Top-Rated Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charter | Virginia

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action in the Chesapeake Bay? Captain Jeff Brooks offers a full-day trip tailored for experienced anglers looking to target the best inshore spots off Virginia Beach. Over 8 hours, you'll have plenty of time to chase striped bass, cobia, red drum, and other seasonal game fish that call these waters home. The 25' Parker center console provides a stable platform for up to four guests to cast from, with all the gear and bait you'll need included. This isn't a beginner's excursion – it's perfect for those wanting to refine their techniques or go after that personal best catch. Bring cash for final payment on the day, and get ready for a day of focused fishing in prime Chesapeake Bay territory. The boat's name says it all – you might just find yourself wanting "Never Enough" of this top-notch Virginia Beach fishing experience.

Top-Rated Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charter | Virginia

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

Pro-Level Chesapeake Bay Fishing Adventure

Ready to step up your inshore game? This full-day charter with Never Enough Sportfishing is your ticket to some of the best angling Virginia Beach has to offer. We're talking eight solid hours on the water, targeting the cream of the crop in Chesapeake Bay. Whether you're after that bull red, a citation cobia, or just want to fill the cooler with tasty sheepshead, Captain Jeff Brooks has got you covered. Grab your fishing buddies and let's hit the bay!

Trip Overview

This ain't your average day on the water, folks. We're talking about a pro-level fishing experience that'll put your skills to the test. Captain Jeff knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. You and three of your angling buddies will be aboard a 25' Parker center console - a sweet ride that's perfect for covering ground and getting to those honey holes. We provide all the gear, bait, and licenses, so all you need to bring is your A-game and maybe a sandwich or two. Oh, and don't forget to hit the ATM - final payment is due in cash on the day of the trip.

What to Expect on the Water

Listen up, because this is where the rubber meets the road. We're not just drifting around hoping for a bite - Captain Jeff's got a game plan. We'll be hitting up proven spots where the big boys like to hang out. Depending on the season, we might be sight-casting to cobia, working structure for sheepshead, or trolling for stripers. The name of the game is adapting to what the fish are doing, and that's where Captain Jeff's experience really shines. He'll have you switching up techniques, trying different baits, and fine-tuning your approach to maximize your chances of landing that personal best.

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk fish. Chesapeake Bay is like a buffet for anglers, and we're gonna sample the best it has to offer. Spanish mackerel are perfect for light tackle action - these speedsters will make your reel sing. Spadefish might not be the biggest, but pound for pound, they're fighters that'll give you a run for your money. Sheepshead are the ultimate structure fish, and outsmarting these striped bandits is a real test of skill. Red drum, or redfish as we call 'em, are the bruisers of the bay - hook into a big one, and you're in for a battle. And let's not forget about cobia - these curious creatures can grow to monster sizes, and landing one is a feat any angler can be proud of.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

You know what sets this trip apart? It's not just about catching fish - it's about leveling up your game. Captain Jeff isn't just gonna put you on fish; he's gonna teach you how to find 'em yourself. You'll learn to read the water, understand tides and currents, and figure out what the fish are keying in on. It's like a master class in inshore fishing, and by the end of the day, you'll have picked up tricks that'll make you a better angler no matter where you wet a line. Plus, there's nothing like the camaraderie of a day on the water with your buddies, swapping stories and maybe a little friendly competition.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These silver bullets are the sprinters of the bay. They're fast, they're aggressive, and they're a blast on light tackle. We usually find 'em in schools, so when you hook up, it's game on for everyone. Best time to target these guys is late spring through early fall. They're not just fun to catch - they're delicious on the grill, too.

Spadefish: Don't let their small size fool you - spadefish punch above their weight class. These disk-shaped fighters are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They school up around structure, and once you figure out their feeding patterns, you can have non-stop action. They're most active in the warmer months, and while they're not known for their table fare, the fight makes up for it.

Sheepshead: If you're looking for a challenge, sheepshead are your fish. These striped convicts are notorious bait stealers with a mouth full of teeth that look like they belong in a dentist's office. They hang around pilings, jetties, and any structure they can find. The bite is so subtle you'll swear you're imagining it, but when you hook up, it's all worth it. They're around most of the year, but really fire up in the spring and fall.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. In the Chesapeake, we get a shot at both the smaller "puppy drum" and the big bull reds that can top 50 pounds. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and when they're tailing in the shallows, it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for the big boys, but we catch 'em year-round.

