Expert-Guided 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

The Back Deck, Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
$250 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Join us for a 4-hour fishing adventure that's perfect for families and newcomers alike. We'll head out on the water, targeting a variety of fish species to give you a taste of what inshore fishing has to offer. Our experienced crew at Nauti Dog Sportfishing will guide you through the basics, making sure everyone has a chance to cast a line and hopefully reel in a catch. It's a great way to introduce kids to fishing or just enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon on the boat. We keep the trip short and sweet, ideal for those with busy schedules or little ones with shorter attention spans. You'll get hands-on experience with different fishing techniques and learn about the local marine life. Whether you're looking to hook your first fish or just soak up some sun on the water, this trip offers a bit of everything for a fun, family-friendly outing.

Expert-Guided 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Rods, Reels, and Smiles

Tackling the Back Deck with an array of techniques under partly cloudy skies.

A day of epic fishing adventures on The Back Deck!

Reeled in a feisty Cobia with some expert deep sea tactics!

Reeling in the best catch on the back deck under partly cloudy skies!

4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure for All

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a quick but action-packed fishing trip that's perfect for the whole family? Our 4-hour inshore adventure is just the ticket. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. We'll cruise the local waters, targeting a mix of exciting species that'll keep everyone on their toes. It's the ideal way to spend a morning or afternoon, especially if you've got kids in tow or just want to wet a line without committing to a full day.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we push off, we'll head to some of my favorite inshore spots where the fish have been biting. The beauty of this trip is its versatility – we can switch up tactics based on what's running and what you're interested in catching. We'll likely do a mix of bottom fishing, light trolling, and maybe even some sight casting if conditions are right. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, and I'll show you how to use it if you're new to the game. Don't worry about bringing anything except your excitement and maybe a snack or two.

Fishing Techniques 101

On this trip, we'll use a variety of techniques to target our inshore species. We might start with some bottom fishing for flounder, using live bait or soft plastics bounced along the sandy bottom. If we spot some cobia cruising near the surface, we'll switch gears and try sight casting with bucktails or live eels. For bluefish and Spanish mackerel, we might do some light trolling with small spoons or cast metal lures into feeding schools. I'll walk you through each method, and before you know it, you'll be fishing like a pro. It's all about adapting to what the fish are doing, and that's half the fun!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Summer Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and pack a delicious punch. They love to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush their prey. We'll target them with drift fishing or by slowly working baits along the bottom. Flounder fishing is a great way to introduce kids to the sport because it's all about feeling that subtle bite.

Cobia: Known as the "man in the brown suit," cobia are hard-fighting fish that can grow to impressive sizes. They're curious creatures and often swim right up to the boat. When we spot one, get ready for some heart-pounding action as we cast lures or live bait their way. Landing a cobia is always a highlight of any trip.

Bluefish: These toothy predators are pure muscle and attitude. They travel in schools and when they're biting, the action is fast and furious. Bluefish put up a great fight on light tackle, and their aggressive strikes are a blast to watch. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them – those teeth are no joke!

Spanish Mackerel: Speed demons of the inshore waters, Spanish mackerel are a blast to catch. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We'll often find them in schools, chasing bait near the surface. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the name of the game here, and when you hook one, hold on tight!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This 4-hour trip is a customer favorite for good reason. It's the perfect blend of action and relaxation, giving you a taste of what inshore fishing is all about without overwhelming newcomers. Families love it because it's just long enough to keep kids engaged without wearing them out. For the more experienced anglers, it's a great way to squeeze in some fishing when you're short on time. Plus, the variety of species we target means every trip is different – you never know what you might catch!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and make some memories, this 4-hour trip is calling your name. It's the perfect intro to inshore fishing or a quick fix for those with the fishing bug. We've got room for up to 4 anglers, so bring the family or a few friends. Remember, no experience is needed – I'll take care of everything from gear to know-how. All you need to do is show up ready for some fun. The fish are waiting, so what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and wet some lines! Book your spot now, and I'll see you at the dock.

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Bluefish are aggressive fighters that'll give you a real workout. These toothy predators usually run 3-10 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them in coastal waters, especially tidal rivers and sandy bays during summer. They're migratory, so prime time is June through October in many areas. Bluefish are known for their feeding frenzies - they'll attack schools of baitfish like a pack of wolves. That aggressive nature makes them a blast to catch. They'll hit just about any lure, but oily baitfish like menhaden are irresistible. Be careful handling them though - those teeth are no joke. Bluefish make good eating when prepared right, with a rich, flaky meat. For the freshest taste, bleed and ice them immediately. Here's a local trick: try topwater lures at dawn and dusk for some exciting strikes.

Spanish Mackerel

Summer flounder, or fluke, are a fun species to target. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and a few pounds, though trophy-sized doormats over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, estuaries, and along the coast. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. Fluke fishing is best from late spring through early fall when they move inshore. Drifting or slow-trolling with live bait or soft plastics works well. The fight can be deceptively strong as they use their flat bodies against the current. Flounder are highly prized for their sweet, delicate meat - some of the best eating fish out there. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give them a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel steadily to hook them in the corner of the mouth.

Bluefish

Cobia are one of those fish that'll really test your skills. They're big, strong, and put up one heck of a fight. Adults typically run 6 feet long and can top 100 pounds. You'll find them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in coastal waters. Cobia are most active in warmer months, with peak season often May through September. Sight fishing for them is a real thrill - look for their distinctive shark-like dorsal fins near the surface. They're not the easiest to catch, which is part of the fun. Bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range are a good bet. Cobia are prized for their firm, white meat that's excellent grilled or blackened. One tip from the locals: if you spot one, cast well ahead of it and let the lure sink. Cobia are curious and will often investigate.

Summer Flounder

Spanish mackerel are a blast to catch and great eating too. These speedy swimmers typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds. You'll often spot them in big schools near the surface, especially around structures in open water. They love warm weather, so look closer to shore as temperatures rise. For the best shot at landing one, try trolling or drifting with light tackle and 12-20 lb line. Shiny spoons or live bait like sardines work well. Circle hooks in the 1/0-2/0 range are ideal. Spanish macks put up an exciting fight and make for some tasty grilled or smoked fillets. The meat has a mild flavor that's not too fishy. My top tip: when you see a school, drift in quietly so you don't spook them. Then get ready for some fast action!

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