Expert-Guided 2-Hour Evening Fishing in VA Beach

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Virginia Beach, VA
$375 - $1,400 price range
Updated Date: July 29, 2025

Summary

Looking for a relaxed way to end your day in Virginia Beach? Captain Pat's 2-hour evening fishing charter might be just the ticket. As the sun starts to set, you'll head out on the water with up to five friends or family members. The timing is perfect – right when fish like Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel tend to get more active. Whether you're hoping to improve your fishing skills or just enjoy being out on the water, Captain Pat's local knowledge gives you a good shot at catching something. Even if the fish aren't biting, the views of the coastline at golden hour are worth the trip. It's a laid-back outing that lets you experience Virginia Beach from a different angle. Just keep in mind that your deposit isn't refundable if plans change. Pack some snacks, bring a light jacket, and get ready for a mellow evening on the water.

Expert-Guided 2-Hour Evening Fishing in VA Beach

Evening Catch Highlights

Tackling the deep blue with heavy and light gear in Virginia Beach!

Hooked on adventure in Virginia Beach!

Reel in the memories of a lifetime

Catch of the day in scenic Virginia Beach!

Virginia Beach Sunset Fishing: 2-Hour Inshore Adventure

Ready for some evening action on the water? Captain Pat's 2-hour sunset charter with Alanna Kay Sportfishing is your ticket to Virginia Beach's prime inshore fishing spots. As the day winds down, we'll hit the sweet spot when fish start feeding and the views get golden. Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or just unwind with some lines in the water, this trip's got you covered. We'll target the local favorites like Spanish Mackerel and Spadefish, all while soaking in those calm coastal vibes. It's the perfect way to cap off your day in VA Beach.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're stepping onto the boat as the sun starts its descent, painting the sky in warm hues. Captain Pat's at the helm, ready to share his local know-how and get you to where the fish are biting. We'll cruise out to some prime inshore spots, where species like Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel are known to get frisky as evening sets in. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you've got to do is cast a line and wait for that telltale tug. And hey, even if the fish aren't jumping, those sunset views over the Atlantic are worth the trip alone.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this charter, we keep things simple but effective. We'll likely be doing some light trolling or casting with lures – perfect for nabbing those speedy mackerel. Captain Pat might also set you up with some bottom fishing if the conditions are right for redfish or spadefish. The gear's all top-notch and suited for inshore action. Light to medium tackle is the name of the game here, giving you a real feel for the fight when a fish strikes. Don't worry if you're new to this – Pat's always ready to show you the ropes, from baiting hooks to perfecting your cast. And for you seasoned anglers, he's got some local tricks up his sleeve that might just land you the catch of the day.

Top Catches This Season

Virginia Beach's inshore waters are teeming with life, and each season brings its own mix of species. Right now, Spanish Mackerel are the hot ticket item. These zippy little fighters are a blast on light tackle and make for some tasty fillets if you're looking to take some home for dinner. Spadefish have also been showing up in good numbers – they might not be the biggest, but their unique shape and strong pull make them a fun surprise on the line. And let's not forget about the ever-present possibility of hooking into a bull redfish. These copper-colored beauties can really put your skills to the test, especially in the shallows.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the stars of our summer evening trips. Known for their flashy runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish Mackerel will give you a real thrill on light tackle. They usually show up in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Look for them to start hitting lures hard as the sun gets low – their silver sides flashing in the golden hour light is a sight to behold.

Spadefish: Don't let their small size fool you – Spadefish punch above their weight class when it comes to fighting spirit. These disc-shaped oddities gather around structures and can be a real challenge to entice. But once hooked, they use their wide bodies to full advantage, pulling hard and making for an exciting catch. They're most active in the warmer months and love hanging around pier pilings and buoys.

King Mackerel: While we primarily target their smaller cousins, there's always a chance of hooking into a King Mackerel, especially as we edge towards fall. These toothy predators can top 20 pounds inshore and will really make your drag sing. They're known for blistering runs and are a prized catch for any angler lucky enough to tangle with one.

Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among local anglers. In the evening hours, they often move into shallower waters to feed, making them perfect targets for our sunset trips. Juvenile redfish, or "puppy drum," are more common inshore, but there's always the chance of hooking into a big bull red that'll test your tackle and your stamina.

Atlantic Mackerel: While less common than their Spanish cousins, Atlantic Mackerel sometimes make an appearance in our waters, especially in the cooler months. They're eager biters and great fun on light gear. If we find a school, you can expect fast action and a great opportunity to fill the cooler with these tasty, omega-3 rich fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Our evening charters offer a slice of Virginia Beach that you just can't get from shore. There's something special about being on the water as the day winds down, feeling the sea breeze and watching the sky change colors. It's a chance to unwind, swap stories, and maybe learn a new trick or two from Captain Pat. Plus, with a max of 6 guests, you're getting a personalized experience that caters to your skill level and interests. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to add some adventure to your beach vacation, this 2-hour trip hits the sweet spot.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks – if an evening of fishing, stunning views, and the chance to reel in some of Virginia Beach's finest sounds good to you, it's time to lock in your spot. Remember, we keep these groups small to ensure everyone gets the attention they need, so spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're planning a family outing, a team-building event, or just want to treat yourself to some quality time on the water, Captain Pat's got you covered. Don't forget – while we provide all the gear, you might want to bring a camera to capture those sunset moments and your big catches. Oh, and a word to the wise – those deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and commit to your offshore escape. Ready to make some memories on the water? Give Alanna Kay Sportfishing a shout and let's get you booked for an evening you won't forget.

