Virginia · Hampton Roads
BLUEFISH FISHING
IN NORFOLK
Norfolk is a solid destination for bluefish fishing, with good fishing in May, June, July, August. Book a charter and target bluefish with local experts.
About Bluefish Fishing in Norfolk
Bluefish are aggressive, hard-fighting predators found along the entire Atlantic coast. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious feeding frenzies, blues are exciting to catch on both bait and lures and make excellent table fare when bled immediately.
Bluefish are the most aggressive predator fish in the Atlantic — known for their ferocious feeding frenzies ("bluefish blitzes") where schools of hundreds of fish attack baitfish at the surface, chopping through schools like a chainsaw. Their blue-green back, silver sides, and razor-sharp teeth make them unmistakable. Bluefish are hard fighters on light tackle, with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. They are found from Florida to New England, migrating along the coast in spring and fall. Caution: their teeth can cause serious injury — use a de-hooking tool.
Scientific name: Pomatomus saltatrix
Bluefish Seasonal Calendar — Norfolk
Month-by-month availability for bluefish in Norfolk, VA.
How to Catch Bluefish in Norfolk
Techniques & Bait
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning rod (7 ft), 4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon or wire leader (bluefish teeth cut fluorocarbon regularly — 40 lb+ or short wire bite leader recommended).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Norfolk
Top spots where local captains target bluefish 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.
Bluefish Fishing in Norfolk — FAQ
Bluefish fishing in Norfolk is productive during May, June, July, August, September, October.
Bluefish 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.
Casting metal spoons (Kastmaster, Hopkins), topwater poppers, and bucktails into surface-feeding blitz is the most exciting technique. Trolling Clark spoons behind inline sinkers and planers covers water during migrations. Cut bait (bunker, mullet) on bottom rigs or fishfinder rigs is effective for larger fish. Live bait (bunker, spot) catches trophy-size blues. For surf fishing, cast metals and bucktails into breaking fish along the beach. Fly fishing with Clouser Minnows during blitzes is spectacular.
No — when you book a charter in Norfolk, your captain provides all required Virginia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefish 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 Bluefish in Norfolk, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cobia, Black Sea Bass, Fluke, Flounder. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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