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Norfolk's Premier Inshore Charter Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Norfolk
- $400 - $1,600 price range
- Updated Date: September 29, 2025
Summary
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Reels in Action
A productive day indeed - Norfolk, VA.
Variety Haul - Norfolk, VA.
Decent Catches! - Norfolk, VA.
Duo Cobia Reeled! - Norfolk, VA.
A solid Tuna run today - Norfolk, VA.
Big Red Trophy Catch! - Norfolk, VA.
Family-Friendly guided trip - Norfolk, VA.
Cobia Day! - Norfolk, VA.
Spadefish Haul! - Norfolk, VA.
A family proud of their flounder haul! - Norfolk, VA.
A productive day indeed - Norfolk, VA.
Variety Haul - Norfolk, VA.
Decent Catches! - Norfolk, VA.
Duo Cobia Reeled! - Norfolk, VA.
A solid Tuna run today - Norfolk, VA.
Big Red Trophy Catch! - Norfolk, VA.
Family-Friendly guided trip - Norfolk, VA.
Cobia Day! - Norfolk, VA.
Spadefish Haul! - Norfolk, VA.
A family proud of their flounder haul! - Norfolk, VA.
A productive day indeed - Norfolk, VA.
Variety Haul - Norfolk, VA.
Decent Catches! - Norfolk, VA.
Duo Cobia Reeled! - Norfolk, VA.
Full Day Inshore Fishing: Norfolk's Hidden Gems
Ready to hit the inshore waters of Norfolk, VA for some serious rod-bending action? Goin' Anyways SportFishing's full-day charter is your ticket to hooking into some of the Chesapeake Bay's most sought-after species. We're talking about a solid 8 hours on the water, targeting everything from hard-fighting cobia to tasty flounder. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our crew's got you covered with top-notch gear and local know-how that'll put you on the fish.
What's the Deal on Deck?
Picture this: You're cruising out of Norfolk with the sun rising over the bay, rod in hand, and a whole day of fishing ahead. Our 6-person charter means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the pros. We provide all the gear you need - rods, reels, and tackle that's dialed in for the local fishery. No need to pack a lunch, but feel free to bring your favorite snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. The name of the game here is versatility. One minute you might be sight-casting to cruising cobia, the next you could be dropping baits for doormat flounder. It's all about reading the water and adapting to what's biting.
Tactics for Tidal Waters
Inshore fishing around Norfolk is a whole different ballgame from offshore. We'll be working the channels, flats, and structure that hold fish, using a mix of live bait and artificial lures. Expect to do some light tackle jigging, maybe some drift fishing over productive spots, or even some run-and-gun action if we're chasing schools of blues or Spanish mackerel. The crew's always got an eye on the tide charts and local reports, so we'll hit the right spots at the right times. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - our guides are pros at breaking it down and getting you up to speed fast.
Reel Talk from Happy Anglers
"Both Mike and James made this very enjoyable. I haven't fished on a boat in over a decade so it took me a while to get use to it again. They made it fun helped me and gave me good advice, overall had a great time. Thanks to Mike and James I was able to catch the my first sport fish in 10 years. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is interested in fishing. I look forward to the next opportunity to fish with them. Thanks captains James and Mike for a wonderful time fishing." - Will
Norfolk's Inshore All-Stars
Summer Flounder: These flatfish are the bread and butter of Norfolk's inshore scene. Also known as fluke, they're masters of camouflage and can grow to impressive sizes. We target these guys over sandy bottoms and around structure, using both live bait and soft plastics. The "doormat" flounder (those over 5 pounds) are the holy grail for many anglers, offering both a challenge and excellent table fare.
Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail. In Norfolk, we get shots at both slot-sized reds and the big bull reds that can top 40 inches. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, often revealing themselves with a tell-tale tail in shallow water. Fall is prime time for red drum, but we catch them year-round.
Cobia: When cobia roll through in the summer months, it's game on. These powerful fish can reach weights of 100 pounds or more, and they're not afraid to put up a fight. We often sight-cast to cobia near the surface or around buoys and channel markers. They're curious fish, so sometimes just getting a bait in front of them is all it takes to entice a strike.