Cobia: Now we're talking about the heavy hitters. Cobia are like the curious cousins of the shark family - they'll come right up to the boat to check things out. These brown bombers can grow over 100 pounds, and when they decide to eat, hold on tight. They're migratory, showing up in late spring and sticking around through summer. Sight-casting to cobia is some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're serious about your fishing, this is the trip for you. We're not just offering a day on the water - we're offering a chance to push your limits, learn from a pro, and maybe even land that fish of a lifetime. The Chesapeake Bay is calling, and Captain Jeff is ready to show you why it's one of the best inshore fisheries on the East Coast. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and let's make some memories on the water. Book now, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. Tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are a top target for Chesapeake Bay anglers. These powerful, brown fish often mistaken for sharks typically run 20-50 pounds. You'll find them near buoys, channel markers, and around bait schools in 20-60 feet of water. They show up in good numbers from late May through September. Anglers love cobia for their aggressive strikes and bulldog-like fights. Their firm, white meat is excellent eating too. To catch 'em, try sight-fishing with large bucktail jigs or live eels. Anchor up-current of structure and chum to bring them in. A local trick - when you spot one, cast well ahead and let your bait sink. Cobia often investigate things near the surface, so be ready for explosive strikes as they come to check out your offering.

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are a prized catch in Virginia Beach waters. These copper-colored fish with a black spot near the tail typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, with bigger ones offshore. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. They're here year-round but bite best in fall as they school up. Anglers love targeting redfish for their strong runs and hard-fighting nature. Their mild, flaky meat is great on the grill too. To catch 'em, try fishing live or cut bait on the bottom, or work soft plastics slowly along drop-offs. A local tip - on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in shallow water. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight!

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a unique catch in the Chesapeake Bay. These striped fish with human-like teeth typically run 2-8 pounds. You'll find them around structures like bridge pilings, rocky jetties, and oyster bars in 5-20 feet of water. They're here year-round but bite best from spring through fall. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their crafty nature and strong fight. Plus, their white, flaky meat is delicious. To catch 'em, use small hooks with pieces of crab, clam, or fiddler crab. Fish tight to structure - I mean right up against it. A local trick is to scrape some barnacles off the pilings to get them fired up. Be ready for a subtle bite, then set the hook hard. These guys have tough mouths, so sturdy hooks are a must.

Spadefish

Spadefish are an interesting catch in the Chesapeake Bay. These disk-shaped fish with black vertical bars typically run 3-5 pounds. You'll find them around structures like wrecks, reefs, and pilings in 20-60 feet of water. They show up in good numbers from May through September when waters warm. Anglers enjoy targeting spadefish for their strong, spirited fight on light tackle. They also make for some tasty fillets. To catch 'em, anchor up-current of structure and chum with small pieces of clam. Use a small circle hook with a bit of clam on light fluorocarbon leader. A local tip - when you see spadefish finning on the surface, cast a small white jig tipped with clam right in front of them. Let it sink slowly and hold on tight!

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are a favorite target in Virginia Beach waters. These speedy, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 2-4 pounds, though bigger ones show up. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often near structures or along rip lines. They're most active here from late spring through fall when water temps warm up. Anglers love targeting Spanish mackerel for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their tasty white meat is great on the grill too. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind planers to get down to their depth. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means Spanish mackerel are chasing bait fish below. When you spot 'em, cast small silver spoons or gotcha plugs right into the feeding frenzy for some fast action.

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 hit the Chesapeake Bay for some serious fishing action? Captain Jeff Brooks knows all the prime spots to land striped bass, cobia, red drum, and whatever else is biting. This full-day, 8-hour trip is geared toward experienced anglers who want to dial in their skills or go after that personal best catch. You'll be cruising on a 25' Parker center console that's fully equipped for a productive day on the water. The captain provides all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, plus cold water to keep you hydrated. With room for up to four guests, you can bring a few buddies to share in the excitement. Just remember to bring cash for the final payment when you arrive at the dock. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of top-notch fishing in one of Virginia's best inshore areas.