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Norfolk VA Tautog Inshore Half Day Fishing Charter
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't break the bank or eat up your whole weekend? This Norfolk inshore charter hits the sweet spot for families and small groups who want to get into some fish without the commitment of a full-day trip. Captain runs a tight ship with morning trips leaving at 7am and afternoon runs starting at 1pm - both clocking in around four hours on the water. From July through December, you'll be targeting the seasonal favorites that make Chesapeake Bay fishing legendary. At $500 for up to four anglers (add a fifth person for $100 more), it's one of the better deals around Norfolk for a private charter experience.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical party boat scene - you're looking at a personalized fishing experience where the captain adjusts the game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Morning trips tend to be cooler and often more productive, especially during summer months when the afternoon heat can slow things down. The afternoon slots work great for folks who aren't early risers or want to fish the evening bite. You'll be working productive inshore structure like bridge pilings, artificial reefs, and channel edges where baitfish congregate and predators follow. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on spots that consistently produce. Don't worry about fishing licenses - they're included in your trip cost, so you can focus on fishing instead of paperwork.
Techniques & Tackle
Expect to do some bottom fishing around structure where tautog, sheepshead, and drum like to hang out. You'll be dropping baits down to rocky areas, pilings, and reefs where these fish feel comfortable feeding. The captain also mixes in trolling when conditions are right, especially when targeting Spanish mackerel and cobia that cruise the channels and drop-offs. Bottom rigs typically get loaded with cut bait, squid, or crabs depending on what you're after. For the trolling action, you might pull small spoons, bucktails, or diving plugs through productive water. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels, but if you've got favorite gear you like using, bring it along. Tackle and bait are provided, though having your own favorite lures never hurts.
Top Catches This Season
Tautog are the bread and butter of this trip, especially once fall rolls around and they get active around structure. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love rocky bottom and will test your drag when they try to get back into the rocks. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling. Spanish mackerel show up strong during summer months, offering fast action and plenty of fight on light tackle. They school up around bait pods and will hammer trolled lures or cut bait. Black drum are another favorite, with fish ranging from smaller puppy drum perfect for dinner to larger bulls that'll give you a real workout. These copper-colored fighters love crab baits around structure and put up a surprisingly strong fight.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore waters - they'll steal your bait before you know what hit you. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth and love picking crabs and barnacles off pilings. They're tricky to hook but worth the effort for their sweet meat. Cobia are the wildcards of the trip, showing up when you least expect them. These brown sharks lookalikes are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you shots at 20-40 pound fish that fight like freight trains. They're incredible on the table and always get everyone excited when they show up.
Time to Book Your Spot
This charter delivers exactly what most folks are looking for - quality fishing without the all-day commitment, reasonable pricing for small groups, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The four-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and try different techniques without wearing out the kids or breaking the budget. July through December covers prime inshore fishing season when multiple species are active and feeding. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just want to get out on the water for a few hours, this Norfolk inshore charter checks all the boxes for a top-rated fishing experience.
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, averaging 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These dark, powerful fish have crushing jaws perfect for their shellfish diet. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in 5-30 feet of water during our season. They're most cooperative in spring around spawning time when they school up, but we catch them consistently through fall. What makes drum special is their raw power - they'll test your drag and your patience. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, while the big bruisers are better released. The secret to drum fishing is getting fresh crab bait right on the bottom near structure. They're picky eaters and will mouth the bait before taking it, so watch your rod tip closely and set the hook when you feel steady weight, not just taps.
Cobia
Cobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary hunters averaging 30-50 pounds with some reaching 100-plus. These bronze-colored bruisers cruise alone or in small groups around structure, buoys, and channel markers. Prime time is late spring through fall when they move through our area during migration. What gets anglers excited is their size, fight, and top-shelf table quality - firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're usually sight-fished, so keep your eyes peeled for dark shadows just under the surface. Once you spot one, get a bucktail jig or live bait in front of them quickly but quietly. Here's the key: cobia are curious but spooky. Make accurate casts ahead of their path, let the bait sink naturally, then work it slow. These fish can make or break a trip when they show up.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their distinctive black stripes and famous human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders show up occasionally around heavy structure. They stick tight to pilings, docks, and barnacle-covered surfaces where they feed on crabs and shellfish. Peak season runs spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them popular is their challenge - they're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without getting caught. But land one and you've got some of the best eating fish in these waters. The trick with sheepshead is using small hooks, fresh bait, and getting as close to structure as possible. Feel them pecking at the bait? Set the hook hard immediately. They've got tough mouths, so don't be gentle when you feel that telltale weight.
Spanish Mackerel
These silvery speedsters with distinctive yellow spots are perfect for anglers who like fast action. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, swimming in large schools near the surface. They're most active during our summer and early fall months when water temps are warm. You'll find them around jetties, piers, and open water near structure where baitfish congregate. What guests love about targeting them is the aggressive strikes and steady action when you locate a school. They're also outstanding table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The key to success is spotting the schools and drifting to them rather than motoring right through and spooking the fish. Small shiny spoons and live bait like sardines work best. Once you hook up, work fast - where there's one, there's usually dozens more.
Tautog
Also known as blackfish, tautog are tough customers with thick, rubbery skin and powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. These mottled brown fish average 1-3 pounds but can reach 28 pounds. They love rocky structure - jetties, reefs, and pilings - where they hunt crabs and mussels. Best fishing runs July through December when they're most active during daylight hours. What makes them fun to target is their stubborn fight and excellent table fare, but they're notorious bait thieves. They'll pick at your offering before committing, so stay alert. Here's a local trick: crush up some green crab shells and let the pieces drift around your fishing spot. The scent drives them crazy and triggers feeding activity. Just remember to fish tight to structure and change your bait every 5 minutes if nothing's happening.
About the Remedy Sport Fishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
