%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F11326%2Fimages%2Ftemplogossheet.png&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated Virginia Beach Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Virginia Beach, VA
- $375 - $1,400 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F95bb8e47-8a5f-4a6f-939a-302ba0ce1e27%2Fratecard%2F285236304_103426612396481_4786080046425524640_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Reeling Them In
Tackling the deep blue with heavy and light gear in Virginia Beach!
Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing: 4-8 Hour Adventures
Ready to wet a line in Virginia Beach's inshore waters? Captain Pat of Alanna Kay Sportfishing knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, these 4 to 8-hour trips are tailored to give you a shot at some of the area's most exciting species. From the hard-pulling Bluefish to the mighty Cobia, you're in for a day of rod-bending action in the scenic Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waters.
What to Expect on the Water
Hop aboard Captain Pat's well-equipped vessel, and you're off to the races. These inshore trips are perfect for groups of up to 6, making it an ideal outing for families or a crew of fishing buddies. The calm waters around Virginia Beach offer a comfortable ride, so you can focus on the fishing without worrying about choppy seas. Captain Pat's years of experience mean you're not just fishing – you're tapping into a wealth of local knowledge. He'll have you dropping lines in prime spots where the fish are biting, whether that's near structures, over grass flats, or along the edges of channels.
Top Catches This Season
Inshore fishing in Virginia Beach is all about variety. One minute you might be battling a hard-charging Bluefish, the next you could be locked in a tug-of-war with a bull Red Drum. Captain Pat uses a mix of techniques to target different species. You might find yourself casting lures for Spanish Mackerel, bottom fishing for Black Sea Bass, or sight casting for Cobia when they're in season. The captain provides all the gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one. Don't worry if you're new to this – Pat's got plenty of patience and loves showing newbies the ropes.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Virginia Beach anglers. Redfish can range from "puppies" of a few pounds to big "bull reds" that'll test your drag. They love to hang around structure and put up a great fight on light tackle. Fall is prime time for big reds, but you can catch them year-round in various sizes.
Cobia: Known as the "man in the brown suit," Cobia are prized for both their fight and their tasty fillets. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, giving you a chance for some exciting sight casting. They show up in late spring and stick around through summer, with some monsters topping 50 pounds!
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Trolling or casting small spoons is the ticket here. Late spring through early fall is the best time to target these toothy critters.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, blues are some of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that moves. Look for birds working the water – that's often a dead giveaway for a bluefish feeding frenzy. They're around from spring through fall, with the biggest ones showing up in cooler months.
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwellers are structure hounds, hanging around wrecks and reefs. They might not be the biggest, but they make up for it in numbers and taste great on the dinner table. You can catch them year-round, but spring and fall see the biggest concentrations inshore.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Fishing with Captain Pat isn't just about filling the cooler – though you'll have a good shot at that too. It's about soaking in the whole experience. As you cruise the inshore waters, you might spot dolphins playing in the wake or ospreys diving for their own catch. The skyline of Virginia Beach provides a stunning backdrop, especially during those early morning or late afternoon trips when the light is just right. And let's not forget the stories – Captain Pat's got plenty of tales from his years on these waters, and he's always ready to share a good laugh between bites.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, an inshore trip with Alanna Kay Sportfishing checks all the boxes. Captain Pat's knowledge of these waters means you're in for a top-notch fishing experience, tailored to your group's skill level and interests. Remember, the boat can take up to 6 people, so it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing crew. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check those calendars and lock in your date. The fish are biting in Virginia Beach – isn't it time you joined them?
Customer Review
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are bottom-dwelling favorites found around structure in 60-120 feet of water. These tasty fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 8. You'll catch them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas offshore. Sea bass are known for their firm, white meat and put up a decent fight for their size. The best time to target them is late spring through summer when they move inshore. To catch sea bass, drop cut bait or squid to the bottom on a two-hook rig. Here's an insider tip: Once you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS - sea bass tend to hang around the same areas year after year.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from spring through fall. These toothy fighters usually run 2-5 pounds inshore, but can reach 20+ pounds offshore. You'll find them terrorizing bait schools near the surface, often in 15-40 feet of water around inlets and along the coast. Blues are known for their savage strikes and powerful fights. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their nonstop action, though they can be oily to eat. To catch blues, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. Local trick: If you see fish jumping and water churning, that's likely a bluefish blitz - get in there quick for some explosive fishing.
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting bruisers that show up in our waters from May to October. These brown-colored fish can grow over 6 feet long and top 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. You'll often spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, pilings, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia put up an epic battle and are prized for their firm, white meat. The best time to target them is during their spring spawning run. To hook one, try sight-casting with bucktail jigs or live eels. Here's a local secret: Keep an eye out for rays - cobia love to follow them, so cast ahead of any rays you see.
Redfish
Redfish are a favorite catch around Virginia Beach, known for their distinctive black spot near the tail. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in just a few feet deep near oyster beds and grass flats. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers love targeting reds for their hard-pulling action and excellent table fare. To up your odds, try sight-fishing with light tackle and live bait like mullet or crabs. My local tip: On calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root around for food - it's an exciting way to spot and cast to these fish.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are fast-moving speedsters that arrive in our waters by early summer. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 12. You'll find them in large schools near the surface, often in 20-40 feet of water around inlets and just off the beaches. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Anglers love targeting Spanish macks for their exciting action and tasty fillets. To catch them, try trolling small spoons or casting light jigs into feeding schools. Pro tip: Look for diving birds to locate active schools, then get ready for some fast-paced fishing.
About the Alanna Kay Sportfishing
%2F%2Fusers%2F95bb8e47-8a5f-4a6f-939a-302ba0ce1e27%2Fvehicle_picture%2F285527988_103773385695137_763799386814395520_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 375
