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Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing: 6-8 Hour Adventure

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • The Back Deck, Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
  • $250 - $1,200 price range
  • Updated Date: October 11, 2025

Summary

Picture yourself on a boat off Virginia Beach, scanning the water for signs of cobia, drum, and sheepshead. This 6-8 hour shared charter mixes up the action with sight fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling. You'll be using live bait and light tackle to target a variety of summer species, including mackerel, redfish, and spadefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, the captain's got you covered with all the gear and local know-how. It's a great way to spend a day on the water, either solo or with a small group. You'll get to swap stories with other fishing enthusiasts while trying different techniques. The shared boat setup keeps things affordable and social, perfect for making new friends who share your passion for coastal fishing. By the end of the day, you'll have gotten a real taste of what Virginia Beach inshore fishing is all about.
Virginia Beach Inshore Fishing: 6-8 Hour Adventure

Reeling In Summer

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Two Cobia fish caught in VA, fishing and water sports

Catching Cobia off Virginia Beach waters

Cobia caught during fishing trip in Virginia Beach

Trophy Cobia landed on inshore trip

4 people enjoying water sports in VA

Offshore adventure today

Cobia fish caught in Virginia Beach water sports

Hooked Cobia on guided Virginia trip

Sheepshead fish caught during water sports fishing in Virginia Beach

Sight fishing for Sheepshead inshore

Fishing with a Pacific Halibut in VA

Coastal Virginia Beach fishing adventure

Person enjoying water sports in Virginia Beach

Hands-on Cobia fishing with experienced guide

Cobia fishing in VA

Reel in Cobia on Virginia Beach waters

Person fishing in water sports in VA

Captain-led trip for local fish

A tripletail fish caught in the water in VA

Big catch moments from summer charter

Two Cobia fish caught in VA, fishing and water sports

Catching Cobia off Virginia Beach waters

Cobia caught during fishing trip in Virginia Beach

Trophy Cobia landed on inshore trip

4 people enjoying water sports in VA

Offshore adventure today

Cobia fish caught in Virginia Beach water sports

Hooked Cobia on guided Virginia trip

Sheepshead fish caught during water sports fishing in Virginia Beach

Sight fishing for Sheepshead inshore

Fishing with a Pacific Halibut in VA

Coastal Virginia Beach fishing adventure

Person enjoying water sports in Virginia Beach

Hands-on Cobia fishing with experienced guide

Cobia fishing in VA

Reel in Cobia on Virginia Beach waters

Person fishing in water sports in VA

Captain-led trip for local fish

A tripletail fish caught in the water in VA

Big catch moments from summer charter

Two Cobia fish caught in VA, fishing and water sports

Catching Cobia off Virginia Beach waters

Cobia caught during fishing trip in Virginia Beach

Trophy Cobia landed on inshore trip

4 people enjoying water sports in VA

Offshore adventure today

Cobia fish caught in Virginia Beach water sports

Hooked Cobia on guided Virginia trip

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Virginia Beach's Summer Inshore Bonanza

Looking to get in on some serious summer fishing action? You've come to the right place. Our Virginia Beach inshore charter puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking cobia, drum, sheepshead, and more – all within reach on this shared 6-8 hour trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need for a day of productive fishing in coastal Virginia waters.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're out on the Chesapeake Bay, rod in hand, scanning the water for signs of life. Our captain's at the helm, ready to put you on the fish. We mix it up with different techniques – sight fishing for cobia cruising near the surface, dropping lines to the bottom for drum and sheepshead, or trolling for Spanish mackerel. It's a smorgasbord of fishing opportunities, and you get to try it all. The best part? You're sharing the boat with other fish-heads, swapping stories and maybe even some friendly competition. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew's got patience for days and we'll make sure you're reeling 'em in like a pro in no time.

Rods, Reels, and Rigging

We keep things simple but effective out here. Light tackle's the name of the game – it gives you a real fight with these inshore bruisers. We'll set you up with spinning gear, loaded with braided line for sensitivity and strength. Depending on what we're after, we might be tossing artificial lures, live-lining spot or menhaden, or dropping cut bait to the bottom. For cobia, keep your eyes peeled – we often spot them near the surface and it's a mad dash to get a bait in front of their noses. When we're bottom fishing for drum or sheepshead, it's all about feeling that subtle bite and setting the hook just right. Trust me, once you feel that thump and the rod doubles over, you'll be hooked for life.

Fish Tales from the Bay

Our local waters are teeming with fish stories, and you could be the star of the next one. Virginia Beach's inshore fishing scene is no secret – anglers come from all over to get a piece of the action. From the thrill of sight-casting to cobia to the satisfaction of outsmarting a wily sheepshead, every trip has the potential for that "you should've been there" moment. And let's not forget the times when the fish seem to jump in the boat – those days when the Spanish mackerel are so thick you can't keep them off your line. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, we've got the inside track on making it happen.

The Usual Suspects

Cobia are the rock stars of our summer fishery. These bruisers can top 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms aching (in the best way possible). They show up as the water warms in late spring and stick around through the summer. Spotting them is half the fun – look for their distinctive shark-like profile cruising near the surface. Once hooked, hold on tight because these fish don't give up easily.

Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay. They're bottom-dwellers with a sweet tooth for crabs and clams. In the summer, we target them around structure like bridge pilings and oyster beds. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. The bigger ones can push 80 pounds, but even the "smaller" 20-30 pounders will give you a workout.

