Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

The last weekend of June is shaping up to be excellent for fishing in Virginia Beach, with a strong bite reported across all waters.

Inshore, anglers are finding Sheepshead stacked around bridges and reefs, with fiddler or marsh crabs being the top bait.

Flounder are also plentiful around inlets and structures, with minnows and squid strips or live spot, croaker, and mullet proving effective.

Speckled trout and puppy drum are actively feeding in the grass flats and docks during early and late hours, and they can be caught on a variety of lures, artificial and live crabs or shrimp, or fresh cut bait like menhaden or spot.

Moving to the bay and nearshore areas, Spanish mackerel and ribbonfish are running strong just off the beach, responding well to small lures like Clarkspoons (behind boats) or Got-Cha lures (off the pier).

Red drum schools have been sighted near the CBBT, where fresh menhaden, blue crab, spot, or clam are recommended.

Cobia season has just opened, and live eels or sight-casting setups with live eels, spot, cut menhaden, or peeler crabs are yielding good results.

Offshore, deep drops are reliably producing Tilefish and sea bass, with fresh, oily baits like squid, cut mackerel, bonito, or sardines for tilefish, and cut squid for sea bass.

Additionally, tuna, mahi, and wahoo are showing up in force offshore, particularly south of Triple Zeros; trolling with artificial lures or baits such as ballyhoo is the ticket. Cut fish for schooling mahi when located, usally around floating debris or grass lines.

VBSF sponsor captains have been reporting excellent fishing across various trips! Captain David Wright on the High Hopes has been finding success with tuna on his offshore excursions, while also putting clients on plenty of Spanish mackerel closer to shore. Aquaman’s Sport Fishing Charters have also been consistently catching Spanish mackerel along the beach, in addition to a few drum and some bluefish. Captain Todd Beck aboard Knot Wish’n Charters is having great luck with Spanish mackerel. For those looking for flounder, Captain Craig Paige on Page II Charters has been keeping his crews busy with a steady bite. These are the guys to call when you’re ready to hit the water.

For all your fishing needs, including live eels, crab, and shrimp, Long Bay Pointe Bait & Tackle is fully stocked and ready to assist anglers in hooking up.