Virginia Beach fishing gives saltwater anglers an almost unimaginable number of options. Located right at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay and within easy reach of offshore canyons, it has something for everyone. Whether your sights are set on doubling up on White and Blue Marlin, catching a surprise Bluefin Tuna close to shore, or getting in on the non-stop winter Striped Bass action, this is the place to be. Come rain or shine, Virginia Beach fishing charters give you the chance to experience one of the hottest fisheries on the whole of the East Coast.

Virginia Beach has entered the record books on more than one occasion. It's famously known as ‘the longest pleasure beach in the world,’ awarded by the Guiness Book of World Records. But what we anglers care about is the action that takes place in the waters beyond the sands. And oh my, what waters these are.

The prolific waters offshore have made this the place to fish out if you are after a state record. Records for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, and Bluefin Tuna all come from this port, with the Blue Marlin coming in at an impressive 1093 pounds, 12 ounces. This is also the home to the IGFA all-tackle record for Black Sea Bass. Somehow, when you fish out of Rudee Inlet, it doesn’t seem too far fetched to picture yourself returning with your own IGFA trophy. 

What makes Virigina Beach so special for anglers is that this is place where north and south combine. Unlike anywhere else in the world, catch photos here are full of Redfish and Cobia, as well as Striped Bass and Tautog. And while the inshore action is well-known for its enormous Red Drum, deep sea fishing in Virginia Beach is the stuff anglers’ dreams are made of. Norfolk Canyon, located 70 miles east, and the Cigar, 65 miles southeast from Rudee Inlet, are a couple of your best bets. These are prime fishing grounds for Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna. You can also catch Blue and White Marlin in the summer and Bluefin Tuna in the winter. This is big game fishing at its best.

But it's not all about big game. Winter charters will usually take you exploring the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Seeing as this is where 80 percent of the East Coast’s Striped Bass population spawns, that means fishing until your arms hurt, day in day out. And with the Lynnhaven Inlet opening out just south of one of the Striped Bass’s favorite haunts, you don’t need to go far to get in on the action. Look for Stripers — or Rockfish, as they are known locally — around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, where they lie in wait ready to ambush baitfish coming in from the Atlantic. Ambush one yourself and see why everyone’s talking about Chesapeake Bay Striper fishing.

Just can’t get enough? We don’t blame you. Put the skills you learned on your fishing charter into practice at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Fishing Pier. The only fishing pier on the Virginia Beach boardwalk, this is a place to catch Bluefish, Red Drum, King and Spanish Mackerel, Trout, and more.

Pro tip - if you're in the area for a while, take part in the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. Anyone with a valid Virginia fishing license who joins in can collect citations for eligible fish. Collect six different citations in one year, and you will be considered a real expert!

One of our favorite Virginia Beach charter fishing experiences is catching Striped Bass in the Chesapeake Bay. Come summertime, most offshore captains will be trolling offshore for White and Blue Marlin. Find White Marlin 'balling' bait, and you can even cast live bait to them - this is a thrill you won't forget. Trolling or chumming and chunking for Bluefin Tuna can also make for lifelong memories.

Want to stay closer to shore? Try sight fishing for Cobia around the entrance to the York River. Otherwise, target Red Drum and Speckled Trout on light tackle or bottom fish over the wrecks for Tautog and Black Sea Bass. 

Fishing licenses are obligatory for everyone aged 16 - 65 years old. But, if you are fishing aboard a licensed Virginia charter or party boat or most public fishing piers, you are exempt. Virginia Beach fishing licenses may be purchased online.