Virginia · Hampton Roads
INSHORE FISHING
IN VIRGINIA BEACH
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in Virginia Beach. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, Virginia offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Virginia Beach is one of the premier fishing destinations on the mid-Atlantic coast, with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, productive nearshore wrecks, and offshore canyon access all within reach. The city hosts major fishing tournaments and offers exceptional variety from inshore red drum to offshore yellowfin tuna and billfish. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in Virginia Beach target an impressive roster of species including Striped Bass, Black Drum, Flounder, Redfish, Speckled Trout and more. Peak season runs through May, October, June, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Virginia Beach. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, Virginia fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
What's Biting in Virginia Beach This September
Inshore Fishing Calendar — Virginia Beach
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass |
G
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
| Black Drum |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| Flounder |
—
|
—
|
R
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
R
|
—
|
| Redfish |
—
|
—
|
R
|
F
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
| Speckled Trout |
—
|
—
|
R
|
F
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
| Fluke |
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
| Weakfish |
—
|
—
|
—
|
R
|
F
|
F
|
R
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| Sheepshead |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Virginia Beach
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Virginia Beach area.
Lynnhaven Inlet
Lynnhaven Inlet connects the Chesapeake Bay to the Lynnhaven River system and is one of Virginia Beach's most productive inshore fisheries. Red drum, speckled trout, and flounder stack up along the inlet's channel edges and oyster bars during tidal changes. The inlet's strong current funnels baitfish through a narrow passage, creating consistent feeding opportunities for gamefish throughout the warm season.
Rudee Inlet Jetties
Rudee Inlet is the only oceanfront inlet in Virginia Beach, providing direct Atlantic access and a natural fish-concentrating bottleneck. Flounder, speckled trout, striped bass, and sheepshead hold around the rock jetties and along the inlet's channel edges on every tide. The inlet's sheltered basin also serves as the primary departure point for Virginia Beach's charter fleet heading offshore.
Broad Bay
Broad Bay is a large tidal estuary within the Lynnhaven River watershed, featuring extensive grass flats, marsh shorelines, and oyster reefs that support a thriving inshore ecosystem. Red drum, speckled trout, and flounder cruise the shallow flats on rising tides, offering excellent sight-fishing from kayaks and flats skiffs. The bay's protected waters remain fishable even when Chesapeake Bay conditions turn rough.
Linkhorn Bay
Linkhorn Bay is a shallow tidal bay tucked behind the Virginia Beach oceanfront, connected to Broad Bay and the Lynnhaven River system. The bay's grass beds and dock pilings hold flounder, speckled trout, and puppy drum in warm months, providing surprisingly productive fishing in a residential setting. Light-tackle anglers work the grass edges and oyster bars during incoming tides for consistent catches.
Top Inshore Fish Species in Virginia Beach
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a Virginia Beach charter. Click any species to learn more.
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Peak: Apr, May, Oct, Nov
The iconic striper is the most sought-after gamefish on the Atlantic coast. These powerful, line-ripping fish migrate from the Chesapeake Bay to New E...
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Peak: May
A powerful bottom-feeding species found in bays and passes. Juveniles are excellent table fare.
Flounder
Paralichthys albiguttata
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Redfish
Sciaenops ocellatus
Peak: Oct
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.
Speckled Trout
Cynoscion nebulosus
A favorite inshore species found throughout the Gulf. Excellent eating fish that feeds aggressively on live bait and artificial lures.
Fluke
Paralichthys dentatus
Peak: Jul
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger siz...
Weakfish
Cynoscion regalis
The weakfish is the mid-Atlantic cousin of the southern speckled trout, named for its tender mouth that easily tears free from hooks. Once incredibly ...
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Virginia Beach
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in Virginia Beach.
Boats
Inshore fishing in Virginia Beach is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in Virginia Beach typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Virginia Beach
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in Virginia Beach. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Virginia Beach. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in Virginia Beach
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in Virginia Beach include Striped Bass, Black Drum, Flounder, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Fluke. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in Virginia Beach are May, October, June, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Virginia Beach offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in Virginia Beach is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in Virginia Beach, your captain provides all required Virginia fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in Virginia Beach is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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