Sheepshead are the tricksters of our inshore waters. With their human-like teeth and striped bodies, they're unmistakable – and notoriously difficult to hook. These structure-huggers are masters at stealing bait, but when you do connect, it's game on. They're excellent eating too, with firm, white flesh that's a favorite among locals.

Spanish mackerel are our speed demons. When schools of these sleek predators move through, the action can be fast and furious. We often troll for them, and when you hit a school, it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups at once. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some tasty fish tacos.

Redfish, also known as red drum, are a year-round target, but summer can be prime time. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail. In the summer, we often find them tailing in shallow water or hanging around structure. They put up a great fight and are considered one of the best eating fish in the bay.

Spadefish might look like something out of a tropical aquarium, but don't let their appearance fool you. These disc-shaped fish gather around structure and can be a challenge to entice. But when you do get them to bite, they fight hard for their size. Plus, they're a unique catch that'll have your friends back home scratching their heads.

Ready to Wet a Line?

So there you have it – a full day of fishing, multiple species to target, and all the gear you need to make it happen. Whether you're looking to check some fish off your bucket list, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, our Virginia Beach inshore charter has you covered. The summer bite is on, and the fish are waiting. Give us a shout to lock in your spot – who knows, you might just end up with the catch of a lifetime and a cooler full of fish for dinner. Don't miss out on the action – book your trip now and let's get fishing!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders, typically 5-30 pounds but can reach 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, pilings, and muddy bottoms in the bay. They're called "drums" because of the croaking sound they make. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight and are prized for their tasty meat, especially smaller ones under 15 pounds. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Use fresh crab, clams, or shrimp on a fish-finder rig. A local tip: if you're feeling them tap the bait but not committing, try crushing your bait a bit to release more scent. Black Drum have powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so use strong hooks. The bigger ones can be a real workout to land. Listen for that distinctive drumming sound - it often gives away their location before you even see them bite.

Black Drum

Cobia

Cobia are hard-fighting fish that look a bit like sharks, with a dark brown color and white belly. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures, often in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Anglers love sight-fishing for them near the surface in spring and early summer. Use live eels, croakers, or large jigs. A local tip: look for them following big rays or sea turtles. Cobia are curious fish, so sometimes just leaving your bait near the surface will draw them in. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Be ready for a long battle - cobia are famous for their endurance and can take over an hour to land. The combination of sight fishing and hard-pulling action makes cobia a top target for many anglers.

Cobia

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are bronze-colored bruisers with a distinctive black spot near their tail. They average 5-15 pounds inshore but can top 40 pounds in the surf. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near marsh edges. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and tail-walking fights. Anglers love sight-fishing for them in clear shallows. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Use live bait like mullet or crabs, or try soft plastics and topwater lures. A local tip: look for their copper-colored backs and tails sticking out of the water on calm days. Redfish have a downturned mouth for bottom feeding, so fish your bait right on the bottom. Their firm, white meat is excellent eating too. The thrill of spotting a tailing red and making that perfect cast is hard to beat.

Redfish

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are odd-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers and put up a good fight. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge and their excellent table fare. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs, oysters, or barnacles. A local trick: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. Sheepshead have strong jaws for crushing shellfish, so set the hook hard when you feel a bite. Their light, flaky meat is delicious, but cleaning them can be tricky due to tough scales. The satisfaction of outsmarting these crafty fish makes it all worthwhile.

Sheepshead

Spadefish

Spadefish are quirky-looking disc-shaped fish, usually 3-10 pounds. You'll spot them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in the summer months. These fish school up in big numbers, sometimes 500 or more. Spadefish are fun to catch - they put up a scrappy fight for their size and can be finicky biters. Locals love targeting them for the challenge and their good eating quality. To catch spadefish, use small hooks with bits of clam or jellyball. A pro tip: chum with small pieces of clam to get them fired up. Once you find a school, you can often catch quite a few. Watch for them near the surface on calm days - their silvery bodies with black stripes are pretty distinctive. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert and set the hook as soon as you feel weight on the line.

Spadefish

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are fast-swimming predators that typically run 1-3 feet long and 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in schools around inlets, piers, and just off the beach, especially in summer when water temps warm up. These fish are a blast to catch - they hit lures hard and make blistering runs. Their light, flaky meat is great eating too. To target Spanish Mackerel, try trolling small spoons or casting jigs around bait schools. A local trick is to look for diving birds, which often mark feeding mackerel. These fish have sharp teeth, so use a short wire leader to prevent cut-offs. Early mornings tend to be most productive as the mackerel chase bait to the surface. The fight is short but exciting, with Spanish Mackerel known for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!

Spanish Mackerel

About the 24' Key West Boats

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for an awesome day of fishing in Virginia Beach? This 6-8 hour shared charter takes you right where the action is for some of the best inshore angling around. We'll be going after summer favorites like cobia, black drum, sheepshead, mackerel, redfish, and spadefish using a mix of techniques. Whether you're into sight fishing, bottom fishing, or trolling with live bait, we've got you covered. The captain brings all the gear and local know-how, so just show up ready to catch some fish. It's perfect for solo anglers looking to meet other fishing enthusiasts or small groups wanting to split the cost. No experience needed - the crew will show you the ropes and put you on the fish. Get ready for a fun, laid-back day on the water reeling in some of Virginia's prized inshore species.
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Ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Virginia Beach? Book your trip with Nauti Dog Sportfishing today and reel in the catch of a lifetime!

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