Premier Chesapeake Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for a solid day of fishing without committing to a full 8 hours? This 6-hour trip out of Virginia Beach hits the sweet spot. You'll be targeting a mix of Chesapeake Bay favorites like cobia, flounder, redfish, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, and spadefish. The 25' Parker center console is set up for four anglers, making it perfect for a small group or family outing. Don't sweat the gear – your guide provides everything you need, including rods, bait, and even your fishing license. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, the crew at Never Enough Sportfishing will put you on the fish. The extended half-day format gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. Remember to bring cash for the final payment on the day of your trip. With only four spots available, it's smart to book ahead and lock in your date.

Premier Chesapeake Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

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

Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing: Cobia, Sheepshead & More

Looking for a solid day on the water without committing to a full 8-hour trip? Our Extended Half Day charter out of Virginia Beach hits that sweet spot. We'll spend 6 hours targeting some of the Chesapeake Bay's most sought-after inshore species. From hard-fighting cobia to tasty flounder, this trip packs in plenty of action for anglers of all skill levels. Hop aboard our 25' Parker center console, and let's see what's biting!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll cast off from Virginia Beach and head into the rich waters of Chesapeake Bay. This isn't your average half-day trip - those extra couple hours make all the difference when it comes to finding the fish and maximizing your time with lines in the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our experienced captain will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. We provide all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, plus bottled water to keep you hydrated. Just bring your sense of adventure (and some cash for the final payment).

Techniques & Targets

Depending on the season and what's running, we'll employ a mix of techniques to target our inshore species. For cobia, we might sight-cast with live eels or jigs around buoys and channel markers. Flounder often call for drifting or slow-trolling with live bait or Gulp! lures. When the redfish are schooling, we'll use light tackle and artificial lures for some heart-pounding action. Spanish mackerel? Get ready for some fast-paced trolling. And for those structure-loving sheepshead and spadefish, we'll anchor up and drop baits right into their hangouts. It's all about adapting to what the bay gives us on any given day.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Captain Jeff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Put me and some duddies on a bunch of cobia. Ill be back!" - Hunter

Species You'll Want to Hook

Cobia: These bruisers are the heavyweights of our inshore waters. Known locally as "man in the brown suit," cobia can tip the scales at over 100 pounds. They're curious fish, often following rays, turtles, or even our boat. When hooked, be ready for a battle - cobia are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Peak season is typically May through September, with June and July being prime time. Anglers love 'em for their size, fight, and excellent table fare.

Sheepshead: Don't let those chompers fool you - sheepshead might look like they're grinning, but they're actually equipped with human-like teeth for crushing crabs and barnacles. These striped battlers are structure-loving fish, hanging around pilings, jetties, and wrecks. They're notoriously tricky to hook, earning the nickname "convict fish" for their ability to steal bait. But when you do connect, their strong pulls and delicious, white meat make it all worthwhile. Look for them spring through fall, with the bite really heating up in summer.

Spanish Mackerel: When these speedsters show up, it's non-stop action. Spanish mackerel are the sprinters of the Chesapeake, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We usually target them by trolling small spoons or jigs, and when you find a school, it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups at once. They typically arrive in late spring and stick around through early fall. Anglers love 'em for their fast-paced action and tasty fillets that are perfect for the grill.

Spadefish: These distinctive-looking fish might not be the biggest, but they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Spadefish often school up around structure like buoys or wrecks. They can be finicky eaters, but when you dial in the right presentation (often small pieces of clam), the action can be non-stop. Their deep, compressed bodies give them plenty of fighting power for their size. Look for them from late spring through summer. Anglers appreciate the challenge they present and their unique appearance.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Chesapeake anglers. Juveniles (often called puppy drum) hang in the shallows, while bigger bulls cruise deeper waters. Redfish are known for their strong runs and their ability to test your drag. We target them year-round, but fall is often prime time when big schools move through. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing fish in the shallows or battling a big bull, redfish offer some of the most exciting action in the bay.

