Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA

Join Top Dog Charters and discover just how amazing Virginia fishing can be! The Chesapeake Bay is one the most productive fishing grounds in the country and Captain Neil Lessard knows exactly what to do to get you on the hottest bite.

Join him on his custom 45’ Hatteras Sportfish that will get up to 6 passionate anglers on the fish efficiently and safely. She’s outfitted with twin 660 HP Cummins engines, which make her strong and reliable in different weather conditions.

The vessel also sports a private toilet and a fully air-conditioned salon that is roomy, comfortable, and perfectly suited for that time of the day when you need a break from battling awesome fish you hook.

Speaking of awesome fish, what is on your to-catch list for the day? Inshore waters of this area are abundant in Cobia, Redfish, Black Drum, Flounder, Spadefish, as well as trophy-sized Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, and the list just goes on.

When it comes to standard rods, reels, and tackle, he’ll provide them, as well as catch cleaning and filleting at the end of the trip, which is absolutely complimentary. You will also have a first mate on board, ready to help at all times, and for all his hard work, 20% tips are welcome and appreciated.

Whether you come with your family or a bunch of best angling buddies, fun times and impressive catch is guaranteed. Your kids are welcome to join too, this is a great opportunity to pass on the rod.

Join Top Dog Charters for a fishing expedition that will leave you smiling and proud with memories to cherish in many years to come! Please remember beer is fine no illegal drugs are permitted including Mariquana/Pot we are Federally Regulated by the US Coast Guard!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Red Drum Trip (Sep – Oct)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Sep 1 - Oct 15
    US $800
    The Fishing Is Hot. The Big Reds are here until the first or second week of October. Book your trip now.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip (May – Aug)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Aug 31
    US $900
    This trip will take place in the lower Chesapeake Bay. As soon as you come aboard, you are minutes from fishing! Once you're on the best fishing grounds, you can cast your line and wait for something great to bite – Redfish, Black Drum, Cobia, Bluefish, as well as Striped Bass and Spadefish are all game. After the trip, your captain and first mate will clean and package your catch for you. Don't forget to bring your food, beverages, and sunscreen.
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip (May – Aug)
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Aug 31
    US $1,200
    If you're craving more time on the water and opportunities to catch something magnificent, this is the trip for you. Meet with Capt. Neil at the dock and off you go on an angling adventure that will fill your cooler and bring a smile to your face. Your target for the day are inshore bad boys like Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Spadefish, Bluefish, Cobia, Black Drum, and Redfish, just to name a selected few.
  • Private trip
    Trophy Stripers
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Nov 24 - Jan 14
    US $1,300
    This trip is for Trophy Stripers that will be catch and release only. This fishery can produce some real quality fish and a possible Striper of a lifetime that can exceed the 50-60lb range, come and enjoy are winter fishery!
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Striped)
    Striped Bass
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FAQs about Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA

Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $800 per group - 4 Hour Red Drum Trip (Sep – Oct) (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group - 4 Hour Trip (May – Aug) (4 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 6 Hour Trip (May – Aug) (6 hours)
  • US $1,300 per group - Trophy Stripers (7 hours)

When you book a trip with Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Air Conditioning
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed bunks and benches in salon
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Kitchen convection, microwave oven, sink, mini fridge
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
  • Radar

Trips booked with Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate (20 percent tip is customary for Mate’s Tip)
  • Fishing License (Up to 6 anglers)

Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly Fishing (You may bring your tackle and bait)
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Black Drum
  • Flounder
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Spadefish
  • Spanish Mackerel

Meet the Captain

Neil Lessard
Cape Charles, Virginia, United States
26 Customer reviews
Response time 1 hour
Member since July 2018
Captain Neil Lessard of Top Dog Charters has been fishing the lower Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for 35 years. His charter company is located in historic Cape Charles, Virginia, and he's got ample experience when it comes to fishing the waters of this bountiful area. Captain Neil focuses on organizing premier sportfishing trips for both advanced anglers and beginners. Everybody is welcome!

About this listing

Targeted species

Bass (Striped) Striped Bass
Black Drum Black Drum
Flounder Flounder
Redfish Redfish

Boat specs

Hatteras Sportfish (Sportfishing) originally built in 1985, and restored in 2007. Powered by 2 660HP Cummins engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 28 knots.

Length
45 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
You may bring your tackle and bait
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Air Conditioning
Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
bunks and benches in salon

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First Mate
20 percent tip is customary for Mate’s Tip
Fishing License
Up to 6 anglers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
We clean and package at no charge
Catch and Release Allowed
Disabled Accessible

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Checks

Cape Charles Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 25 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (15)
Fishing with Neil
Fishing with Neil
Fishing with Neil
+12
Angler rating
25
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
90%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 25 reviews
Martin S.
Toano, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Making “BIG” memories

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (May – Aug) on August 3, 2023
Captain Neil and first mate Trent provided our entire family a great experience.  We were able to bottom fish,  run Spanish...
Martin S. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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David L.
Madison, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day with Capt. Neil

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip (May – Aug) on June 28, 2023
Captain and crew were great. Boat was very nice.  We enjoyed the trip!
David L. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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David L. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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Peter J.
Machipongo, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Neil

VERIFIED   4 Hour Red Drum Trip (Sep – Oct) on September 3, 2023
Peter J. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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Peter J. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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Gia O.
Cape Charles, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Neil

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (May – Aug) on July 30, 2023
Gia O. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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Gia O. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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Jeff M.
Suffolk, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip (May – Aug) on July 24, 2023
Jeff M. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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Jeff M. recommends Top Dog Charters - Cape Charles, VA
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