Family Fishing

By Kevin Seldon

Want to take the family fishing? Not sure if the kids are up to an all day adventure on the water? Then take everyone on a ½ day fishing trip on one of our local headboats. Headboats are larger boats that customers pay “by the head” to go aboard. Unlike most sport fishing boats, headboats are inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard annually and the captains are required to carry a higher grade license to operate the boat.

Headboats operate out of both Lynnhaven Inlet (on the north end) and Rudee Inlet (on the south end) of Virginia Beach. These boats generally run four hour trips daily through the summer months, both in the morning and again in the afternoon. The cost is $30-$35 for adults with a discounted price for children. Everything that you will need for fishing is provided for that price. Rod and reel, along with bait and bucket, so all you need to do is walk on the boat! All of our local headboats have snack bars or you can bring along whatever you would like to eat or drink.

Headboat fishing is a great way to introduce the family to both boating and fishing. Although you will meet many first timers on most trips, you will also find a fair number of “regulars” who fish every chance they get. All of the boats carry experienced deckhands to give instruction to the “rookies” as well as assist the “old pros.” Our deckhands want to make your trip as pleasurable as possible and usually spend a little extra time with the youngsters. Because party boats normally carry a large number of families, our goal is to provide the most action in the most comfortable conditions. We drift fish (or bottom fish) so that everyone can fish at the same time. You might think that the “old pros” have the advantage, but many a fish pool is won by a first time “rookie.” Croaker are the most predominate bottom fish in our local waters, but depending on the time of year, we also catch trout, bluefish, seabass, flounder , tautog and a number of species. We also run light tackle rock fish trips during the months of October through December. The boats in Virginia Beach operate year-round, although during the winter months the schedule is greatly reduced and the trips are normally longer in duration. Remember to dress warmly during the winter and spring as cold water temps keep the air temp lower offshore than on land. The water temps also keeps us slightly cooler during the “dog days” of summer.

Fishing is a great way to leave the stress of daily life behind, if only for a few hours, and headboat fishing is an inexpensive way to do this. Most of our customers tell us that just being out on the water is worth more that the price of the ticket. Although you may board the boat with strangers, by the end of the trip, you will know everyone around you. Many businesses charter our boats for employees or clients for this very reason. If you have very young children and you’re worried that four hours is too long, hop on one of our 1 ½ hour dolphin watch trips as a starter. So whether you’re entertaining out of town guests, vacationing with your family, or just want a short respite from the daily grind, hop on a headboat and enjoy some of the best that Mother Nature has to offer.