Best Beginner Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$600 - $900 price range
Updated Date: October 9, 2025

Summary

Ready for a laid-back day of fishing in the Chesapeake Bay? This 8-hour trip with Captain Jeff is perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at catching some local favorites. You'll be targeting seasonal inshore species like striped bass, red drum, and croaker. The 25' Parker center console comfortably fits up to four people, making it great for small groups or families. Don't worry about bringing gear – all the fishing equipment, bait, and licenses are provided, along with water to keep you hydrated. The focus here is on learning the ropes and having a good time, so no pressure if you're new to fishing. Captain Jeff will show you the basics and help you reel in some nice catches. It's a full day on the water, giving you plenty of time to get comfortable with different techniques. Remember to bring cash for the final payment on the day of your trip. Whether you're looking to learn a new hobby or just enjoy a relaxing day out on the bay, this trip has you covered.

Best Beginner Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach

Chesapeake Bay 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

Full Day Fishing: Chesapeake Bay's Hidden Gems

Ready to wet a line in the legendary Chesapeake Bay? Captain Jeff's 8-hour trip is perfect for newcomers looking to learn the ropes and hopefully land their first big catch. You'll be cruising the waters off Virginia Beach in a comfy 25' Parker, with all the gear you need to target some of the Bay's most sought-after fish. Whether you're flying solo, bringing the family, or gathering a small crew, this trip is all about having fun and getting hooked on fishing. No experience? No problem. Let's dive into what makes this adventure a must-do for beginner anglers.

A Day on the Bay

Picture this: You're stepping aboard a well-equipped center console, the smell of saltwater in the air, and the anticipation of what lies beneath the surface. Captain Jeff's got your back with all the fishing know-how, gear, and licenses you'll need. The Chesapeake Bay is a fish-filled playground, and you'll be right in the thick of it. As you cruise out, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the wake or ospreys diving for their breakfast. The trip's built for learning, so don't be shy about asking questions or getting help with your technique. You might start off casting for croaker or spot, then move on to trolling for striped bass as you get the hang of things. And hey, if you need a break, just kick back and soak in the views of the Virginia Beach coastline.

Fishing 101: Bay Style

Alright, let's talk fishing. On this trip, you'll get to try out a bunch of different techniques. You might start with some bottom fishing, where you'll drop your line straight down and wait for that telltale tug. Captain Jeff will show you how to feel for bites and set the hook just right. As the day goes on, you might switch to light tackle casting, perfect for targeting redfish around structure. If the cobia are running, you could even try sight casting – that's where you spot the fish and cast right to them. It's like fish hunting, and man, is it a rush when you connect! Don't worry if you've never held a rod before; by the end of the day, you'll be working that reel like a pro.

Fish Tales: What's Biting

Let's chat about what you might catch on this trip. The Chesapeake Bay is home to some real beauties, and each one's got its own personality. Spanish mackerel are like the speedsters of the bay. These silver torpedoes will test your reflexes and make your reel sing. They're usually here from late spring through fall, and they're a blast on light tackle.

Spadefish might not be the biggest catch, but they're one of the prettiest fish you'll see. These disc-shaped fighters are known for their black and white stripes, kind of like a saltwater zebra. They show up in the warmer months and love to hang around structures. Landing one of these guys is always a treat.

Now, sheepshead – they're the tricksters of the bay. With those human-like teeth, they're built for crushing crabs and barnacles right off the pilings. Catching them takes some finesse, but man, are they good eating if you decide to keep one for dinner.

Redfish, or red drum, are the bruisers of the inshore world. These copper-colored beauties can grow to over 40 inches long, and when they hit your line, you'll know it. They're here year-round, but the fall is prime time for the big ones.

Last but definitely not least, we've got cobia. These are the heavy hitters, the fish that dreams are made of. They start showing up in late spring, and they can top 100 pounds. Hooking into one of these bad boys is like trying to stop a freight train – it's an experience you won't forget.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Chesapeake Bay that keeps anglers coming back for more. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the water as you're reeling in your first fish. Or the thrill of watching your rod bend double when something big takes the bait. It could be the stories Captain Jeff shares about the area's rich maritime history, or just the peace of being out on the water, away from the hustle of everyday life. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of turning fishing newbies into lifelong anglers. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like the pride of bringing home dinner that you caught yourself.

