A Long Day After Black Gold: 12 Hours Chasing Sea Bass off Virginia Beach

VIRGINIA BEACH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

A Long Day After Black Gold: 12 Hours Chasing Sea Bass off Virginia Beach

A full-day guided expedition from Rudee Inlet targeting black sea bass — practical guidance on what to expect, what to bring, and the strict no‑electronics policy.

A Long Day After Black Gold: 12 Hours Chasing Sea Bass off Virginia Beach.

Duration
12 Hours
Location
Virginia Beach
Operator
Rudee Tours
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set out from Rudee Inlet on a twelve‑hour guided fishing expedition that targets black sea bass — the region’s prized “black gold.” The trip is run by Rudee Tours from the Southside Annex of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center and is designed as a full day on the water with all fishing gear provided and the option to have your catch cleaned aboard.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Black Sea Bass, a Daylong Pursuit
THE TARGET

Black Sea Bass, a Daylong Pursuit

This designated trip focuses on black sea bass — a sought‑after catch known locally as “black gold.” Anglers spend the day working the offshore grounds with the goal of hauling in these prized fish.

Rudee Inlet: Where the Day Begins
THE DEPARTURE

Rudee Inlet: Where the Day Begins

The boat departs from Rudee Inlet at the Southside Annex of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center; plan extra time for first‑come, first‑served parking that is free while you are on the trip.

Gear Provided, Catch Cleaned — But Leave GPS Ashore
THE RULES

Gear Provided, Catch Cleaned — But Leave GPS Ashore

All fishing gear is provided and the crew can clean your catch on board. Note the strict policy: electronic devices with GPS capabilities are prohibited and will be confiscated if brought aboard.

What the day feels like

What a Full Day on the Water Feels Like

Expect a long, immersive day: twelve hours aboard a guided charter, working the Atlantic off Virginia Beach for black sea bass with crew‑provided gear, limited onboard services, and the practicalities of a trip that disallows GPS‑enabled electronics.

Black Sea Bass, a Daylong Pursuit

THE TARGET

Black Sea Bass, a Daylong Pursuit

This designated trip focuses on black sea bass — a sought‑after catch known locally as “black gold.” Anglers spend the day working the offshore grounds with the goal of hauling in these prized fish.

Rudee Inlet: Where the Day Begins

THE DEPARTURE

Rudee Inlet: Where the Day Begins

The boat departs from Rudee Inlet at the Southside Annex of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center; plan extra time for first‑come, first‑served parking that is free while you are on the trip.

Gear Provided, Catch Cleaned — But Leave GPS Ashore

THE RULES

Gear Provided, Catch Cleaned — But Leave GPS Ashore

All fishing gear is provided and the crew can clean your catch on board. Note the strict policy: electronic devices with GPS capabilities are prohibited and will be confiscated if brought aboard.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.

1
Active FamiliesFamilies with children aged 4 and older can join; the minimum age accepted for the trip is 4 years old.
2
Tech‑Independent AnglersGood for anglers prepared to fish without personal GPS‑enabled electronics — all fishing gear is provided, and the trip enforces a no‑electronics policy.
3
Travelers Needing Constant ConnectivityNot an ideal outing for anyone who must keep a GPS‑enabled phone or watch on hand; those devices are explicitly prohibited and will be confiscated if brought aboard.
4
Parents of Very Young ChildrenNot suitable for children under 4 — the operator accepts participants ages 4 and up.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Dress for the weather; it can be noticeably cooler offshore, especially in spring, fall, and winter. Bring a large ice chest for your fish; all fishing gear is provided by the operator.

Food & Drink

You may bring food and non‑alcoholic drinks; due to ABC law, no glass and no alcohol are permitted. There is a snack bar on board that sells beer.

Storage for Catch

Bring a large ice chest to keep your catch; the crew can also clean fish on board before you depart.

Clothing & Comfort

Layered clothing is advised since temperatures offshore are generally cooler than on land; plan for wind and spray.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The excursion is a 12‑hour guided fishing trip.

Where do we meet and depart?

The trip departs from Rudee Inlet at the Southside Annex of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center; the meeting address is 416 Southside Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Are electronic devices allowed on board?

No — do not bring any electronic device with GPS capabilities (including watches, cameras, cell phones, or any handheld positioning systems); such devices will be confiscated and will not be returned.

Is fishing gear provided and can my catch be cleaned?

All fishing gear is provided, and you can have your catch cleaned on board.

Can I bring food and alcohol?

You may bring food and drinks, but no glass and no alcohol are permitted due to ABC law; a snack bar on board sells beer.

What are the age requirements?

The trip accepts participants ages 4 and up.