Fishing Frenzy

Great salt water fishing is key to the local economy and there are an abundance of Virginia Beach fishing charter companies offering trips for one to a couple dozen, for locals and travelers alike. While you don't need a charter to fish off the pier, for more options and assistance you will want to check out onshore and out-to-sea possibilities through these boats for hire.

If you're fishing alone or with a group, knowing where you'll want to go and what you want to fish for, will help you determine your budget. Many charter companies have online sites, you can check with a travel agent, or you may get help through the area visitor's bureau. There are reasonable prices available, you just have to look.

Little Creek, Rudee and Lynnhavn are just a few of the many inlet areas for inshore fishing. These areas are often in more demand by anglers than deep-sea fishing spots. A group charter for six is a great way to visit one or more of the inlets or coves for some great fishing.

Boat charters for smaller groups of six are ideal for these areas, when fishing for bass, puppy drum, cobia and more. With Virginia Beach being the striped bass capital of the world, this may be a desired fish to catch. Your Virginia Beach fishing charter will surely know where to take you for this prime species. The largest on record caught here was 63 pounds. The largest of any fish caught inshore locally was a 104-pound cobia.

No doubt, whether you are experienced or a beginner you will always want to learn more. Perhaps you'd like to challenge the blue-marlin record of a 1,093-pounder caught deep sea or the largest tuna, a blue-fin, weighing 398 pounds. Choosing the right Virginia Beach fishing charter can help you with your quest. Special privately guided tours for only a few, teach more advanced methods of rigging your bait and handling your rod. You may want to learn saltwater fly fishing which is an art of its very own.

Party boats offer larger groups an economic half-day or full-day trip either offshore or inshore. This is a great idea for the novice or a family to get their feet wet. Gear, bait and even an assistant to take off your fish off the line are usually included in one base price. Your one-day fishing license if often included too.

Fishing tournaments are a major highlight with anglers coming from all across the Eastern seaboard to participate in the annual events. There are rockfish tournaments and challenges in December and January, a marlin tournament in July, and the Striped Bass World Championship runs November and December. Other competitions take place at different times of the year as well. It is possible to book a Virginia Beach fishing charter for some of the events, if done well in advance. Be sure to check out the contest rules or with the fishing charter company.

Many Virginia Beach fishing charter boats are also available for site-seeing trips. These two-hour trips are a great way to view the sites of the coastline and the inlets for people not necessarily interested only in fishing. When on vacation, site-seeing tours are a great family trip idea. While summer is the peek tourist time, booking early, no matter when you plan to go, is important. Do your research and learn what trip is best for you and find then assure you locate the best price for your budget.