Book Your Line in the Water

So, what do you say? Ready to give fishing a shot in one of the East Coast's best spots? This full-day trip with Captain Jeff is the perfect way to dip your toes (or should I say, lines) into the world of angling. You've got nothing to lose and potentially a new passion to gain. Plus, with all gear provided and a patient guide at the helm, it's as easy as showing up and being ready for some fun. Don't let this chance slip away – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Give Never Enough Sportfishing a call and lock in your date. Who knows, you might just end up with the catch of a lifetime and a story to tell for years to come. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Cobia

Cobia are big, powerful fish that look a bit like sharks. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them in the Chesapeake from late spring through early fall, often around buoys, wrecks, or other structure in 20-50 foot depths. Cobia are prized for their hard-fighting ability and excellent meat. To catch one, try live eels, big bucktail jigs, or sight-casting with large swimbaits. A good tip is to look for them following big rays or sharks near the surface. Once hooked, be ready for a battle - cobia make long, powerful runs and can take 30 minutes or more to land. They're not super common, but landing a big cobia is often the highlight of a trip. Just be careful bringing them in the boat - they can be ornery!

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are coppery-red fish with a distinctive black spot near their tail. Most run 3-10 pounds in the bay, but bigger ones up to 50 pounds are possible. You'll find them in shallow water, often less than 3 feet deep, around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. They're here year-round but really turn on in fall. Redfish put up a strong, dogged fight and are excellent eating. To catch 'em, try soft plastics, gold spoons, or live bait like mullet or crab. A good trick is to look for their copper backs or tails sticking out of the water as they feed in the shallows. Cast ahead of them and work your lure slowly. Once hooked, be ready for some drag-screaming runs. There's nothing quite like sight-fishing for big reds in skinny water.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are odd-looking fish with human-like teeth and black vertical stripes on a silver body. Most run 2-5 pounds but can reach over 15. You'll find them around pilings, oyster beds, and rock structures in the Chesapeake Bay, usually in 5-20 foot depths. They're here spring through fall but really bite well in summer. Sheepshead are stubborn fighters and tricky to hook - they're famous bait stealers. Use small, strong hooks with pieces of crab, clam, or shrimp. A good tip is to scrape some barnacles off pilings to attract them. Once you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard. The meat is sweet and flaky, making sheepshead popular for the table. Just be careful of those sharp dorsal spines when handling them.

Spadefish

Spadefish are disk-shaped fish with striking black and white vertical stripes. Most weigh 3-5 pounds, but can get up to 20 pounds. You'll spot them around structures like wrecks, reefs, and pilings in the Chesapeake Bay, typically in 20-50 foot depths. They school up in big numbers during summer months. Spadefish put up a stubborn fight for their size and are fun to catch on light tackle. They're picky eaters, so use small hooks with bits of clam or shrimp. A good trick is to chum with small pieces of clam to get them feeding. Once hooked, be ready for some zigzag runs. While not the best eating fish, many anglers enjoy the challenge of catching these unique-looking "convict fish." Just watch out for their sharp dorsal spines when handling them.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are fast-swimming, silvery fish with yellowish spots on their sides. They typically run 1-3 feet long and 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in Chesapeake Bay from spring through fall, often in large schools near the surface. They prefer water 10-40 feet deep around structures like reefs or wrecks. These fish put up an exciting fight and taste great grilled or smoked. To catch 'em, try trolling with small, shiny spoons or jigs that mimic their baitfish prey. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times when mackerel feed aggressively near the surface. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that often means a school of Spanish mackerel are pushing bait to the top. Cast into the frenzy with a fast retrieve and hang on tight!

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha 300 engine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 36

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Hop aboard Captain Jeff's 25' Parker center console for a full day of fishing fun in the Chesapeake Bay. This roomy, stable boat is perfect for newcomers to angling, with plenty of deck space for up to four guests to cast lines and reel in catches. The center console design allows easy movement around the vessel, while providing shelter from the sun and spray. Equipped with modern fish-finding technology and all the necessary gear, this boat is set up for success whether you're after striped bass, red drum, or croaker. With comfortable seating and a smooth ride, you'll cruise comfortably to the best fishing spots. Don't worry about bringing anything - rods, reels, bait, and even drinking water are all provided on board. This vessel offers a great platform for learning the ropes of inshore fishing while enjoying the beautiful waters off Virginia Beach.