World-Class Inshore Fishing in Virginia Beach

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Get ready for a morning of fishing action in the Chesapeake Bay with Captain Jeff. This 4-hour trip out of Virginia Beach puts you right where the fish are biting. You'll be targeting a mix of inshore favorites like redfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia, flounder, sheepshead, and spadefish, depending on what's running. The 25' Parker center console is set up for comfort and fishing success, with room for up to four anglers. Don't worry about gear or licenses - it's all covered, along with bait and water. Mornings often bring calmer conditions and less boat traffic, setting you up for steady action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Captain Jeff will make sure you're in on the catch. Remember to bring cash for the final payment on trip day. Book your spot early to lock in your preferred time and get ready for a great day on the water.

World-Class 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

Half-Day Morning Fishing in Chesapeake Bay

Ready to wet a line in some of Virginia Beach's most productive waters? Join Captain Jeff for a morning of non-stop action in the Chesapeake Bay. This 4-hour trip puts you right where the fish are biting, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to acrobatic Spanish mackerel. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you're in for a treat on this locally-loved charter.

Trip Overview

We'll head out at the crack of dawn aboard a 25' Parker center console – the perfect platform for inshore fishing. Captain Jeff knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on the fish fast. With room for up to four anglers, it's ideal for small groups or families looking to spend quality time on the water. The morning bite is often the best, and you'll be out there when the fish are most active. Plus, with less boat traffic early on, we've got the bay practically to ourselves.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we're out, we'll use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Might be drifting live bait for cobia, jigging around structure for sheepshead, or casting lures for redfish. Captain Jeff provides all the gear, so no need to lug your own tackle box. He'll show you the ropes if you're new, or swap fishing stories if you're an old salt. The beauty of Chesapeake Bay fishing is you never know what you might hook into – could be a bull red one cast and a doormat flounder the next.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love this trip because it's action-packed but laid-back at the same time. You're not stuck on a big party boat – this is a personalized experience where you'll learn the local tricks of the trade. The morning usually brings calmer waters, making it perfect if you're worried about seasickness. And let's be honest, there's something special about being on the water as the sun comes up, rod in hand, waiting for that first bite of the day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Chesapeake anglers. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow to over 40 inches. We often find them tailing in shallow water or hanging around structure. The "drum" sound they make when excited is something you've got to hear to believe.

Spanish Mackerel: If you want non-stop action, these are your fish. They're fast, they're aggressive, and they travel in schools. When we find a pod, it's often fish after fish. They're also fantastic on the grill if you're looking to take some home for dinner.

Cobia: These are the heavyweight champs of Chesapeake Bay. Cobia can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their powerful runs. They typically show up in late spring and stick around through summer. Sight-casting to these giants is a rush you won't forget.

Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy looks fool you – these striped fish with human-like teeth are crafty and strong. They love hanging around pilings and bridges, and it takes a bit of finesse to hook them. But man, are they good eating if you decide to keep a few.

Spadefish: These might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're a blast on light tackle. They school up around structure and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Plus, they're just cool-looking fish – like a saltwater version of a freshwater bluegill on steroids.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, fishing the Chesapeake is something every angler should experience at least once. And with Captain Jeff at the helm, you're in for a top-notch morning on the water. He'll put you on fish, share some local knowledge, and make sure you have a great time doing it. Remember, the boat only takes four, so don't wait to lock in your date. Bring some cash for the final payment, and Captain Jeff will handle the rest – bait, gear, licenses, even bottled water to keep you hydrated. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is calling. Book now and get ready for some serious Chesapeake Bay action!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are hard-fighting brutes that can top 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll often spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 20-80 foot depths. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Anglers target cobia for their powerful runs, acrobatic jumps, and excellent table fare. To catch one, try sight-fishing with large jigs or live eels. A local tip: keep an eye out for rays - cobia often follow them looking for an easy meal. When you see that brown shape trailing a ray, cast your bait just ahead of it. Be ready for an epic battle once hooked. These fish don't give up easily!

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are copper-colored bruisers that typically run 20-40 inches and 6-30 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often tailing in 1-3 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong pulls and big, thumping strikes. They're great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. To catch one, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. A local trick is to look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in shallow water. Cast just beyond them and slowly retrieve your lure past their nose. When you see that wake headed for your bait, hang on tight!

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are striped oddballs with human-like teeth, typically 2-8 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find them around hard structures like pilings, reefs, and wrecks in 5-50 foot depths. They love munching on barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time as they spawn near inlets, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers target sheepshead for their strong fight and excellent table fare. They're tricky to hook though - masters at stealing bait. Use small, strong hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel the telltale tap-tap-tap of a sheepshead nibbling, wait a second or two before setting the hook. That gives them time to get the bait in their mouth. Once hooked, be ready for a stubborn battle!

Spadefish

Spadefish are odd-looking customers - deep-bodied and disc-shaped, usually 2-3 pounds but can reach 20 inches and 9 pounds. You'll spot 'em around structures like reefs, wrecks, and pilings in 15-80 foot depths. They school up, sometimes by the hundreds. Late spring through summer is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting spadefish for their strong fight and unique appearance. They're not bad eating either, with a mild, sweet flavor. To hook one, use small hooks with pieces of clam or jellyball. A neat trick is to chum with small bits of clam to get a school fired up. Once they're feeding, drop your bait right in the middle of the action. Just be ready - they have small mouths and are notorious bait stealers!

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are fast-swimming, sleek fish that typically run 1-3 feet long and weigh 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in coastal waters 20-40 feet deep. They love structure like reefs, wrecks, and pier pilings. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. These fish put up an exciting fight on light tackle, making sudden runs and acrobatic leaps. Their tasty white meat is popular for grilling or smoking. To catch 'em, try trolling small shiny spoons or jigs near the surface. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means Spanish mackerel are feeding on bait fish below. Cast into the frenzy and retrieve quickly for some fast action. Just watch out for their razor-sharp teeth when unhooking!

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 a fun morning of fishing in Chesapeake Bay. This 4-hour trip takes you to the bay's rich inshore waters, where you'll cast lines for seasonal favorites like redfish, Spanish mackerel, cobia, flounder, sheepshead, and spadefish. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, you'll enjoy the steady action and calmer conditions often found in the mornings. The captain provides all the gear, bait, and licenses you'll need, plus bottled water to keep you hydrated. With room for up to four guests, it's a great way to spend time on the water with family or friends. Remember to bring cash for the final payment on trip day. Book your preferred morning slot early to ensure you don't miss out on the action!