Best Beginner Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$600 - $900 price range

Summary

Ready to try your hand at fishing in Virginia Beach? This 8-hour charter is perfect for beginners looking to explore the Chesapeake Bay. Captain Jeff will guide you through the basics as you target seasonal inshore species like striped bass, red drum, and croaker. The 25' Parker center console comfortably fits up to four guests, making it great for families or small groups. Don't worry about gear – all fishing equipment, bait, licenses, and water are provided. The focus here is on learning the ropes and having a good time on the water. You'll get hands-on experience with different techniques while soaking in the coastal scenery. Remember to bring cash for the final payment on trip day. Whether you're a first-timer or just looking to brush up on your skills, this laid-back charter offers a fun day of fishing without the pressure.

Best Beginner Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach

Chesapeake Catches

Anglers holding 5 big blackfin tuna fish caught in VA

All Line up! Fresh Catch

Trophy catch, Chesapeake style

Photo of a 36-inch Cobia fish caught while fishing in Gloucester County

Chesapeake bite was hot today

Reeling in Cobia in VA waters

Reel in Fun: Chesapeake Bay Beginner Fishing

Hey there, fishing newbies! Ready to wet a line in the legendary Chesapeake Bay? This 8-hour trip with Captain Jeff is your ticket to experiencing some of the best inshore fishing Virginia Beach has to offer. Whether you're looking to catch your first fish or just want a laid-back day on the water, we've got you covered. Our 25' Parker center console is perfect for groups up to four, so grab your friends or bring the family for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully some trophy catches!

What's the Deal?

Listen up, folks - this isn't your average tourist trap fishing trip. We're talking real deal, hands-on fishing action tailored for beginners. Captain Jeff knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about making sure you have a blast while learning the ropes. We'll be targeting whatever's biting best - could be striped bass, red drum, or maybe some tasty croaker. Don't sweat the gear or licenses; we've got all that covered. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Oh, and remember to hit the ATM before you come aboard - we settle up in cash at the end of the day.

Fishing 101: Chesapeake Style

Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's working. Could be some light tackle casting, maybe some bottom fishing, or even trolling if the fish are playing hard to get. Captain Jeff will show you how to bait your hook, cast like a pro (well, almost), and most importantly, how to reel in the big one when it strikes. We use top-notch gear that's easy for beginners to handle, so don't worry if you've never held a rod before. And hey, if you get your line tangled, no worries - that's practically a rite of passage out here!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's chat about some of the stars of the show you might encounter on your Chesapeake Bay adventure:

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch! They're known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. We typically see them from late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for shiny lures. When you hook one, hold on tight - they'll give you a run for your money!

Spadefish: Don't let their weird, disk-like shape fool you - these guys put up a great fight! They hang around structures like buoys and wrecks, usually showing up in late spring. Spadefish are tricky to hook but oh-so-satisfying when you do. Plus, they make for some pretty unique photos.

Sheepshead: With their human-like teeth and zebra stripes, sheepshead are the oddballs of the Chesapeake. They love hanging around pilings and bridges, munching on barnacles. These crafty fish are masters at stealing bait, so when you feel a nibble, set the hook fast! They're around most of the year but really pick up in the warmer months.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers. They can range from little "puppy drum" to big ole bulls over 40 inches! Redfish are year-round residents, but fall is prime time. When one of these guys takes off, you'll know it - they pull like a freight train!

Cobia: The heavyweight champ of our inshore waters, cobia are the fish that make even seasoned anglers weak in the knees. They show up in late spring and stick around through summer. Cobia are curious fish - sometimes they'll follow your boat like a puppy. But hook one, and it's game on! These bruisers can top 100 pounds and will test every bit of your angling skills.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

Listen, I've been running these trips for years, and there's nothing quite like seeing a newbie's face light up when they reel in their first fish. It's not just about what ends up in the cooler (though fresh fish for dinner is always a bonus). It's about spending quality time with your crew, learning something new, and experiencing the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Plus, Captain Jeff's dad jokes are pretty legendary - whether that's a pro or a con is up to you!

