Top-Rated Virginia Beach Fishing: Mackerel & Cobia

Published Date: July 3, 2025
Fishing

Virginia Beach
$575 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Ready for some top-notch fishing action in Virginia Beach? Join Crushin It Sportfishing for a half-day charter that'll have you reeling in the good times. We'll head out to the inshore waters and Chesapeake Bay, where the fish are always biting. Our main targets? The mighty Cobia, giant Red Drum, and speedy Mackerel. We'll use sight fishing techniques for the big ones and troll for the Mackerel, but we're all about giving you the best experience possible. If you've got a specific fish in mind, just let us know - we're happy to customize the trip. We provide all the gear and licenses, so you can focus on the fun. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and dress for the weather. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Give us a call at 757-652-8889 if you've got any questions. We're here to make sure you have a great day out on the water!

Top-Rated Virginia Beach Fishing: Mackerel & Cobia

Rods, Reels, and Catches

Two Spanish mackerel caught while fishing in Virginia Beach

Three anglers fishing at Virginia Beach

Scenic view of Virginia landscape

Angler with a 33-inch fish in VA

Half-Day Fishing Charter in Virginia Beach

Ready to hit the water and reel in some of Virginia Beach's most prized catches? Our 1/2 day inshore fishing charter is the perfect way to experience the thrill of Chesapeake Bay fishing without dedicating a full day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Ryan and the crew at Crushin It Sportfishing have got you covered for an action-packed morning or afternoon on the water.

Trip Overview

Hop aboard our well-equipped fishing vessel for a 4-hour adventure in the rich inshore waters of Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay. We'll be targeting some of the area's most sought-after gamefish, including Spanish Mackerel and the mighty Cobia. Our trips are all about flexibility – while we've got our favorite spots and techniques, we're always happy to customize the experience to match your skill level and fishing goals. With a max of 4 guests per trip, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and hands-on fishing time. All the gear you need is provided, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Let's make some fishing memories!

What to Expect on the Water

On this half-day charter, we'll employ a mix of fishing techniques to maximize your chances of landing a keeper. For Cobia, we'll often use sight fishing – scanning the water's surface for these curious fish and presenting baits or lures right in their path. It's an exciting, visual way to fish that keeps everyone on their toes. When targeting Spanish Mackerel, we'll likely do some trolling, dragging lines behind the boat to cover more water and entice these speedy predators to strike. Throughout the trip, Captain Ryan will be sharing local knowledge, pointing out landmarks, and giving you tips to improve your fishing game. Don't be surprised if we spot some dolphins or sea turtles along the way – it's all part of the Virginia Beach fishing experience!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Had a wonderful day fishing with captain Ryan. His knowledge of the ocean and his determination to target the fish we were looking for was un matched. Will definitely use him again.Thank you captain for such a wonderful experience" - Melvin

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish are the speedsters of the Chesapeake Bay. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish Mackerel provide non-stop action when they're biting. They typically show up in Virginia Beach waters from late spring through early fall, with peak season being July and August. Anglers love targeting these fish for their aggressive strikes and their excellent taste on the grill. While they average 1-3 pounds, hooking into a 5-pounder isn't uncommon and will give you a fight to remember.

Cobia: Often called "crab eaters" due to their fondness for crustaceans, Cobia are the heavyweight champions of Virginia Beach inshore fishing. These powerful fish can grow to over 100 pounds, though a more typical catch ranges from 20-50 pounds. Cobia migrate into the Chesapeake Bay area starting in late May, with the fishery remaining strong through September. What makes Cobia fishing so exciting is the sight-fishing aspect – spotting these curious fish near the surface and watching them inspect and then hopefully inhale your bait or lure. Their strong runs and dogged fights make landing a Cobia a true accomplishment for any angler.

Top Catches This Season

While Spanish Mackerel and Cobia are our primary targets, the diverse ecosystem of Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay means there's always a chance for some bonus species. Depending on the time of year, we might also encounter Bluefish, Striped Bass (locally known as Rockfish), or even the massive Red Drum. These "bonus" catches add an element of surprise to every trip – you never know what might decide to bite! Captain Ryan stays on top of the latest fishing reports and seasonal patterns to put you on the most active bite during your trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

A half-day fishing charter with Crushin It Sportfishing is more than just a few hours on the water – it's a chance to create lasting memories, learn new skills, and hopefully bring home some fresh fish for dinner. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, enjoy a day out with friends, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, this trip offers something for everyone. With all equipment provided and Captain Ryan's expertise at your disposal, there's never been a better time to experience the world-class inshore fishing that Virginia Beach has to offer. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your adventure. Give us a call at 757-652-8889 to check availability and get any questions answered. We can't wait to help you reel in some Virginia Beach beauties!

Customer Review

Reel Fun with Ryan

Had a wonderful day fishing with captain Ryan. His knowledge of the ocean and his determination to target the fish we were looking for was un matched. Will definitely use him again.Thank you captain for such a wonderful experience

Melvin Barber

July 8, 2023

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are big, solitary fish that'll give you a real workout. They average 6 feet and 100 pounds, with a dark brown color that often gets 'em mistaken for sharks. You'll find these guys hanging around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30 to 70 feet of water, especially during their spring spawning run. We usually spot 'em near the surface, which makes for some exciting sight fishing. Once summer hits, they settle into structure and rip lines. Cobia put up a heck of a fight and taste fantastic on the grill – firm, white meat that's prized by seafood lovers. Best time to target 'em here is June through August. I like using 4 to 8 oz bucktail jigs, but live eels or crabs work great too. Here's a local trick: if you see rays, keep an eye out. Cobia love following them around looking for an easy meal. Just remember, these fish are loners, so patience is key. When you hook one though, it's all worth it.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are lightning-fast swimmers that put up an exciting fight for their size. These sleek, silvery fish usually run 1-2 feet long and hang out in schools near the surface. We find them around structures in open water, from the Chesapeake Bay to offshore. They're most active here in summer and early fall when water temps warm up. That's when we'll troll or drift for them, using light tackle that lets you feel every head shake. Mackerel hit hard and make blistering runs, so be ready! Locals love targeting Spanish macks for their sporty nature and excellent table fare. The meat's rich but not too fishy - great on the grill. If you want to land one, try this old Virginia Beach trick: troll small, flashy spoons or jigs behind a planer board. The side-to-side action drives them crazy. Just keep your drag set light and hold on tight when they strike!

About the Yamaha engines

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha engines

Maximum Cruising Speed: 38

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for some laid-back fishing action in Virginia Beach? Hop aboard our comfortable boat for a half-day adventure in the inshore waters and Chesapeake Bay. We'll set our sights on prized catches like Mackerel and Cobia, with the chance to reel in other exciting sportfish too. No need to stress about gear - we've got all the fishing equipment and licenses covered. Just bring along your favorite snacks, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothes. While we often focus on sight fishing for Cobia, chasing giant Red Drum, and trolling for Mackerel, we're all about tailoring the trip to what you want. Got a specific fish in mind or technique you'd like to try? Let us know, and we'll do our best to make it happen. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Have questions or want to customize your Virginia Beach fishing experience? Give us a ring at 757-652-8889, and we'll get you sorted.

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