VIRGINIA BEACH FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Six Hours on the Bite: Spring Tautog and Fall Sea Bass Out of Rudee Inlet
A focused, 6-hour fishing outing that targets tautog in April–May and black sea bass and triggerfish in September–October — this guide lays out what to expect and what to bring.
Six Hours on the Bite: Spring Tautog and Fall Sea Bass Out of Rudee Inlet.
Get Into the Bite! runs action-packed, fully equipped six-hour fishing trips from Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. Offered in spring and fall, these outings shift with the season — in April and May the focus is tautog, while September and October bring black sea bass and triggerfish, with occasional flounder and bluefish — and the operator supplies the gear needed for a successful day on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Spring Tautog Action
In April and May the trip concentrates on tautog — a winter-weary, structure-oriented species that makes spring outings memorable for anglers who want firm tussles and steady action.
Fall: Sea Bass and Triggerfish
Come September and October the focus shifts to black sea bass and triggerfish, with occasional flounder and bluefish mixed in — a season for varied limits and quick, technical fishing.
Fully Equipped Departures
Trips depart fully equipped from Rudee Inlet so anglers don’t need to pack a rod and tackle to show up ready to fish; the operator provides what’s needed to maximize your six hours on the water.
What the day feels like
What the Six Hours Feels Like
These six-hour, season-driven trips are designed to get anglers quickly into productive structure and shoal fishing for the species of the moment. With gear provided and a focused target for each season, the day is about casting, bottom contact, and short windows of furious activity — an efficient, concentrated taste of Virginia Beach saltwater angling.
THE SEASON
Spring Tautog Action
In April and May the trip concentrates on tautog — a winter-weary, structure-oriented species that makes spring outings memorable for anglers who want firm tussles and steady action.
THE HAUL
Fall: Sea Bass and Triggerfish
Come September and October the focus shifts to black sea bass and triggerfish, with occasional flounder and bluefish mixed in — a season for varied limits and quick, technical fishing.
THE KIT
Fully Equipped Departures
Trips depart fully equipped from Rudee Inlet so anglers don’t need to pack a rod and tackle to show up ready to fish; the operator provides what’s needed to maximize your six hours on the water.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and the few limits to keep in mind.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips run for six hours; spring (April–May) targets tautog while fall (September–October) targets black sea bass and triggerfish.
Dress for the weather — it can be cooler on the water in spring and fall. In summer bring sunscreen and sunglasses. You may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks; no glass and no alcohol due to ABC law. A snack bar on board sells beer.
Departures are from Rudee Inlet at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center. Allow extra time for parking; parking is free while you are on the trip and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is a six-hour trip.
Where do we meet and park?
Trips depart from Rudee Inlet at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center; parking is free while you are on the trip and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What species will we target?
In April and May the focus is tautog. In September and October the trip shifts primarily to black sea bass and triggerfish, with occasional flounder and bluefish.
Is there an age limit for participants?
The trip is available to participants aged 4 and older.
Can I bring alcohol or glass containers?
You may bring food and drink, but no glass and no alcohol are allowed aboard due to ABC law; a snack bar on board sells beer.
How should I tip the crew?
The crew appreciates cash tips; mates work hard to help ensure a successful fishing trip.