Virginia Beach Fish Species

Target Fish Species of Virginia Beach & The Chesapeake Bay

Seasonal Highlights and What Is Biting Right Now

The diverse coastal waters around Virginia offer unmatched bottom dropping and wreck fishing options throughout the year. Right now, Black Sea Bass fishing Virginia Beach is hitting its peak stride over our nearshore and offshore wrecks, yielding heavy numbers of excellent table fare. Alongside them, late spring triggers the arrival of schooling spadefish around hard structures. Knowing the best time to catch Spadefish Virginia Beach—typically from late May through August—gives you the ultimate advantage to witness these hard-fighting visual feeders pack the upper water column right below the boat. Now is the absolute best time to secure your calendar date before these summer-defining windows close.

As water temperatures climb into the mid-70s, the highly anticipated Cobia season Chesapeake Bay takes center stage, bringing massive fish up to the surface and around local buoys. This matches perfectly with prime summer Flounder fishing Virginia Beach, as flatfish settle into their seasonal patterns along channel drop-offs and structure edges. Later in the year, as fall cools the Atlantic coast, the focus shifts to hard-fighting red drum and deep-water tautog. Our local fishery stays highly active across changing patterns, meaning there is always a premium target species waiting for your line.

Don't just read about the incredible diversity of our coastal waters—come experience it firsthand with expert local guides who track these migrations daily. Captain Mike and Captain Chad utilize specialized bottom-fishing techniques and custom-made flutter jigs to put you directly over the most active structures. Whether you want to introduce your family to a rewarding day of catching dinner or hunt down a massive drum, our 27-foot Sea Hunt Gamefish is fully equipped to deliver. Check our current availability and schedule your custom outing today to secure the premier fishing window of the season.

What is the best technique for Black Sea Bass fishing in Virginia Beach?

We specialize in precise bottom dropping over deep-water ocean wrecks using custom-made flutter jigs rather than standard high-low bait rigs. This targeted jigging method triggers aggressive strikes from larger keeper sea bass holding tight to the structure. We also use fresh clams and squid on light tackle depending on the current and water clarity to maximize your catch rate.

When does the Cobia season Chesapeake Bay hit its peak?

While cobia start migrating into our waters in June, the absolute peak of the season runs from late June through August. During this warm-water stretch, these powerful fish patrol the shoals, buoys, and lower bay towers. We target them using sight-casting methods and live bait presentations, making it an incredibly interactive experience for our guests.

When is the best time for winter tautog fishing in Virginia Beach?

Tautog are a premier cold-water target species, making late fall and winter (November through February) the prime window to target them. They hold close to rocky obstructions, inside the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel complex, and on offshore wrecks. We use specialized crab baits and heavy bottom tackle to pull these notoriously stubborn, heavy-fighting fish out of their structures.

Where is the best place to find Spadefish fishing in Virginia Beach?

Spadefish congregate heavily around large vertical structures, including the light towers, nearshore ocean wrecks, and the islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. They are highly visual feeders that school close to the surface in clear water. We typically anchor or drift directly over these coordinates and use light tackle with fresh clam baits suspended in the water column to land them.

How do I book a trip to target fish with Casting Horizon Fishing Charter VA?

Booking your custom wreck fishing or family-friendly coastal trip is straightforward. Navigate to our online reservation portal to view real-time calendar availability for our half-day and full-day charters departing from Fisherman's Wharf Marina. Select your preferred date, choose your trip type, and complete your reservation online, or call our team directly to plan a specialized multi-day itinerary.