Ready for a full day of non-stop inshore action in Virginia Beach? Captain Pat of Alanna Kay Sportfishing has you covered with this 8-hour charter designed for serious anglers. You'll be targeting some of the area's most sought-after species, including Cobia, Red Drum, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel. With years of local knowledge under his belt, Capt. Pat knows exactly where to find the hot spots and how to put you on fish. This small-group trip means more personalized attention and a chance to really hone your skills. So grab your gear and let's hit the water!
When you step aboard Alanna Kay, you're in for a day of hardcore fishing. We'll start early, usually around sunrise, to make the most of prime feeding times. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. As we cruise out, Capt. Pat will fill you in on the day's game plan - which spots we'll hit and what species are biting. Expect to cover a lot of ground, from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to offshore wrecks and reefs. We might do some trolling, bottom fishing, or even sight casting if conditions are right. It's a full 8 hours on the water, so pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. Don't forget your camera - you'll want to show off those trophy catches!
This trip is all about versatility. We'll adapt our tactics based on what's biting and where. For Cobia, we might spend time sight fishing - scanning the water for those big brown cruisers near the surface. When targeting Red Drum, we'll often use cut bait or live eels, either drifting or anchored up in known hotspots. Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel? Get ready for some fast-paced trolling action with Clark spoons or small lures. Bottom fishing for Black Sea Bass requires precision and patience, dropping baits right on structure. Capt. Pat's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so be ready to learn some new techniques. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to step up your game, you'll walk away with some new skills in your angling arsenal.
Virginia Beach's inshore waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been hauling in some monster Red Drum, with several fish over 40 inches reported. The Cobia run has been nothing short of spectacular, with multiple 50+ pounders boated. Bluefish have been thick, providing non-stop action for those who love a good fight. And let's not forget the Spanish Mackerel - they've been schooling up in big numbers, perfect for filling the cooler. Black Sea Bass fishing has been consistent, with plenty of keeper-sized fish coming over the rails. Remember, seasons and regulations can change, so Capt. Pat will make sure you're up to speed on what we can target during your trip.
Red Drum: Also known as Redfish, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Virginia Beach anglers. They can range from small "puppies" to massive bull reds over 50 inches. Red Drum are known for their powerful runs and tendency to put up a great fight. They're most active in the warmer months, with fall being prime time for the big ones. When you hook into a bull red, hold on tight - it's an experience you won't forget!
Cobia: Often called "brown torpedoes," Cobia are one of the most prized catches in these waters. They show up in late spring and stick around through summer. These fish can grow to over 100 pounds, and even a average-sized Cobia will give you a serious workout. They're curious fish, often following boats or hanging around buoys. Sight fishing for Cobia is a rush - spotting that dark shape in the water and making the perfect cast is what fishing dreams are made of.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters arrive in Virginia Beach waters as they migrate north, usually showing up in May. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Spanish Mackerel often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. They're not only fun to catch but also delicious on the grill. Trolling for Spanish Mackerel is a great way to cover water and find the bite.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, Bluefish are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. They're aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth, so handle with care! Bluefish can show up in huge schools, creating exciting "blitzes" where the water seems to boil with feeding fish. They're available most of the year but are most abundant from spring through fall. When the Bluefish are running, be prepared for non-stop action and sore arms!
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwelling fish might not look as flashy as some other species, but they more than make up for it in taste. Black Sea Bass hang around structure like wrecks and reefs. They're curious fish and will often follow hooked fish up to the boat. The bigger ones, called "knot heads" due to the bump on their head, can put up a surprisingly good fight. They're available year-round, but the biggest fish are usually caught in cooler months.
Virginia Beach's inshore waters offer a unique mix of species and fishing opportunities that keep anglers coming back year after year. Where else can you sight cast to Cobia in the morning, troll for Spanish Mackerel at midday, and finish up with some hard-fighting Red Drum in the evening? The diversity of fish and techniques means every trip is different. Plus, with Capt. Pat's local knowledge, you're not just fishing - you're getting an education in the area's marine ecosystem and fishing techniques. Many guests leave with new skills they can apply to their own fishing adventures. And let's not forget the bragging rights - landing a trophy Cobia or citation Red Drum is something you'll be talking about for years to come.
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Virginia Beach's top inshore species, now's the time to lock in your date with Alanna Kay Sportfishing. This 8-hour trip is perfect for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and really dig into what Virginia Beach has to offer. Remember, the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a local looking to up your game or a visitor wanting to experience some of the best fishing on the East Coast, Capt. Pat will put you on the fish. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting fishing memories - book your trip today and get ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing in Virginia Beach!
Black Sea Bass are the reef dwellers of our waters, typically hanging around wrecks and rocky bottom in 60-120 feet. These tasty fish usually run 1-4 pounds, with some topping 8. They're most active from late spring through summer. Sea bass are eager biters and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Anglers love 'em for their excellent white meat and the fun of bottom fishing. You'll often catch a mix of sizes, making for good action. Squid or cut bait on a two-hook rig is the classic approach. Here's a tip: when you find a good spot, drop a marker buoy. Sea bass tend to move around the structure, so you might need to reposition to stay on the bite.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These chompers usually run 2-10 pounds and are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies. You'll find them chasing bait schools in the surf, inlets, and open bay from spring through fall. Blues put up a mean fight for their size, often jumping and thrashing at the surface. Anglers enjoy their hard-hitting strikes and the chaos when a school moves in. They're decent eating when prepared right, but many folks catch 'em just for the action. Metal lures work great - try casting into feeding blitzes or trolling along rip lines. Word to the wise: watch those teeth when unhooking. I've seen many a finger nicked by an angry blue.
Cobia are the heavy hitters of our inshore waters. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, though most run 30-50. They show up in late spring, hanging around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia are sight fishing favorites - we'll cruise looking for their distinctive shark-like profile just under the surface. When hooked, they'll test your gear with powerful runs. Anglers prize them for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent meat. Live eels are the go-to bait, but big bucktail jigs work well too. Here's a local trick: if you spot one, don't cast right on its nose. Lead it by about 10 feet and let the bait sink - cobia are curious and will often swim over to investigate.
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a favorite target here in Virginia Beach. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in shallow waters, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even old piers. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers love 'em for their strong runs and excellent table fare. To up your odds, try sight fishing on calm days - look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in the shallows. When you spot one, a well-placed soft plastic or cut bait is your best bet. Just remember to work it slowly - these guys aren't known for chasing down fast-moving lures.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of our summer waters. These sleek, silvery fish usually run 2-4 pounds and move in big schools, chasing bait near the surface. Look for them around inlets and along the beaches from late spring through early fall. They're lightning fast, making blistering runs when hooked. Anglers love the challenge of their speed, plus they're excellent eating. Trolling small spoons or casting light jigs into feeding frenzies are top tactics. If you see birds diving, that's often a good sign Spanish are feeding below. Pro tip: use a fast retrieve - these fish love to chase, and a lure zipping through the water often triggers their predatory instinct.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 375