Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Virginia Beach

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for an afternoon of fishing action in Chesapeake Bay? Join Captain Jeff on this 4-hour trip out of Virginia Beach, perfect for anglers of all levels. You'll be targeting some of the bay's most sought-after inshore species like cobia, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, sheepshead, flounder, and redfish, depending on what's biting. The 25' Parker center console comfortably fits up to four guests, and everything you need is included - gear, bait, licenses, and water. No need to worry about bringing your own equipment. The morning departure gives you a shot at the best fishing, when the water's cooler and the fish are active. It's a great way to experience the local waters and maybe land your personal best catch. Just remember to bring cash for the final payment on the day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, this trip with Never Enough Sportfishing is set up for a good time on the water.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing 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

Reel in the Afternoon: Chesapeake Bay Half-Day

Get ready to make the most of your afternoon with a 4-hour fishing adventure in the heart of Chesapeake Bay. Launching from Virginia Beach with Captain Jeff at the helm, this half-day trip is your ticket to hooking some of the bay's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're chasing the powerful cobia, the elusive sheepshead, or the lightning-fast Spanish mackerel, we've got you covered. Newbies and seasoned anglers alike will find plenty to love about this afternoon escape on the water.

What's Biting Today?

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Captain Jeff knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's always got the inside scoop on where the fish are biting. Depending on the season, we might be targeting the hard-fighting cobia, the tasty Spanish mackerel, or even the oddball spadefish. And let's not forget about the sheepshead – those striped bandits that love to hang around structure. Flounder and redfish are also on the menu, so there's always a chance for a mixed bag. The best part? You don't need to bring a thing. We've got all the gear, bait, and licenses covered. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack or two.

Fishing 101: Bay Style

Our 25' Parker center console is the perfect platform for inshore fishing. It's roomy enough for four anglers to cast comfortably, but nimble enough to get into those sweet spots where the big ones hide. We'll likely be using a mix of techniques – maybe some bottom fishing for sheepshead, sight casting for cobia, or trolling for Spanish mackerel. Captain Jeff will show you the ropes, whether you're dropping a live bait, working a jig, or tossing a topwater lure. And don't worry if you're new to this – by the end of the trip, you'll be handling that rod like a pro. Just remember, in Chesapeake Bay, you never know what might grab your line next!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Cobia: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of Chesapeake Bay. Cobia can grow over 100 pounds, and even a "small" one will give you the fight of your life. They show up in late spring and stick around through summer. Look for them near buoys, channel markers, or even swimming on the surface. Cobia are curious fish and will often follow your boat – that's when the sight fishing gets really exciting!

Spanish Mackerel: If you like fast-paced action, Spanish mackerel are your fish. These speedsters blitz through bait schools, creating surface chaos that's a blast to fish. We usually catch them by trolling small spoons or jigs, but watching them skyrocket on a topwater lure is pure adrenaline. They're most abundant in summer and early fall, and they're delicious on the grill.

Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy looks fool you – sheepshead are some of the wiliest fish in the bay. With their human-like teeth, they're experts at stealing bait. We target them around bridge pilings, oyster beds, and other structure. It takes a bit of finesse to hook one, but the reward is a fish that fights hard and tastes great. They're around most of the year but really shine in spring and fall.

