/users/fc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d/ratecard/1000005035-mlrfrd2v.jpg)
%2F300x300%2Fusers%2Ffc28bccc-4d1f-4015-8d58-81cad7964d5d%2Fratecard%2F1000005035-mlrfrd2v.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 a solid half-day fishing adventure without breaking the bank? This Norfolk inshore charter hits the sweet spot for families and small groups wanting to get on some fish without committing to a full day on the water. Captain runs two trips daily - morning departure at 7am or afternoon at 1pm - giving you flexibility to work around your schedule. At $500 for up to four anglers, it's one of the better deals you'll find in the Norfolk area, especially when you factor in that all licenses are covered. The boat's set up to handle a fifth person for an extra $100 if your group's a little bigger.
Your four-hour trip runs from March through December, timing perfectly with tautog season and the movement patterns of Norfolk's best inshore species. The captain knows where the fish are holding based on daily conditions - some days that means working structure for bottom dwellers, other times you'll be covering water looking for schools of mackerel or cobia cruising the travel lanes. The boat's rigged for both approaches, so you're not locked into one style of fishing. Morning trips often start cooler and build into prime feeding times, while afternoon departures can be great when the fish are active in warmer water. Either way, you're fishing productive water that holds flounder, mackerel, sheepshead, spadefish, cobia, drum, and tautog depending on what's moving that day.
This charter mixes things up between trolling and bottom fishing to maximize your chances at different species throughout the trip. When trolling, you'll be pulling lures through areas where cobia and mackerel like to cruise, covering productive travel lanes that funnel fish along the coast. The bottom fishing happens around structure - wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas where tautog, sheepshead, and drum like to hang out. The captain provides all the tackle and knows how to rig for each species, so you don't need to worry about having the right setup. Bottom rigs get loaded with fresh bait and dropped down to where the fish are holding, while trolling spreads get adjusted based on water conditions and what's been producing. It's a good mix that keeps things interesting and gives everyone on board different shots at fish.
Tautog are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially during their peak season when they're feeding heavy around structure. These chunky bottom dwellers average 2-4 pounds but can push much bigger, and they're known for their strong initial run when hooked. Best action typically comes during cooler months when they're most active, and they're excellent table fare with firm white meat. What makes tautog fishing exciting is the technique - you need to feel the subtle bite and set the hook quickly before they retreat into the rocks.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and aggression that gets everyone fired up. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute fighters for their size, making screaming runs and jumping when hooked. They show up best during warmer months when baitfish are thick, and they'll crush both trolled lures and live bait. The bite can be fast and furious when you find a school, with multiple hookups keeping the whole boat busy.
Black drum are the powerhouse of the group, with fish ranging from smaller "puppy" drum up to bulls that can push 30+ pounds. They're bottom feeders that love crab and cut bait, and they use their size and strength to test your tackle and technique. Peak season varies, but when they're around, drum provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience on this type of trip.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps things interesting - they're notorious bait stealers with excellent eyesight and a light bite that requires concentration to detect. Average fish run 2-5 pounds, but their fighting ability and excellent eating quality make them a favorite target. Structure fishing around pilings and reefs during their spawning season provides the best opportunities.
Cobia are the wild card that can make any trip memorable. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) can range from 20 to 50+ pounds and are known for their curious nature and powerful fights. They often cruise near the surface where you can see them coming, creating exciting sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right.
This half-day Norfolk charter delivers solid fishing action at a price point that works for most budgets. The combination of trolling and bottom fishing gives you shots at multiple species, while the experienced captain's local knowledge puts you on productive water every trip out. With all licenses included and flexible departure times, it's an easy choice for families looking to get kids on fish or small groups wanting a relaxed day on the water. The seasonal schedule from March through December means you can plan trips around peak fishing times, and the four-hour duration is perfect for getting your fishing fix without wearing everyone out. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. For $500 covering up to four people, you're getting access to some of Norfolk's best inshore fishing with a captain who knows where to find them.
Black drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some real giants pushing 50+. They're bottom feeders that love muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in brackish water. Spring is your best shot when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater to attract mates. What makes them special is their crushing power and stubborn fight. They'll use their weight against you, bulldogging toward structure. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great table fare with firm white meat. Here's what works: fish dead on the bottom with fresh blue crab or clams near oyster bars. Use enough weight to stay put, and when you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let them tire out first or they'll break you off in the rocks.

Cobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, solitary fish that cruise around looking like trouble. They average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, making them one of our strongest fighters. You'll spot them around buoys, channel markers, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests love is the sight fishing - watching these big fish cruise just under the surface, then the powerful runs when hooked. They're also premium table fare with firm, white meat like mahi. The trick is approaching them quietly and dropping a bucktail jig or live eel right in front of their nose. Don't cast behind them - they rarely turn around. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't rush them or they'll throw the hook.

Sheepshead are the convict fish with black stripes and human-like teeth that crunch barnacles off dock pilings. They typically run 2-8 pounds and stick tight to any structure - bridges, piers, jetties, you name it. Winter and early spring are best when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them challenging is they're notorious bait thieves with those weird teeth, but that's also what makes catching them satisfying. The meat is outstanding - sweet, white, and flaky. They're curious fish that'll come right up to check you out. The secret is getting your bait tight to the structure and setting the hook hard the second you feel weight. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. Don't give them time to nibble - they'll clean your hook and leave you wondering what happened.

Spanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a great fight on light tackle. They typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, swimming in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structure and along travel routes where baitfish move through. They show up here from late spring through fall when the water warms up. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they're fast and fun to catch. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we target, with mild white meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is moving fast when you find a school. We'll troll small spoons or cast jigs, but once we locate them, switch to live bait like sardines. Keep your drag loose - their sharp teeth and speed can snap light line in a heartbeat.

Also called blackfish, tautog are stocky fighters with thick lips and powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish around rocky structure. These wrasses run 1-3 pounds typically, though bigger ones push 8-10 pounds. They stick tight to jetties, wrecks, and boulder fields where they hunt crabs and mussels. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active during daylight hours. What makes them fun is they're tough to fool - they'll steal your bait in seconds if you're not paying attention. The meat is excellent, white and firm. Here's the trick: use green crabs, crush up the legs and claws to make a scent trail, then drop your bait right in the rocks. Change baits every 4-5 minutes or they'll ignore it. These guys are territorial, so once you find them, work that spot hard.

%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