Norfolk VA Offshore Full Day Fishing Charter

Norfolk's offshore waters serve up some of Virginia's best fishing, and this full-day charter puts you right in the middle of the action. We're talking eight solid hours on the water targeting three of the region's most sought-after species: black seabass, tautog, and summer flounder. From July through December, these waters come alive with fish activity, and our experienced captains know exactly where to find them. Your group of up to four anglers gets the boat to yourselves, with room for a fifth if needed. We handle all the licenses and provide clear instruction throughout the day, making this trip perfect for both seasoned offshore veterans and folks ready to step up their fishing game.

What to Expect on the Water

This charter runs rain or shine for a minimum of eight hours, giving you serious time to work the offshore structure and open water areas where these fish love to hang out. We launch early to maximize your fishing time and head straight to the productive zones where Norfolk's underwater terrain creates perfect habitat for our target species. The boat setup allows us to fish comfortably with four anglers, though we can accommodate a fifth person for an additional fee. You'll spend your day moving between different fishing spots, reading the conditions, and adapting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. The captain provides hands-on instruction throughout the trip, so whether you're new to offshore fishing or looking to refine your techniques, you'll learn something new. Pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy fishing to think much about eating anyway.

Trolling and Bottom Techniques

We use a combination of trolling and bottom fishing to cover water efficiently and target different species based on daily conditions. Trolling lets us search large areas and locate active fish, especially when targeting summer flounder in open water. We'll pull a spread of lures at various depths, adjusting speed and direction based on what we're marking on the fish finder. When we hit productive bottom structure, we switch to anchor fishing with heavy tackle designed for the strong currents and deep water typical of Norfolk's offshore environment. Bottom fishing here means working jigs, cut bait, and live offerings around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas where tautog and black seabass concentrate. The key is reading the structure and understanding how these fish relate to the bottom contours. We carry a full selection of tackle suited for these techniques, from heavy conventional reels for bottom work to lighter setups for trolling applications.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Summer flounder are the stars of the show during the warmer months, with these flatfish reaching impressive sizes in Norfolk's offshore waters. These fish can stretch over 20 inches and provide fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite. They're most active from July through September, often found along channel edges and over sandy bottoms where they ambush prey. What makes flounder fishing so exciting is their aggressive strike and the challenge of figuring out their daily pattern – some days they want fast-moving baits, other days they prefer a slow presentation dragged along the bottom.

Tautog season really heats up from October through December when these hard-fighting fish move into shallower waters around structure. Known locally as "blackfish," tautog are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter in Virginia waters. They use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish around rocky areas, making them a challenge to hook and even harder to land. These fish average 2-4 pounds but can reach double digits, and their habit of diving straight back into the rocks tests both your tackle and your patience. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Atlantic.

Black seabass round out our target species list and are available throughout most of the season. These aggressive feeders hit baits hard and fight well for their size, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional larger specimens. They school around wrecks, reefs, and other hard bottom areas, often mixed with tautog during the fall months. Black seabass are excellent table fare and relatively easy to catch once you locate a school, making them perfect for building confidence and keeping the action steady throughout the day.

Time to Book Your Spot

Norfolk's offshore fishing season from July through December offers some of the most consistent action on the Virginia coast. At $1,100 for up to four anglers, this full-day charter delivers serious value for groups wanting extended time on productive water. The included fishing licenses and expert instruction mean you can focus on fishing instead of paperwork and logistics. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when booking your trip. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a corporate outing, or just want to experience world-class offshore fishing, this charter puts you on fish with experienced captains who know these waters inside and out. Book early for peak season dates, especially during prime tautog season when demand runs high.