Spadefish: These odd-looking fish might not be on every angler's radar, but they should be. Spadefish school up around structure and can be a blast on light tackle. They're not huge – usually 2-5 pounds – but they're strong fighters for their size. We find them near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in summer, often suspended near the surface. Catching them requires patience and a delicate touch.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of Chesapeake Bay fishing. We catch them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools of bull reds invade the bay. Sight fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is as good as it gets, but we also catch plenty around oyster bars and channel edges. Their powerful runs and delicious fillets make them a favorite target.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about afternoon fishing in Chesapeake Bay. As the day cools off, the fish often turn on, giving us prime conditions to land that trophy catch. Plus, there's nothing like watching the sun start to dip as you're reeling in your last fish of the day. Our trips are laid-back but productive – Captain Jeff knows how to put you on fish without making it feel like work. And with all gear provided, you can just show up and start casting. Remember, we wrap up the trip with a cash payment, so bring enough to cover the balance. It's a small price to pay for memories that'll last a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to turn your afternoon into an adventure? Our Chesapeake Bay half-day trips are filling up fast, especially as we hit peak season for cobia and Spanish mackerel. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy some time on the water, we've got you covered. Captain Jeff is standing by to share his local knowledge and put you on the fish. Don't let another day slip away – grab your spot on the boat and get ready for some serious Chesapeake Bay action. The fish are waiting, and so are we. Let's make it happen!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are hard-fighting fish that can reach 100 pounds, though most run 20-40 pounds. They're often mistaken for sharks due to their shape. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures, sometimes even free-swimming on the surface. Late spring and summer are prime seasons as they migrate through. Anglers love cobia for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. They're known for long runs and acrobatic jumps. To catch 'em, try live eels or large jigs. Here's a local trick: when you spot one, cast well ahead and let the bait sink. Cobia are curious and will often investigate. Be ready for a sudden, aggressive strike! These fish offer a unique combo of sight fishing and heavy tackle action that keeps anglers coming back for more.

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 5-10 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in grass flats or cruising near oyster bars. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong fights, including powerful runs in shallow water. They're also excellent eating. To catch 'em, try live bait like mullet or crabs, or artificial lures like gold spoons. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper-colored backs or tails breaking the surface. Cast ahead of them and hang on! Redfish offer an exciting shallow-water fishery that's accessible to anglers of all skill levels.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are odd-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 2-5 pounds, but can reach 10-15 pounds. You'll find them around structures like pilings, bridges, and reefs, where they feed on barnacles and crabs. They're here year-round but bite best in cooler months. Anglers love sheepshead for their tough fight and excellent eating quality. They're notoriously tricky to hook, though – you've got to finesse 'em. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to create a chum slick, then drop your bait right in. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard. Sheepshead aren't glamorous, but they're a fun challenge and tasty reward for patient anglers.

Spadefish

Spadefish are unique-looking critters, with a disk-shaped body and bold black stripes. Most run 1-3 pounds, but big ones can hit 8-10 pounds. You'll find them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and pilings, often in large schools. They're most active in warmer months, especially summer. Anglers love targeting spadefish because they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size, with quick bursts and dogged determination. Plus, they're just cool-looking fish. To catch 'em, use small hooks with bits of clam or jellyball. Here's a pro tip: chum with small pieces of clam to get a school fired up, then drop your bait right in the middle. Be ready for a subtle bite – these guys can be tricky! Spadefish aren't known as great table fare, but they're a blast to catch and release.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are sleek, fast swimmers that typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around structures like reefs or buoys. They're most active in warmer months, especially summer. These fish put up an exciting fight on light tackle, making quick runs and even jumping. Their flesh is tasty too, great for grilling or smoking. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs near the surface. A local trick is to look for diving birds – that often means Spanish mackerel are feeding on baitfish below. Cast into the frenzy with a silver spoon and you're in business. Just watch those teeth when unhooking! Overall, Spanish mackerel offer fast action and good eating, making them a fun target for anglers of all skill levels.

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-foot Parker center console for an afternoon of fishing fun in Chesapeake Bay. This 4-hour trip from Virginia Beach is perfect for anglers of all levels looking to catch some of the bay's most sought-after inshore species. Depending on the season, you might reel in cobia, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, sheepshead, flounder, or redfish. With room for up to four guests, it's a great option for small groups or families. No need to worry about gear or licenses - everything's provided, including bottled water to keep you hydrated. Just remember to bring cash for the final payment on the day of your trip. Morning departures offer cooler temperatures and active fish, so book your spot now and get ready for some quality time on the water.