Get Hooked on Hampton

By Kimberly Koelsch

Hampton offers many marinas and quick access to some of the best fishing in Virginia.

Hampton is a city defined by its picturesque location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. From its beginnings as a trading port over four hundred years ago, Hampton has blossomed into a diverse city with over 145,000 residents. A variety of businesses make up Hampton’s economy, but Hampton’s relationship with the bay is what empowers residents with a sense of identity and purpose.

The Chesapeake Bay, Hampton River, Back River, James River and smaller tributaries provide distinct opportunities to residents and weekend tourists. Considered one of the “best kept secrets” of the lower Chesapeake, Hampton is adored by outdoor enthusiasts and boaters, and its praise is rightfully earned since it has so much to offer. Thousands of tourists come each year to enjoy the unique combination of outdoor recreation opportunities, historic sites, science and technology centers, museums, waterfront dining, eclectic shopping and downtown festivals.

The numerous beaches, protected harbors and natural areas have produced a thriving outdoor recreation industry that sets Hampton apart. Fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, bird watching, and jet skiing are just a sample of the activities Hampton residents and visitors experience. Twelve commercial marinas and public boat ramps at Gosnold Hope Park, Sunset Creek, and Foxhill Landing offer easy access to surrounding waters.

The allure of Hampton is unquestionably its quick access to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the bay. Jud Black, Vice President at Bluewater Yachts on the Hampton River, knows why Hampton is so popular with fishermen… “We are just minutes from the bay but have the safety of a deep and protected harbor.” Adjacent to the Hampton city boat ramp, Bluewater Yachts has been a Hampton tradition for over 30 years. A state of the art facility was completed in 2002 and is just minutes from downtown Hampton and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Locals in Hampton want visitors to know what they have known for years – that Hampton has both excellent offshore fishing as well as inland fishing. Chandler Hogg, of Captain Hogg’s Fishing Charter Service, has owned his own business in Hampton for 14 years. Growing up on the James River, he was always drawn to the waters off Hampton. “What makes the area special is its geographical location in the middle of the East Coast,” he explains, “The bay has both the northern and southern species of fish typically found all the way from Maine to Florida.” As a prime spawning location for these numerous types of fish, the Chesapeake Bay has
an abundance of species to lure anglers to its waters.

In deep waters, both novice and professional fishermen can attempt to land deep water fish such as wahoo, amberjack, mackerel, tuna, dolphin, bluefish and marlin. For spots closer to shore, anglers can put their lines in the water within ten minutes of leaving the downtown pier. Whether trolling, casting, jigging, or baiting, Hampton is an angler’s paradise.

For the last 7 years, Bob Simelaro, of Black Magic Sport Fishing, has been running charters from the Old Point Comfort Marina in Fort Monroe. As a retired army officer, Bob chose Hampton as the location for his business. He explains, “Unlike most areas up north, fishing season in Hampton Roads is continuous and extraordinary. There is a different catch for every time of the year.” The bay’s abundance of fish and Hampton’s superb location are the keys to his charter boating success. “We are already docked in the bay at Fort Monroe so our travel time is minimal and we can get to great fishing locations in minutes,” he states.

Some of the best fishing can be found next to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel which acts as a large artificial reef. The bridge spans 17.6 miles with pilings, rocks, and channels perfect for inshore fishing. Flounder, striper, gray trout, red drum and black drum are plentiful here in the spring. Other inshore reefs provide top notch access to quite a large variety of fish, including spot, croaker, and bluefish.

In summer, anglers find cobia fishing and offshore wreck fishing for spadefish and sheepshead outstanding. Dandy Haven Marina, owned by the Gurkin family for over 40 years, is a popular base for cobia fishing and is considered one of the best on the East Coast.
Located on the Back River, the marina is a Hampton tradition just moments from the bay. Fall fishing season brings abundant flounder and stripers to the bay’s waters and the winter season is renown for “big” stripers and more offshore wreck fishing. The diversity and longevity of the Chesapeake Bay catch is what entices fishermen to local waters year after year.

Hampton’s downtown area invites boaters to enjoy its hospitality and exceptional location. Anchoring east of the channel on the Hampton River close to the public piers provides the best access to all the amenities designed especially for boating guests. The channel at this location is 150 feet wide and 12 feet deep at low tide. Boat haul-out facilities at marinas and boat yards on the river are capable of servicing any size yacht.

Waterfront dining is available at the Downtown Public Pier, Salt Ponds Marina, and Bluewater Marina. Hampton also has great shopping, outdoor art, and even a 1920s restored carousal that is in close proximity to the waterfront. Amenities accessible from the Hampton Roads marinas include a post office, laundromat, boatside delivery services, pharmacy, ATM and day spas. Public facilities (including showers, restrooms, ice machines, telephones, and pump out services) are centrally located next to the Cousteau Society in the downtown area. Overnight accommodations at both hotel and bed and breakfast settings are within walking distance of the public piers to give boaters a well deserved night away from the water.

If a beach location is preferred, docking at the Salt Ponds Marina will allow visitors to enjoy Hampton’s Chesapeake Bay waterfront. Kayaks and paddleboats are available for rental, a Bark Park is available for canine guests (advance registration is required) and the on-site playground is an exciting diversion for children.

Hampton is so rich in history visitors have a multitude of options for excursions around town when not on the water. Hampton was the background for many historic events that shaped the nation. Revolutionary War battles, the Battle of the Ironclads during the Civil War, and training of the first astronauts for space flight all contribute to Hampton’s abundant history for visitors.

The Virginia Air & Space Center is a favorite spot for guests and residents. This attraction also serves as the Visitor Center for the NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. Its aeronautical displays cover over 100 years of flight, including the Apollo 12 command module, a full size DC-9 AirTran aircraft, virtual reality simulators, over 30 historic aircraft, and a new exhibit that virtually transports visitors to Mars.

Other short excursions worth investigating in and around Hampton include Buckroe Beach, Fort Wool, Sandy Bottom Nature Park, Grandview Beach, and the quaint town of Phoebus. Each is just a brief drive and definitely worth the trip.

Hampton hosts many signature waterside festivals throughout the year that attract the boating public and visitors. During the summer, the city also sponsors smaller gatherings that appeal to guests and Hampton Roads locals. Sail races are held every Wednesday starting from the Hampton Yacht Club and a summer Street Fest lures visitors near Queen’s Way each Saturday evening from April until September. At Buckroe Beach, outdoor films are shown in the waterfront pavilion on Tuesday evenings, and beach music concerts are held on Sunday evenings.

Whatever your passion - science, history, boating, or fishing - Hampton has a wide selection of attractions that make any trip a memorable adventure.