Best Places to Fish in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach’s 38 miles of shoreline, winding inlets, and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay make it a paradise for anglers of every skill level. Whether you want to battle cobia off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, chase flounder in a quiet backwater, or introduce the kids to pier fishing, you’ll find a setting—and a season—that fits your style. Below are six can’t-miss spots, plus a reminder that the right vehicle can make hauling rods, coolers, and a kayak a breeze.

Rudee Inlet

Tucked between the Oceanfront and Croatan Beach, Rudee Inlet offers year-round action just minutes from the resort strip. Charter boats head offshore for sea bass, tautog, and bluefish, while small-craft anglers drift for flounder, speckled trout, and puppy drum inside the sheltered channel. Public ramps, a bait shop, restaurants, and convenient parking make it easy to launch or simply cast from the bulkhead. Half- and full-day charters depart daily, so even visitors without gear can get on the water quickly.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT)

Spanning 17.6 miles, the CBBT is legendary for striped bass, sheepshead, red drum, and—starting in mid-June—trophy cobia that roam the tunnel tubes and bridge pilings. While the Seagull Fishing Pier was removed during tunnel construction, project leaders confirmed it will reopen to the public once the expansion wraps up, restoring easy pedestrian access to prime structure fishing. Until then, boaters can still target the pilings, and fresh reports point to excellent cobia action this season (minimum size 43 inches, one per angler).

Sandbridge & Little Island Fishing Pier

Ten miles south of the Oceanfront, Sandbridge trades the boardwalk buzz for a laid-back beach vibe. The 400-foot Little Island Pier lets you chase spot, croaker, Spanish mackerel, and late-season drum without ever stepping into a boat. It’s open 5:30 a.m.–9 p.m. from mid-April through October (later morning hours in winter), and a daily pass is all you need. There’s no on-site tackle rental, so bring your own gear or stop at nearby bait shops before you arrive. After a long day, stick around for sunset—one of the best in the city.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Looking for solitude? Drive south past Sandbridge and you’ll reach Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where freshwater impoundments meet undeveloped barrier-island beaches. Anglers can surf-cast for red drum and bluefish at sunrise, then launch a kayak on the bay side for largemouth bass and crappie in the afternoon. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, with a special permit program allowing night surf fishing until midnight each October—perfect for targeting bull drum under the stars. Facilities are minimal, so pack supplies and respect wildlife-area regulations.

Lynnhaven Inlet & Lesner Bridge

North of Town Center, Lynnhaven Inlet offers quick access to oyster beds, grass flats, and bridges that hold speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead. Recent reports show steady summer catches, with sea bass staging on nearby wrecks in early June before moving deeper. Launch from the public ramp at Lynnhaven or fish from shoreline parks; tidal currents here create natural ambush points, so plan around moving water for best results.

Virginia Beach Fishing Center & Offshore Charters

If you’d rather let someone else handle the navigating—and the cleaning—book a trip through the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at the head of Rudee Inlet. Home to the state’s largest sport-fishing fleet, the center runs everything from half-day inshore trips for Spanish mackerel to overnight canyon runs for tuna and mahi. Captains provide top-shelf tackle and local expertise, making it a stress-free option for families or out-of-towners who want a shot at a citation catch.

Hooked on Virginia Beach?

From piers perfect for first-timers to offshore grounds where billfish roam, Virginia Beach serves up a fishing adventure in every season. And every successful trip starts with reliable transportation. Stop by Checkered Flag Hyundai World on Virginia Beach Boulevard to explore our lineup of versatile SUVs and trucks—ideal for towing a boat, packing coolers, and cruising to your next secret spot. Schedule a test-drive today and get ready to reel in new memories on and off the water!