouth, improving your hookup ratio.

About the Prowler Fishing Charter

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Detriot Diesel

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 450

Ready for an epic day of offshore fishing from Norfolk? This 12-hour charter takes you deep into the Atlantic in search of big game fish. We'll leave the dock at 5 AM and cruise out to prime fishing grounds where marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo roam. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for a group of friends or family looking to test their skills against some of the ocean's top predators. We'll explore deep waters and wrecks, giving you the best shot at hooking into something massive. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time, our crew will make sure you have an amazing day on the water. Get ready for bent rods, screaming reels, and memories that'll last a lifetime on this all-day Norfolk fishing adventure.

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