Sandbridge - Virginia Beach's Best Kept Secret

By Robin Magrisi

The secret to a enjoying the best Virginia Beach has to offer isn’t really a secret at all, but many travelers haven’t been introduced to the vibrant city’s alter ego –Sandbridge Beach. Just south of Virginia Beach’s energetic resort area, Sandbridge boasts an idyllic and uncrowded shoreline that welcomes fishermen and vacationers throughout the seasons.

Stretching five miles to the state’s southern border, Sandbridge Beach closely resembles its more recognizable North Carolina neighbor –the Outer Banks. With a bounty of rental properties nestled in a peaceful, charming community along the seashore, you just might forget where you are.

But don’t let the address fool you, Sandbridge is still prime fishing territory. Put on your waders and head to the breakwater for some exciting surf fishing. Pull in a wide variety of species depending on the time of year you visit: spring and summer favorites include bluefish, pompano, croaker, Spanish mackerel, trout, cobia and roundhead (kingfish), while striped bass, spot and red and black drum are plentiful in fall and winter.

For a drier approach that’s also well-suited for a family of anglers, drop a line off the Little Island Pier and reel in many of the same seasonal species you’d likely land casting from the beach. The popular fishing spot is open daily from 5:30 am to 10:30 pm (April 15 to October 31) or 7:00 am to 5:00 pm (November 1 to March 31). Pier fees are $5 per person per day from April through October with children ages 9 and younger admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. If you’d rather not haul your own gear, tackle is available to rent here and bait is sold across the street.

If you’re looking for an altogether different experience, try fly fishing or popping bug from a kayak. The prime inshore waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are easily accessible and home to bass, bluegill, perch, catfish and crappie.

“The variety of species and types of fishing experiences available here in Sandbridge is hard to beat,” says Andy Kennedy, longtime angler and Sandbridge resident. “With both salt and freshwater outings to choose from, I really don’t have to fish anywhere else.”

Residents and visitors aren’t the only ones who think Sandbridge is a fisherman’s haven. The IGFA recently awarded a world record to a Sandbridge angler’s roundhead (kingfish) catch, and a king mackerel landed from the Little Island Pier held a Virginia record until last summer.

Eat, sleep and play are an integral part of any vacation, but only after you catch your limit. From a two-bedroom cottage to an upscale condominium to expansive homes that sleep up to 30, Sandbridge Realty can hook you up with the perfect abode for your fishing party. With more than three hundred properties from which to select, their trained reservations specialists make choosing your home base effortless. They’re also a great resource for planning outings during your stay, from theme parks to themed dinners, shopping to surfing and more.

The resort’s wide selection of dining options is sure to tempt you with a memorable meal during your visit, but most anglers are happy to see fresh-caught fish and seafood top the bill of fare throughout the area. Especially enjoyable are the many waterfront restaurants overlooking the Atlantic shoreline, Oceanfront Boardwalk, Chesapeake Bay or Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets.

If the fish aren’t biting, take a break and dive into your surroundings. New this summer, a free outdoor family entertainment series debuts at Sandbridge’s Little Island Park. Year-round outdoor adventures also include tennis, beach volleyball, guided kayak tours, hiking and biking along meandering nature trails or tours of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the remote False Cape State Park aboard an open-air tram or the “Terragator,” a specially-designed passenger transport vehicle.

Other nearby options include riding the waves on a board or jet ski, spying dolphins and whales aboard seasonal boat trips, splashing around Ocean Breeze Water Park, scuba diving through coastal shipwrecks, rollerblading down the famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk, exploring undersea life in the Virginia Aquarium or teeing up a round of championship golf.

Nestled among shifting sands and dancing sea oats, Sandbridge Beach’s secret as a fisherman’s paradise appears to be safe --for now. Be sure you have a chance to enjoy all it has to offer before the word gets out. For more information about Sandbridge fishing, vacation rentals and area activities, visit www.sandbridgerealty.com or call toll-free 800-933-4800.