Find a Fishing Buddy in Virginia Beach
Virginia
Virginia Beach sits at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, where bay and ocean fisheries meet. Striped bass (rockfish) migrate through in huge numbers, red drum from puppy-sized to giant bull reds work the bay and surf, and summer brings a famous sight-casting fishery for cobia. Flounder, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel fill the warm months, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel — a 17-mile structure across the bay mouth — is one of the best fish-holding structures on the East Coast. Offshore, the canyons produce tuna, mahi, and marlin. MyFishingBuds connects Virginia Beach-area anglers so you can fish the CBBT, sight-cast cobia, or crew up for an offshore run.
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When to fish Virginia Beach
Striped bass fishing peaks in the cooler months, with the trophy migratory rockfish showing up in late fall and early winter as they move down the coast. Cobia arrive in the bay in summer (roughly June through August) and are sight-cast from the bow on calm days — a signature Virginia Beach fishery. Flounder and speckled trout fish the warm months around the inlets and the CBBT, and red drum run the bay and surf, with big bull reds in spring and fall. Offshore canyon fishing for tuna and mahi peaks in summer. Winter tautog fishing around the CBBT and wrecks fills the cold months.
→ Today's best fishing times in Virginia Beach (sunrise, sunset & moon)Top species
- 🎣 Striped Bass (Rockfish)
- 🎣 Cobia
- 🎣 Red Drum
- 🎣 Flounder
- 🎣 Speckled Trout
- 🎣 Tautog
Where to fish
- 📍 Chesapeake Bay
- 📍 Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT)
- 📍 Rudee Inlet
- 📍 Lynnhaven Inlet
- 📍 offshore canyons
Local tips for Virginia Beach
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is the crown jewel — its pilings and islands hold striped bass, flounder, tautog, and more, and fishing it well takes local knowledge of the structure and current, so a buddy who knows it is a big edge. Rudee and Lynnhaven inlets are the main launches and charter hubs. Summer cobia sight-casting is a boat fishery that rewards calm mornings and a good spotter on the bow. Shore anglers fish the Lynnhaven and Rudee areas and the oceanfront surf for reds, trout, and mackerel in season.
🪪 Virginia fishing license
Anglers fishing in Virginia Beach need a valid Virginia fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete state-by-state guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
See Virginia license prices →Virginia Beach fishing FAQ
Do I need a fishing license in Virginia Beach?▾
Yes. Saltwater anglers 16 and older need a Virginia saltwater fishing license (some piers and charters carry blanket licenses that cover their customers). Freshwater requires a separate license. See our Virginia license guide for current resident and non-resident prices.
When is cobia season in Virginia Beach?▾
Cobia arrive in the Chesapeake Bay in summer, roughly June through August, and the sight-casting fishery is a Virginia Beach signature. Virginia sets specific cobia seasons and permit requirements each year, so check the current regulations before targeting them.
What is the fishing like at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?▾
The CBBT is one of the best structure fisheries on the East Coast — its 17 miles of pilings, islands, and tunnels hold striped bass, flounder, tautog, and more through the year. It fishes best with local knowledge of the current and the structure, so it is a great place to fish with an experienced partner.
When is the best striped bass fishing in Virginia Beach?▾
The cooler months, especially late fall and early winter, when big migratory striped bass (rockfish) move down the coast and through the bay mouth. Virginia's rockfish seasons and size limits change, so confirm the current regulations before you keep any.
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