Spanish Mackerel: Fast and furious, Spanish mackerel are the speedsters of the inshore world. We catch these toothy critters by trolling small spoons or casting light jigs when we find them schooling near the surface. They're most abundant in the warmer months and offer non-stop action when you get into a school.
Bluefish: The bullies of the bay, bluefish are all attitude and sharp teeth. They'll hit just about anything that moves and fight all the way to the boat. We often find blues chasing bait schools, creating exciting topwater action. While they're not the top choice for eating, their aggressive nature makes them a blast to catch, especially on light tackle.
Time to Get Your Lines Wet
Look, if you're itching to bend a rod and fill a cooler with some of Norfolk's finest, this is your chance. Our full-day trip gives you the time and opportunity to really explore what these waters have to offer. With experienced guides, quality gear, and a boat full of good vibes, you're set up for a day you won't forget. Whether you're looking to check some species off your list, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends or family, we've got you covered. Don't let another fishing season slip by - book your spot now and let's make some waves!
Customer Review
Fishing Fun Revival
Will M.
July 31, 2024
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the bay - aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. These chompers typically run 2-5 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones show up offshore. You'll find them from spring through fall, often in large schools terrorizing bait fish. Blues are famous for their feeding frenzies or "blitzes" where they churn up the water surface. Look for them around inlets, along beaches, and over sandbars. Anglers love blues for their strong fights and willingness to hit just about any lure. They're good eating when prepared right, but bleed and ice them quickly. When targeting blues, use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will make short work of mono. My local tip: if you see gulls diving frantically, race over there. Chances are, you've found a bluefish blitz.
Cobia
Cobia are the heavyweight champs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish can top 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run 30-50 pounds. Often mistaken for sharks due to their similar profile, cobia are actually more closely related to remoras. They show up in our waters from late spring through early fall, following rays and turtles. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 20-80 feet of water. Cobia are prized for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality. When targeting them, sight fishing is the way to go - look for their distinctive shape just below the surface. Live eels or large jigs work well. Pro tip: always have a heavy rod rigged and ready - when you spot a cobia, you need to act fast before it disappears.
Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are inshore favorites here in Norfolk. These copper-colored battlers, with their distinctive black tail spot, typically run 20-30 inches in our waters. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster reefs, and near grass flats, often in water so skinny their backs are exposed. They're most active in fall when the water cools, but you can catch 'em year-round. Redfish are known for their strong, determined fights and make excellent table fare. When targeting them, look for "tailing" reds in super shallow water - it's a sight to behold. Try using a gold spoon or a live shrimp under a popping cork. My local tip: on calm days, sight-cast to schools cruising the flats. There's nothing quite like watching a red pounce on your lure in clear water.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are the speedsters of our local waters. These sleek, silvery fish with yellow spots typically run 2-4 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked. They show up in big schools from late spring through fall, chasing bait near the surface. You'll often spot them by the birds diving or water churning as they feed. These fish are fast - they can swim over 5 meters per second! Look for them around inlets, along beaches, and near offshore structures. Spanish Mackerel are popular for their exciting fights and tasty, albeit oily, flesh. When targeting them, try trolling small spoons or casting light jigs into feeding schools. My go-to trick is using a long, light fluorocarbon leader to avoid spooking these sharp-eyed fish.
Summer Flounder
These "chameleons of the sea" are masters of camouflage, changing color to blend with the ocean floor. Averaging 15-20 inches, they're ambush predators with both eyes on one side of their head. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, especially from spring to fall. They're popular targets for their tasty, mild white meat and the challenge they present. Look for them near structures like reefs or wrecks in depths of 20-60 feet. When fishing, use live bait like minnows or sea worms on a circle hook - it's easier for flounder to grab. Drift fishing works well, letting your bait bounce along the bottom. Keep your line tight and be ready for that distinctive flounder "thump" when they strike. These fish put up a good fight, so be prepared for some action when you hook one.
About the Sportfishing Boats
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Volvo
Maximum Cruising Speed: 24
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 230
Both Mike and James made this very enjoyable. I haven’t fished on a boat in over a decade so it took me a while to get use to it again. They made it fun helped me and gave me good advice, overall had a great time. Thanks to Mike and James I was able to catch the my first sport fish in 10 years. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is interested in fishing. I look forward to the next opportunity to fish with them. Thanks captains James and Mike for a wonderful time fishing.