Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime off the coast of Norfolk, VA! Our 15-hour offshore charter takes you deep into the Atlantic, where the big game fish play. We're talking massive Marlin, hard-fighting Tuna, and acrobatic Mahi Mahi. This ain't your average day on the water - it's a full-on fishing marathon that'll push your skills and reward you with some serious bragging rights.
We'll be casting off at the crack of dawn - 5 AM sharp. Trust me, you'll want every minute out there. As we cruise past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and into open water, you'll feel the anticipation building. The Gulf Stream's warm currents attract some real monsters, and we know just where to find 'em. Our experienced crew will set you up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes if you're new to offshore fishing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time going after the big ones, we've got you covered. Just be ready for some serious action when those reels start screaming!
We'll be using a mix of techniques to maximize our chances of hooking into something epic. Trolling is the name of the game for covering water and enticing those pelagic predators. We'll have a spread of lures out that mimic baitfish, skipping and diving along the surface. When we mark some fish on the finder, we might switch it up to vertical jigging or dropping live bait. There's nothing quite like watching a big Yellowfin crash a popper on the surface - it'll get your heart racing every time. Our crew will be on hand to help with rigging, casting, and landing your catch. Just remember, when that rod doubles over, it's all you!
Blue Marlin: The ultimate trophy of the offshore world. These cobalt missiles can top 1,000 pounds and put on an acrobatic show like no other. They're most common in the warmer months, from June to September. When a Blue Marlin decides to eat, hold on tight - the initial run can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds!
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, these neon-colored speedsters are a blast to catch and delicious on the plate. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, be ready for more. Mahi love to hang around floating debris and weedlines, using their electric blue pectoral fins to "fly" through the water after bait.
Yellowfin Tuna: Pound for pound, one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These torpedoes can reach over 200 pounds and will test your stamina on long, powerful runs. We typically find them in the warmer months, often associated with temperature breaks or underwater structure. Fresh Yellowfin sashimi on the ride home? Yes, please!
White Marlin: The smaller cousin of the Blue Marlin, but no less exciting. These fish are known for their incredible aerial displays, often greyhounding across the surface in a series of jumps. They're a bit more common than Blues, especially in the late summer and early fall. Landing a White Marlin is a true offshore accomplishment.
Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champion of the tuna world. These bruisers can reach over 1,000 pounds and are prized by anglers and sushi lovers alike. We typically target them in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. Fighting a giant Bluefin is like being tied to a submarine - it's an experience you'll never forget.
There's something special about being 50 miles offshore, surrounded by nothing but blue water and the promise of what might be lurking below. The camaraderie that develops over a long day of fishing, the shared excitement when someone hooks up, and the satisfaction of bringing a hard-earned catch back to the dock - it's addictive. Plus, every trip is different. You never know if today's the day you'll tangle with that grander Blue Marlin or land a new personal best Tuna. That's what keeps folks coming back year after year.
Listen, if you're serious about offshore fishing, this 15-hour trip is the real deal. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the determination to put you on fish. But spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. So if you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's top predators, don't wait. Grab five of your buddies (or make some new fishing friends) and lock in your date. Just remember to bring plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a camera - you're gonna want proof when you're telling fish stories later. Let's get out there and make some memories!
Bluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna world, averaging 6-7 feet and 550 pounds, but can reach a massive 1,400 pounds. These powerful fish are built for speed and endurance, with a streamlined torpedo shape that lets them cruise at 40+ mph. You'll find them in both cold and warm Atlantic waters, from the Gulf of Mexico up to Newfoundland. They're most active at dawn and dusk, often near offshore structures like reefs or islands. Anglers love bluefin for their incredible strength and fight - be ready for fast runs and deep dives that'll test your gear and skills. Live bait like mackerel works well, or try trolling with lures that mimic their prey. Jigging can also trigger their predatory instincts. Just remember, these fish are carefully managed due to overfishing concerns. If you're lucky enough to land one, you're in for some of the most prized sushi-grade meat out there. Pro tip: Use heavy tackle and a sturdy fishing belt - you'll need it when one of these beasts hits your line.
White marlin are sleek, powerful billfish that'll give you a run for your money. They're smaller than their blue cousins, typically 5-9 feet long and up to 180 pounds. You'll find them in warm, deep waters of the Atlantic, often near underwater canyons or shoals. These fish are fast and acrobatic, known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. Trolling with rigged ballyhoo or small tuna is your best bet. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a sign white marlin are feeding near the surface. The real challenge comes after the strike. Let them run with the bait before setting the hook, then hold on tight. These fish put up an amazing fight, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. Late summer and early fall are prime time for white marlin off Virginia. Remember, most anglers practice catch and release to help conserve the population. If you're after a true test of angling skill, white marlin are hard to beat. Local tip: Watch your drag settings closely - these fish can make sudden, powerful runs that can snap your line if you're not careful.
Mahi-mahi, also called dorado or dolphinfish, are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here. They're known for their bright gold sides with blue and green spots, though the colors fade quickly after they're caught. Most mahi we catch run 15-30 pounds, but they can get up to 50-60 pounds. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines. These fish are fast growers and don't live long, which makes them a sustainable choice. Mahi are acrobatic fighters, known for their aerial displays when hooked. They're also excellent eating - the meat is mild and versatile. We usually target them by trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures, but sight casting can be exciting when we spot them near the surface. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Mahi often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep the fish in the water to attract others. Local tip: Look for frigate birds circling - they often signal mahi feeding on flying fish near the surface.
Yellowfin tuna are the speedsters of the tuna world, capable of hitting 50 mph in short bursts. They're easily spotted by their bright yellow fins, which give them their name. Most yellowfin we catch around here run 60-100 pounds, but they can get up to 400 pounds in rare cases. You'll find them in the upper 100 meters of warm offshore waters, often near floating debris or structure. These fish are known for their hard fights and acrobatic jumps, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. They're also excellent eating, popular in both sushi and as grilled steaks. We usually target them by trolling with skirted lures or rigged ballyhoo, but chunking can be effective too when they're feeding deep. Keep an eye out for bird activity - that often signals yellowfin feeding near the surface. Best fishing is typically from late spring through fall when the water warms up. Pro tip: When you hook one, be ready for a long, hard fight. These fish have serious stamina and can make multiple runs before they tire out.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detriot Diesel
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 450