Time to Book Your Spot

Our Extended Half Day trip offers the perfect balance of fishing time and flexibility. You'll get a real taste of what Chesapeake Bay has to offer without eating up your entire day. With a mix of species to target and techniques to try, it's an ideal option for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to maximize their time on the water. Remember, we're limited to four guests per trip, so don't wait to lock in your date. The fish are out there - let's go find 'em!

Customer Review

Cobia Catch Bonanza

Captain Jeff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Put me and some duddies on a bunch of cobia. Ill be back!

Hunter Hoffler

July 27, 2025

Learn more about the animals

Cobia

Cobia are the bruisers of the Chesapeake, showing up from late spring through early fall. These powerful fish can top 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. They're often mistaken for sharks at first glance. Cobia love structure, so check around buoys, channel markers, and wrecks. They also follow big rays, so keep your eyes peeled. Live eels or big bucktail jigs are top baits. When you hook one, hang on - cobia are known for long, strong runs. Sight-fishing for them is a rush. Here's a local trick: chum with cut menhaden to bring them to the surface. Cobia put up an epic fight and make excellent table fare. Just remember, they're carefully managed, so know the regs before you keep one.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are inshore favorites here in the Chesapeake. They typically run 20-40 inches and love shallow flats and marshes. Look for them tailing in just a foot or two of water, especially on rising tides. Reds put up a great fight and are known for their distinctive tail spot. They'll hit a variety of lures, but nothing beats a live or cut bait on the bottom. Gold spoons work well too. Fall's the prime time when big schools move into the bay. Sight-fishing for them is a blast - watch for their copper backs in clear water. Here's a tip: if you spook a school, don't give up. They often circle back around. Redfish are fun to catch and make for some tasty fillets, just don't keep the big breeders.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the striped convicts of the Chesapeake, usually weighing 1-8 pounds. These structure-loving fish hang around pilings, bridges, and oyster reefs. They're here year-round, but spring's the prime time when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are tricky to catch - they've got human-like teeth perfect for stealing bait. Light tackle, small hooks, and patience are musts. Try fiddler crabs or pieces of clam right up against structure. When you feel that subtle bite, set the hook fast and firm. Anglers love the challenge sheepshead offer, plus they're excellent eating. Here's a local secret: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Just watch those fins when you're handling them - they're sharp!

Spadefish

Spadefish are odd-looking critters that'll keep you on your toes. These disk-shaped fish usually run 3-10 pounds and hang out around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys. They're most active in warmer months when they school up by the hundreds. Spadefish are finicky eaters, so light tackle and small hooks are key. Try using bits of clam or jellyfish on a small circle hook. The real challenge is getting them to bite - they're notorious bait stealers. A pro tip: cast past the school and slowly drag your bait through it. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard. Folks love targeting spadefish for the unique challenge and their surprisingly strong fight. Plus, they're good eating if you can get past those tough scales.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speedy swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. They typically range from 1-8 pounds and cruise in large schools near the surface. Look for them around inlets, piers, and just offshore from spring through fall. They love to chase bait, so keep an eye out for diving birds. These fish put up a great fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local trick is to use a trace of light wire leader - their teeth are sharp! Chumming with cut bait can also bring a school within casting range. Spanish macks are fun to target and delicious to eat, making them a favorite for both novice and experienced anglers.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha 300 engine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 36

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some quality fishing time without committing to a full day? This 6-hour Chesapeake Bay trip out of Virginia Beach hits the sweet spot. You'll be targeting a mix of inshore favorites like cobia, flounder, redfish, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, and spadefish. The 25' Parker center console comfortably fits up to four anglers, making it perfect for small groups or families. No need to worry about gear - all the fishing equipment, bait, and licenses are provided, along with bottled water to keep you hydrated. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the experienced guide will ensure you have a productive day on the water. Remember to bring cash for the final payment on the day of your trip. With limited spots available, it's best to book in advance to secure your preferred date.

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