Virginia · Hampton Roads
BLACK SEA BASS FISHING
IN NORFOLK
Norfolk 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 Norfolk
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Norfolk 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 — Norfolk
Month-by-month availability for black sea bass in Norfolk, VA.
How to Catch Black Sea Bass in Norfolk
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 Norfolk
Top spots where local captains target black sea bass and other nearshore species.
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel crosses the mouth of Hampton Roads where the James River meets the Chesapeake Bay, and its pilings and islands create extensive nearshore fish habitat. Tautog, sheepshead, flounder, and striped bass hold tight to the tunnel structure year-round, with the surrounding current breaks concentrating bait. The HRBT is a consistent producer of trophy tautog from November through March.
Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel
The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel crosses the James River between Norfolk and Newport News, named for the famous Civil War ironclad battle. The tunnel's pilings and adjacent riprap attract striped bass, flounder, croaker, and gray trout in the river's brackish waters. Fishing the pilings during outgoing tides produces consistent action as baitfish are swept past the structure.
Willoughby Spit Reef
The artificial reef site off Willoughby Spit on Norfolk's bayfront features deployed concrete and steel structure in 15 to 25 feet of Chesapeake Bay water. The reef attracts flounder, tautog, sheepshead, and black sea bass that colonize the structure quickly after deployment. Its close proximity to shore makes it an ideal half-day target for small boats and a productive dive-fishing site.
Ocean View Pier Area
The Ocean View Pier and surrounding waters on Norfolk's Chesapeake Bay shoreline provide nearshore access to seasonal runs of Spanish mackerel, cobia, bluefish, and red drum. The pier extends into bay waters deep enough to reach migrating schools moving through the bay mouth during spring and fall. Shore-based anglers fish the adjacent beach and rock structures for flounder and croaker.
Other Species in Norfolk
More fish you can target while visiting Norfolk.
Black Sea Bass Fishing in Norfolk — FAQ
Black Sea Bass fishing in Norfolk is productive during May, June, July, August, September, October.
Black Sea Bass fishing charters in Norfolk 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cobia, Bluefish, Flounder, Fluke. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Black Sea Bass in Norfolk?
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