Time to Get Your Fish On!

So, what do you say? Ready to trade the city streets for some salty air and the chance to brag about "the one that didn't get away"? This trip is perfect for families looking for a fun day out, friends wanting to try something new, or anyone who's ever watched fishing shows and thought, "I could do that!" Remember, we provide everything you need - just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some sunscreen). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Give us a call or hit that "Book Now" button, and let's make some fishing memories!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your back. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them near buoys, wrecks, and other structures, often mistaken for sharks from their shape. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Anglers love cobia for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent eating. To catch 'em, use live eels, croakers, or big jigs. Here's a local tip: watch for rays - cobia often follow them looking for an easy meal. Sight-casting to cruising fish is a rush. Be ready for long runs and acrobatic jumps once hooked. Cobia have a reputation for going berserk boat-side, so be careful. Their firm, white meat is prized for grilling or sushi. It's a special day when you land one of these powerful fish.

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They usually run 3-10 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love reds for their strong fights and copper color with a distinctive black spot near the tail. To catch 'em, try live bait like mullet or crabs, or lures that mimic their prey. Here's a local trick: on calm days, watch for their tails sticking up as they root for food in shallow water. Redfish will often cruise the same areas, so if you find one, more are likely nearby. They make great table fare too, with a mild, flaky white meat. Just check size limits - we want to protect the big breeders.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the toothy convicts of the bay, with distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - pilings, jetties, reefs. Spring is spawning time when they gather in big numbers. Anglers love sheepshead for their crafty fight and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, use small hooks with fiddler crabs, oysters, or clams. Fish as close to the structure as you can - they rarely stray far from cover. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard. These bait stealers have powerful jaws and human-like teeth that'll crush shellfish and snip your line. Sheepshead fishing tests your patience and skill, but the reward is a tasty, firm white fish for dinner.

Spadefish

Spadefish are disk-shaped oddballs that'll give you a run for your money. They average 3-10 pounds but can hit 14. You'll find them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and pilings where they feed on small invertebrates. Late spring through summer is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers dig spadefish for their strong fight and unique look. To catch 'em, use small hooks with bits of clam or jellyballs. Here's a local tip: chum with crushed barnacles to draw them in. Be ready for quick bites and set the hook fast - they're notorious bait stealers. Spadefish like to play dead when hooked, so keep tension on the line. They're not the best eating, but make for a fun, different kind of inshore fishing challenge.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speedy swimmers you'll find in schools along the coast. They typically run 1-2 feet long and a few pounds, but can get up to 12 pounds. Look for them in the warmer months near the surface, often around structures or bait balls. These fish put up an exciting fight on light tackle and make great table fare. To catch 'em, try trolling or casting small, shiny lures that mimic baitfish. A local trick is to watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish mackerel are feeding below. They've got razor-sharp teeth, so be careful unhooking them. Late summer into fall is prime time as they migrate south. Anglers love targeting Spanish mackerel for their fast action and tasty fillets. Just remember to check size and catch limits before keeping any.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha 300 engine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 36

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready to dip your toes into the world of fishing? Join Captain Jeff for a laid-back 8-hour charter in the Chesapeake Bay, perfect for newcomers to the sport. You'll cruise aboard a roomy 25' Parker center console, with space for up to four guests. Don't worry about bringing gear - everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to bait and licenses. Plus, there's plenty of water to keep you hydrated throughout the day. As the seasons change, so do the fish, giving you a shot at hooking striped bass, red drum, or croaker. Captain Jeff's all about making sure you have a good time while learning the ropes, so this trip's ideal whether you're flying solo, bringing the family, or heading out with a few friends. Remember to bring cash for the final payment on the day. Pick your date and get ready for a fun day on the water!