Virginia · Hampton Roads
REDFISH FISHING
IN NORFOLK
Norfolk is a solid destination for redfish fishing, with good fishing in May, September, October. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Norfolk
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Norfolk
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Norfolk, VA.
How to Catch Redfish in Norfolk
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Norfolk
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Elizabeth River
The Elizabeth River flows through the heart of Norfolk, and its three branches—Eastern, Southern, and Western—provide miles of productive inshore fishing within the city limits. Striped bass, flounder, speckled trout, and white perch hold around the river's docks, bridge pilings, and deeper channels throughout the year. The river's urban setting belies its excellent fishery, which has improved dramatically through ongoing water quality restoration efforts.
Lafayette River
The Lafayette River is a tidal tributary of the Elizabeth River winding through Norfolk's Larchmont neighborhood with extensive marsh shorelines and oyster beds. Speckled trout, puppy red drum, flounder, and striped bass patrol the river's grass edges and deeper bends during tidal transitions. The Lafayette's protected waters make it one of Norfolk's most accessible light-tackle inshore fisheries for kayakers and small-boat anglers.
Willoughby Bay
Willoughby Bay sits on the northern edge of Norfolk along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline near Naval Station Norfolk, offering sheltered inshore fishing in a shallow tidal bay. Flounder, speckled trout, and striped bass feed around the bay's grass flats, sand bars, and pier structure during warmer months. The bay's proximity to the Chesapeake Bay mouth means it receives runs of migrating species including cobia and Spanish mackerel in summer.
Little Creek Inlet
Little Creek Inlet connects Little Creek Harbor to the Chesapeake Bay on Norfolk's north shore, channeling strong tidal currents that concentrate baitfish and gamefish. Flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and speckled trout stack up along the inlet's channel edges and around the jetty rocks during tide changes. The inlet offers productive shore-based fishing from the rock walls and is a popular launch point for small-boat anglers.
Other Species in Norfolk
More fish you can target while visiting Norfolk.
Redfish Fishing in Norfolk — FAQ
Redfish fishing in Norfolk is productive during May, September, October.
Redfish fishing charters in Norfolk are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Norfolk, your captain provides all required Virginia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish 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 Redfish in Norfolk, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cobia, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Flounder. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Redfish in Norfolk?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your redfish fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes