Virginia · Eastern Shore
BLACK SEA BASS FISHING
IN CAPE CHARLES
Cape Charles is a solid destination for black sea bass fishing, with good fishing in May, June, July, August. Book a charter and target black sea bass with local experts.
About Black Sea Bass Fishing in Cape Charles
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Cape Charles is a solid destination for black sea bass fishing, offering good fishing in May, June, July, August. The best months to target black sea bass here are May, June, July, August.
Scientific name: Centropristis striata
Black Sea Bass Seasonal Calendar — Cape Charles
Month-by-month availability for black sea bass in Cape Charles, VA.
How to Catch Black Sea Bass in Cape Charles
Techniques & Bait
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
Recommended Tackle
Your captain will provide all tackle and gear suited to the target species and local conditions.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Cape Charles
Top spots where local captains target black sea bass and other nearshore species.
CBBT Fourth Island
The Fourth Island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel sits at the northern end of the span closest to the Eastern Shore, surrounded by deep channels and riprap that attract exceptional fish concentrations. Tautog, sheepshead, cobia, red drum, and flounder congregate around the island's structure from spring through fall. Cobia sight-casting around the Fourth Island during summer is one of the most exciting nearshore fisheries in the entire Chesapeake Bay.
Kiptopeke Concrete Ships
Nine concrete ships from World War II were intentionally sunk off Kiptopeke to form a breakwater, and the submerged sections have become one of the most unique nearshore artificial reef systems in Virginia. Tautog, sheepshead, flounder, and black sea bass colonize the concrete hulls year-round, with trophy-class tautog holding in the ships' interior cavities. The site is accessible by small boat from Cape Charles and provides consistent structure fishing in protected bay waters.
Fisherman Island Shoals
Fisherman Island lies at the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel's southern approach, surrounded by shallow shoals and channels. Red drum, flounder, cobia, and striped bass patrol the shoals during tidal movements, feeding on crabs and baitfish concentrated by the currents. While the island itself is a protected wildlife refuge, the surrounding waters offer outstanding nearshore fishing.
Latimer Shoal
Latimer Shoal is a large shallow area in the lower Chesapeake Bay west of the CBBT, marked by a lighthouse that has guided mariners for over a century. The shoal's sandy bottom and adjacent deeper water attract flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and cobia that feed on bait pushed across the shallows by tidal currents. Drifting live bait across Latimer Shoal during summer produces consistent catches of flounder and cobia.
Other Species in Cape Charles
More fish you can target while visiting Cape Charles.
Black Sea Bass Fishing in Cape Charles — FAQ
Black Sea Bass fishing in Cape Charles is productive during May, June, July, August, September, October.
Black Sea Bass fishing charters in Cape Charles are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
No — when you book a charter in Cape Charles, your captain provides all required Virginia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Black Sea Bass regulations in Virginia include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Black Sea Bass in Cape Charles, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cobia, Tautog, Redfish, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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