Chesapeake Channel - Northampton, VA Fishing Report on 30th May, 2026

The transition into late spring has brought excellent conditions and highly productive waters to the Virginia Beach area. As we wrap up May, water temperatures are steadily rising, and the peak fishing season is officially in full swing across the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

What's Biting Right Now Over the past couple of weeks, our charters aboard the Sea Hunt Gamefish 27 have seen consistent catches on both nearshore and offshore wrecks. The water clarity has been fantastic, making it a great time to target structure-oriented fish and visual feeders.

Spadefish: We are seeing strong numbers of spadefish schooling up. The clear water conditions have allowed our guests to watch these fish track and hit the lines right beneath the boat.

Black Sea Bass & Flounder: Bottom fishing remains our primary focus, and the strategy is paying off. Black sea bass are holding tight to the wrecks, and we are pulling consistent keepers off the ocean floor. Flounder are also making a solid showing as they settle into their summer patterns.

Triggerfish & Sheepshead: We are picking up healthy numbers of triggerfish and sheepshead around the hard structures using precise bottom drops.

Gear and Techniques We are sticking to what we do best: precise wreck fishing. The custom-made flutter jigs have been highly effective this month. Dropping these specialized lures down into the structure is triggering aggressive strikes from sea bass and triggerfish. For the spadefish, presenting fresh bait in the clear upper water column has been the winning strategy.

Captain's Log Captain Mike and Captain Chad have been alternating trips to keep the boat running daily and the local knowledge fresh. "The water clarity this week has been exceptional," notes Captain Chad. "When you can see the spadefish swimming and actively feeding right under the hull, it makes for a fantastic day on the water for the families and anglers fishing with us."

Looking Ahead to June As we move into June, we expect red drum (redfish) and cobia activity to increase steadily depending on the trip. The wrecks will continue to hold solid numbers of bottom fish, ensuring plenty of tight lines for our half-day and full-day charters.

Our calendar is filling up quickly as families plan their summer trips. If you want to get out on the water and experience the best bottom fishing Virginia Beach has to offer, check our availability and reserve your date departing from Fisherman's Wharf Marina.