Virginia Beach

39 Fishing Charters

Top Fishing Charters in Virginia Beach

Fishing in Virginia Beach

Charter fishing in Virginia Beach opens up a world of options. The city sits at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, America’s biggest fish magnet. It’s also surrounded by wrecks and deep sea battlegrounds. The result? Local captains can put you on everything from Mackerel to Marlin – all you have to do is choose. With that in mind, here are the top fishing charters in Virginia Beach.

Bay and Inshore Charters: Great for Beginners

Inshore and bay trips are the perfect introduction to charter fishing. You’ll be in calm, sheltered waters the whole time – ideal for anyone who’s new to boating. You’ll also get great views of the bay as you fish. And being so close to the city, even half day trips can give you plenty of action.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay for Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Drum. Fish around bridges for Sheepshead and Spadefish. You can also catch big Cobia in the summer and trophy Striped Bass in the winter. In short, there’s a fish for any skill level just a stone’s throw from town.

Wreck Fishing Charters: All About the Fish

If you’re looking to load up on big, tasty fillets, this is the trip for you. The local wrecks are home to a huge mix of food fish: Seabass, Tautog, Amberjack, Grouper, Tilefish – this is some of the best eating you could ever ask for. It’s a good thing you’ll work up an appetite!

The farther you go, the bigger the fish get. Because of this, wreck fishing trips are usually full days. The most popular spot is the “Middle Grounds,” 25 miles offshore. You can also go on extended “deep drop” charters 40+ miles out. If you’re serious about filling the freezer, this is the way to do it.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters: Big Game Action

Serious sport fishers, listen up. The battle of a lifetime is waiting offshore. During summer and fall, the seas off Virginia Beach hold huge Blue and White Marlin, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and more. Swordfish, Tilefish, and who knows what else lurks in the depths beneath them. Are you up to the challenge?

The best fishing is out at the canyons, 70 miles offshore. This is where the biggest fish pack into the tightest spots, meaning constant hookups when the bite’s hot. It takes a long time to get there, though. You need 12 hours minimum if you’re serious about big game hookups. Overnight charters are also popular.

Virginia Beach: An Angler's Paradise

Captains in VA Beach have got their business down to an art. They’ve tailored trips to every style of fishing. Every group of people. They supply all the equipment and will be on hand to show you how it works. Whichever trip you choose, you’re in for huge hookups and a ton of fun. That’s what Virginia Beach fishing charters are all about, after all.

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Virginia Beach Fishing Seasons

January

Striped Bass fever is in full swing in January in Virginia Beach. This is peak season for catching a 'Rockfish,' the local name for the Chesapeake Bay's favorite fish. Look out for migrating Humpback Whales during your trip.

February

Striped Bass fishing continues to light up the Chesapeake Bay. Bring in these hard-fighting fish until your arms hurt - this will warm you up regardless of what the grim February weather throws at you.

March

Temperatures finally start to rise into the mid 60s by the end of the month. This is not the peak season for fishing but you can catch yourself a good deal at a hotel, if not some Striped Bass and Speckled Trout.

April

As temperatures start to get serious about transitioning to spring, so does the fishing. Yellowfin Tuna start to appear offshore, with Bluefin and Bigeye hot on their heels. Inshore, Black Drum and Speckled Trout are biting.

May

Spring is definitely here, and peak fishing season starts. Everything is biting from now through October. Look out for big Red Drum and Black Drum in the Chesapeake or large schools of Yellowfin off Virginia Beach.

June

Cobia start to invade the Chesapeake Bay, making for excellent sight fishing through September. As well as Yellowfin, offshore trips target Bigeye and Bluefin Tuna and White Marlin.

July

Summer fishing continues to bring in big pelagics and Virginia Beach charter fishing is the perfect way to have fun and escape the crowds in peak season. Don't miss the Virginia Beach Invitational Marlin Tournament.

August

White Marlin fishing gets even better than ever, while Blue Marlin remains excellent. The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament makes the most of the bite. Closer to shore, catch Red Drum and Cobia.

September

Temperatures cool and the crowds disperse. And while hotel prices might drop, the fishing doesn't. This is peak season for Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna. Big Red Drum and Speckled Trout are the talk of the town inshore.

October

October is most certainly fall, and you will find the cooler temperatures agree. But if fall means one thing in Virginia Beach, it is Stripers. The best thing is, most of the summer species are still around, too.

November

Along with Stripers, November means fishing for Speckled Trout, Tautog, Flounder, and Sea Bass. Offshore, Yellowfin Tuna is still going strong, and the occasional Bluefin Tuna may even come in close to shore.

December

Only the hardiest of fish remain in Virginia Beach in the winter. But hey, what does that matter when Rockfish is as hardy as they come? A festive meal of big Striped Bass never hurt anyone.