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are speedy little guys, usually 1-2 feet long and a few pounds. They show up in our waters when it warms up, typically hanging out near the surface in large schools. Look for diving birds to find them - Spanish Macks often push bait to the top. These fish are a blast on light tackle. They hit hard and make blistering runs. I like using small, flashy lures like spoons or Got-Cha plugs. Trolling works well too, but watch your speed - anything over 7 mph is usually too fast. Spanish Mackerel are excellent eating when fresh, with firm, flavorful meat. Just be sure to ice them down quick. They're most abundant here in late summer and early fall. A local trick is to use a "Christmas tree" rig with multiple lures - when the bite is on, you might hook several at once. Just be ready for some tangles!

King Mackerel

Redfish are a blast to chase in the shallows around here. They love hanging out in 1-4 feet of water - you might even see their backs sticking out! Look for them around oyster beds, grass flats, and old structures like piers. Most run 28-33 inches, but they can get much bigger offshore. What makes redfish fun is sight-fishing for them in clear water. They'll leave "mud trails" as they root around the bottom for food. Once you spot one, a well-placed lure or bait can trigger an explosive strike. I like using topwater plugs early in the morning for some exciting surface action. These copper-colored bruisers put up a great fight and are excellent eating too. They get their name from that reddish tint, along with the distinctive black spot near their tail. Spring through fall are your best bet, with fish moving to deeper water in winter. Pro tip: work your lure or bait slowly - redfish aren't known for chasing down fast-moving prey.

Redfish

Spadefish are odd-looking but fun to catch. They're disk-shaped with black stripes and usually weigh 3-10 pounds. You'll find them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in the warmer months. They school up in big numbers, sometimes 500 or more fish together. These guys are stubborn fighters for their size, using their flat bodies to resist being reeled in. The challenge is getting them to bite - they can be picky eaters. I've had the best luck using small pieces of clam on a circle hook. Jellyball jellies also work well if you can find them. Spadefish make for decent table fare, but most folks target them for the unique challenge. They're not the fastest swimmers, so they rely on playing dead to escape predators. Keep that in mind when you're fighting one - if it goes limp, it might just be faking you out. Patience is key with spadefish. Once you find a school, you can often catch quite a few.

Spadefish

King Mackerel are speed demons, clocking in as one of the fastest fish in our waters. They typically run 20-40 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in depths from 40-150 feet, with bigger ones hanging around inlets and harbors. Kings love warm water in the 70-80°F range. These fish are popular for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is the go-to method. I like to use a stinger rig with two hooks on a wire leader - Kings are known for short-striking the back half of bait fish. Summer and early fall are prime King Mackerel seasons here. They make for decent eating, but be aware of mercury levels in larger specimens. For the best fight, target the "smoker" Kings over 30 pounds. Nothing beats seeing one of those missiles skyrocket out of the water on your line.

Spanish Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel are quick, schooling fish that average about a foot long and 4 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters during summer, often in massive schools that can stretch for miles. They're fun to catch on light tackle - I like using a small spinning rod with 15lb line and shiny artificial lures that mimic baitfish. These aggressive eaters put up a good fight for their size. Just be aware that big schools can attract larger predators like sharks. Mackerel are prized for their rich, oily meat that's packed with healthy omega-3s. They're delicious grilled or smoked. The best time to target them is warmer months when they move closer to shore. Look for them feeding near the surface - you might even see them jumping. A local trick is to chum the water with cut bait to get a school fired up. Once you find them, it's often fast action. Just remember there are catch limits to help protect the population.

About the Alanna Kay Sportfishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Cummins

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 375

As the day winds down, hop aboard Captain Pat's boat for a relaxing 2-hour evening fishing trip off Virginia Beach. The golden hour light creates the perfect backdrop for casting lines and enjoying the coastal scenery. With room for up to 6 guests, it's an ideal outing for friends or family looking to unwind and maybe catch some dinner. Captain Pat knows these waters like the back of his hand, giving you a great shot at reeling in some Bluefish or Spanish Mackerel as they become more active in the twilight hours. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, you'll appreciate the calm evening atmosphere and gentle waves. It's a laid-back way to cap off your day, combining the peacefulness of being on the water with the excitement of fishing. Remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely and get ready for a pleasant evening on the waves.

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