8 Hour Virginia Offshore Fishing Charter

Ready to get serious about offshore fishing? This full-day charter with Remedy Sport Fishing puts you right where Virginia's best bottom fish are biting. We're talking eight solid hours on the water, targeting structure and drop-offs that hold some of the tastiest fish swimming off the Virginia coast. From January through mid-May, when tautog season is prime, you'll get your hands dirty working bottom rigs and experiencing what real offshore fishing is all about. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we go the distance to find fish and put you on them.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you and up to three friends have the whole boat to yourselves, cruising out to productive offshore structure where the fish stack up. Captain and crew know exactly where to find the honey holes – rocky bottoms, wrecks, and ledges that attract feeding fish season after season. The trip runs a minimum of eight hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and adjust tactics based on what's biting. Weather and fish behavior dictate where we fish, but one thing's guaranteed: you're getting personalized attention throughout the day. At $1,100 for four anglers, it's a solid deal for a private offshore experience. Need room for one more? Add a fifth person for $250 and everyone still has space to fish comfortably. All fishing licenses are covered, so you just show up ready to fish.

Trolling and Bottom Tactics

Here's where the real fishing happens. We use two main approaches depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Bottom fishing is the bread and butter – dropping rigs down to structure where tautog, black seabass, and flounder hang out. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish bite and bottom contact, work jigs around rocks without losing tackle, and time your hook sets perfectly. When conditions are right, we'll also run trolling patterns to cover water and locate active schools. The key is reading the depth finder, understanding current flow, and positioning baits where fish feed naturally. Captain adjusts techniques throughout the day based on fish activity, water temperature, and structure type. Some days the fish want bait presented one way, other days they're picky. That's why experience matters, and why eight hours gives you time to figure out the puzzle.

Top Catches This Season

Tautog are the main event during this season, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love rocky structure and provide some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Virginia tautog typically run 2-6 pounds, with occasional doormat fish pushing 8+ pounds that'll test your drag and technique. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll learn patience and timing while working green crabs and other natural baits around rocks. What makes tautog special is their aggressive feeding behavior during cold months when other species slow down. They'll stack up on productive structure, giving you shot after shot at quality fish.

Black seabass add consistent action throughout the trip, hitting both bottom rigs and small jigs with enthusiasm. These scrappy fighters average 1-3 pounds but make up for size with numbers and attitude. Virginia's offshore structure holds excellent populations of seabass, especially during spring months when they're feeding heavily before spawning. They're also excellent table fare and easy to clean, making them perfect for filling the cooler.

Summer flounder round out the mixed bag, though they're more seasonal and structure-dependent than the other species. Virginia flounder can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 5 pounds always possible around offshore structure. They're ambush predators that lie flat against bottom waiting for baitfish, so presentations need to look natural and move enticingly. When conditions align – right tide, water temperature, and bait presence – flounder fishing can be phenomenal. These flatfish are highly prized for their mild, flaky meat and sporting qualities.

Time to Book Your Spot

This charter books up quickly during peak tautog season, especially weekends when weather cooperates. Eight hours of private offshore fishing with all licenses included represents serious value for small groups who want quality time on the water. You're not sharing space with strangers or rushing back to port when fish are biting. Instead, you get a full day of learning, fishing, and hopefully filling the cooler with fresh offshore catches. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when booking. But trust me – once you experience a full day of Virginia offshore fishing with experienced guides who know where to find fish, you'll understand why regulars keep coming back season after season.