Virginia · Hampton Roads
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN NORFOLK
Norfolk is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with good fishing in July, August. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Norfolk
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Norfolk
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Norfolk, VA.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Norfolk
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Norfolk
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Chesapeake Light Tower
The Chesapeake Light Tower stands 14 miles east of Virginia Beach in open ocean, and its massive steel platform and underwater support structure create a deepwater oasis that attracts pelagic and reef species. Cobia, amberjack, sheepshead, spadefish, and barracuda hold on the tower structure, while mahi-mahi and king mackerel cruise the surrounding blue water. The tower is accessible on half-day trips from Norfolk and is one of the most iconic offshore landmarks in the mid-Atlantic.
Norfolk Canyon
Norfolk Canyon is the closest major submarine canyon to the Norfolk harbor, lying approximately 65 miles east on the continental shelf break. Charter boats running from Norfolk target yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, blue marlin, and white marlin along the canyon's walls and temperature breaks during summer. The canyon's deep upwelling currents concentrate baitfish in massive schools that draw pelagic predators from miles around.
The Fingers (Shelf Edge)
The Fingers are a series of natural bottom ridges extending along the continental shelf edge east of the Chesapeake Bay mouth, where depths transition from 100 to 400 feet. These underwater features concentrate wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and billfish along the current lines that form over the structure. Norfolk-based charter boats work the Fingers as key waypoints when trolling the shelf edge during summer and fall.
Southern Offshore Wrecks
A collection of charted shipwrecks lies scattered across the continental shelf 20 to 50 miles east of Norfolk in 60 to 200 feet of water. These wrecks hold amberjack, black sea bass, tautog, and triggerfish on the bottom, with king mackerel and cobia patrolling above the structure. Wreck-fishing trips from Norfolk combine bottom drops with trolling runs between sites for diverse multi-species catches.
Other Species in Norfolk
More fish you can target while visiting Norfolk.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Norfolk — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Norfolk is productive during July, August.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Norfolk are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Norfolk, your captain provides all required Virginia fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna 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 Yellowfin Tuna in Norfolk, you may also catch Striped Bass, Cobia, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Flounder. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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