George Shemo
George Shemo
Repeat angler
us
New York, US
•
Member since 2018
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified

The Way to Go

Half Day Trip (AM)2 adults

Whether you're a first timer or an old pro, the Top Notch, piloted by Captain Russ, is absolutely the way to go. The boat is definitely ship-shape; clean, comfortable,well organized, and has all the equipment you need for a successful fishing experience. Captain Russ was very amenable to any request or question we had, and sought our input on planning the trip. From the time we left port, it didn't take long to get lines in the water, and start catching fish. With the boat's fish finding equipment, and the keen eyes of Captain Russ and his First Mate Reese, we were able to find and catch fish throughout the trip. First Mate Reese was a whiz at setting up the tackle and keeping 4 to 6 lines in the water at all times, and when we got a hit, he was there to assist us in getting the fish on board. My son was able to land a 46 inch Red Drum, for which he has earned a plaque he will receive from the Commonwealth of Virginia; a very nice touch to adding fun to the experience. We took the AM half day off-shore trip, which provided us with all the fun and fishing excitement we could handle. So, Captain Russ and First Mate Reese, thank you for a great fishing experience! This was our second trip on the Top Notch, and we will continue to fish with you whenever we vacation in Virginia Beach.

Response from Captain

Thanks George! We always enjoy fishing with you! Look forward to fishing with you again soon.

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Top Notch Charters
4.9
(50)
53 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $700

Rating

4.9
50 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

  • 100%
    Great experience
  • 100%
    Family friendly
  • 100%
    Friendly captain
  • 100%
    Good boat
  • 92%
    Recommended
  • 95%
    Caught fish

All reviews (50)

Showing 1 – 5 of 50 reviews
  • Philip Magin
    Philip Magin
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2022
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Got our Marlin!

    Extended Full Day Trip – Offshore • 3 adults • 1 child

    Bumpy trip weather wise but the boat handled it really well. Capt and mate 1st class people and they worked hard to get us our Marlin. Went 1/2 on the day. I would highly recommend.

    Reported Catch
    White Marlin
    Response from Captain

    Philip thank you for fishing with us! Glad we got your white marlin! On a regular charter we would have looked for some meat to bring home, but we focus on what our group would like to catch when sf all possible.

  • James Truxell
    James Truxell
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Early Season Trip

    Extended Full Day Trip – Offshore • 6 adults

    Wish we would have got into some Tuna but Russ and Bobby kept us in the fish and made sure we still had a great day. cought several dolphin, sea bass and tile. one of which was a citation! We will definitely book with Top Notch again!

    Reported Catch
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Bradley Herzog
    Bradley Herzog
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Fishing with Russ

    Extended Full Day Trip – Offshore • 6 adults

    Great captain, crew, and boat. Perfect weather 40+ miles off the Virginia coast. Caught the limit. Plan on making it an annual event 👍

  • Greg Fitzgerald
    Greg Fitzgerald
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    spectacular trip

    Extended Full Day Trip – Offshore • 4 adults

    Caught 2 Marlin, limit of tilefish, and 20+ mahi. incredible memory for my son and nephew. Captain and mate were absolutey fantastic and the boat is immaculate.

  • Paul Bracken
    Paul Bracken
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic trip with Russ and gene

    Half Day Trip (AM) • 4 adults • 2 children

    Took a inshore/nearshore trip with my son, 8 years old, with my buddy and his son, also 8 years old. We didn’t have lines in the water for 5 minutes and we were into the fish. The kids kept a total of 28 fish ( mixed species) and probably threw back just as many. We caught Spanish mackerel, blues, and 4 hound fish. These guys were amazing with the kids. I can’t recommend them enough. Already planning an all day tuna trip this fall. Highly recommend. I’m gunna end it there because I can’t say enough good about these guys

    Reported Catch
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Spanish Mackerel