/users/fc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d/ratecard/1000002605-mm3biqvj.jpg)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fratecard%2F1000002605-mm3biqvj.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Ftautog-catch-norfolk-2383.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Ffishing-norfolk-2409.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Ffishing-virginia-adventure-2525.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Ffishing-norfolk-2678.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Ffishing-adventure-virginia-3060.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Fsummer-flounder-fishing-va-3205.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Ffishing-norfolk-best-great-3373.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Fanglers-fishing-virginia-3536.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Fbest-fishing-norfolk-3569.jpg&w=256&q=75)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fimages%2Fbest-fishing-adventure-va-3181.jpg&w=256&q=75)
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning a tank of fuel getting there? This 6-hour Norfolk inshore charter hits all the right spots where the fish actually live. We're talking about productive structure, proven fish lanes, and enough variety to keep your rod bent most of the day. At $700 for up to 4 people, you get a private boat, experienced guidance, and all the licenses taken care of. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just want to try something different from the usual offshore grind, this trip delivers consistent action close to home.
Norfolk's inshore waters are like a fish highway system - you just need to know where the on-ramps are. We'll work the structure that holds fish year-round, from bridge pilings and channel edges to oyster bars and drop-offs. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One minute you're pulling up a chunky tautog from the rocks, next cast might bring a surprise cobia cruising through. The trip stays flexible based on what's biting and where the fish are staging. No long runs, no rough seas - just productive fishing in protected waters where we can actually hear each other talk. Perfect for small groups who want personal attention and plenty of chances to get their hands dirty.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what's moving through. Trolling lets us cover water efficiently and pick up active feeders like Spanish mackerel and cobia when they're on the prowl. For the structure-oriented fish like tautog and sheepshead, we'll anchor up and work the bottom with bait. The boat carries all the gear you need - rods matched to the target species, tackle boxes full of proven rigs, and a good selection of fresh and artificial baits. If you've got your own favorite setup, bring it along. Otherwise, we've got you covered with gear that actually works in these waters. Bottom fishing here means reading the structure, feeling the bites, and knowing when to set the hook on some pretty smart fish.
Tautog are the bread and butter of Norfolk inshore fishing, especially around structure. These guys are tough fighters with serious pulling power for their size. Most run 2-4 pounds, but the bigger ones will test your drag and your patience. They're notorious bait stealers, so learning to feel their subtle bite is half the battle. Best action happens around rocks, pilings, and artificial reefs where they feed on crabs and mollusks. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up heavy.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and excitement when they're running. These silver bullets hit trolled baits like lightning and put on aerial shows that'll get your adrenaline pumping. They typically show up in spring and stick around through fall, often traveling in schools that can keep you busy for hours. Perfect eating size at 1-3 pounds, and they'll test your reflexes when they make their runs.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from keeper-sized juveniles to massive bulls that can top 40 pounds. They're bottom huggers that love oyster bars and mud flats where they root around for crabs and clams. The fight is all about power and endurance - they don't jump, but they'll make long, steady runs that'll make your arms burn. Peak season runs late spring through early fall.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge fish - they've got human-like teeth and the smarts to match. These black and white striped beauties hang around structure and are notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked. When you do connect, they fight hard and taste even better. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spawning season in spring. Landing a nice sheepshead always feels like you've outsmarted one of the ocean's craftiest fish.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anytime and turn a regular day into something special. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are curious fish that often cruise near the surface, sometimes following rays or just checking out the boat. They hit hard, fight dirty, and can reach impressive sizes even in the inshore waters. When the water warms up in late spring and summer, keep your eyes peeled because cobia sightings can lead to some of the trip's most memorable catches.
This Norfolk inshore charter delivers exactly what it promises - consistent action, variety, and a chance to learn these productive waters without the expense and uncertainty of offshore fishing. The $700 price point makes it accessible for small groups, and the 6-hour timeframe gives you plenty of fishing without wearing everyone out. With licenses included and all gear provided, you just need to show up ready to fish. The inshore bite stays strong most of the year, so whether you're planning a spring trip for spawning fish or a fall session when everything's feeding heavy, Norfolk's got the action you're looking for. Book now and see why local anglers keep coming back to these proven inshore spots.
These bruisers are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some giants hitting 50+ pounds. They cruise shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in brackish water, using those crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their famous drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is the powerful fight and their willingness to eat in skinny water where you'd never expect such big fish. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating. My go-to approach is fishing fresh blue crab on the bottom around oyster bars during moving tides. Keep your drag loose because when a big drum takes off in 3 feet of water, it's going to be a long battle.

These brown sharks look-alikes are loners that pack a serious punch, averaging 20-40 pounds with some reaching 6 feet. They cruise around buoys, channel markers, and structure in 15-50 feet of water from late spring through fall. What gets people fired up about cobia is the sight fishing - you'll actually see them swimming just under the surface before casting. They fight hard and long, plus the meat is some of the finest you'll find - firm and mild like mahi. The key is having a bucktail jig ready when we spot one cruising. Cast well ahead of the fish and work the jig slowly past its nose. They're curious but spook easy, so one shot is usually all you get. When they hit, hang on because they'll make multiple runs before giving up.

These "convict fish" with their black and white stripes are some of the trickiest customers you'll encounter. They average 2-5 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure covered in barnacles. Spring months are best when they move in to spawn around pilings and jetties. What makes sheepshead frustrating and fun is they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can strip a hook clean. But land one and you've got some of the best eating fish in the bay - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The secret is using small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp, and getting your bait tight against the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately or they'll steal your bait every time.

These silver speedsters with yellow spots are pure fun on light tackle. They typically run 1-2 feet long and pack serious speed, often traveling in large schools near the surface. Around Norfolk, they show up best from late spring through early fall when water temps climb. You'll find them around structure, inlets, and open water where bait fish gather. What guests love is the fast action - when you find a school, it's game on with multiple hookups. They also make excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick is to troll small spoons or cast jigs when you see birds working. Once you hook up, keep the boat moving through the school since they spook easily but often follow each other to the boat.

Also called blackfish, these chunky fighters love hanging around rocks, jetties, and structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Around Norfolk, we find them averaging 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones reach 10+ pounds. They're most active during the day from April through November, getting especially territorial during spawning season. What makes tautog special is their fight - they'll use every rock and crevice to try breaking you off. The meat is firm and sweet, making them excellent table fare. Here's the key: use green crab bait, but crush up some crab shells and drop the pieces around your spot first. The scent drives them crazy and brings them in close. Just change your bait every 5 minutes since they're notorious bait stealers.

%2F%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fchatgptimagefeb14202610_36_53am-mllpy8sm.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250