Embracing the Fall Fishing Season in Virginia Beach: A Fisherman’s Paradise

As the warm summer months give way to the cooler days of October, the coastal waters of Virginia Beach undergo a remarkable transformation. For fishing enthusiasts, this signals the beginning of the vibrant fall fishing season. With summer species moving on, the fall brings its own exciting opportunities, making this a prime time for anglers to hit the water.

Hotspots for Fall Fishing: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) is a renowned fishing destination year-round, but it truly shines in the fall. Anglers flock to this area in search of diversity, with sheepshead, tautog, flounder, and the ever-popular red drum being particularly abundant.

Red drum, especially the larger ones, are known to put up a great fight. They're often found feeding in the surf along Sandbridge, where the churning waters of the adjacent wildlife refuge create the perfect hunting grounds for these impressive fish.

Cobia Migration and the Last of the Spanish Mackerel

Fall also marks the migration of cobia. Anglers seeking the thrill of catching these robust fighters have a limited window to enjoy this experience before they continue their journey south. Meanwhile, though the summer peak has passed, Spanish mackerel are still available, albeit in smaller numbers.

Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum Thriving at Lynnhaven Inlet

Inside Lynnhaven Inlet, local anglers are experiencing a particularly good season for speckled trout and puppy drum. Reports from Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle confirm that both species are actively biting, much to the delight of those fishing the inlet’s waters.

Striped Bass and Flounder: Prime Targets in the Chesapeake Bay

As striped bass make their presence known in the Chesapeake Bay's tributaries, they provide yet another rewarding challenge for local fishermen. Flounder fishing in the Bay continues to yield great results, with anglers taking advantage of the favorable conditions to reel in these flatfish.

Highlight of the Season: The Katlyn Inshore Slam Classic

A standout event this month was the 1st Annual 2024 Katlyn Inshore Slam Classic, hosted by Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle. Initially planned as a cobia tournament, weather conditions prompted organizers to switch the focus to puppy drum—and the decision paid off. Anglers enjoyed perfect weather, leading to impressive catches of drum and flounder, cementing the event’s success.

Pier and Deep-Sea Fishing: An Adventure for Every Angler

For those who prefer pier fishing, the Virginia Beach Pier has been a reliable spot this fall. Anglers are catching a variety of species, including puppy drum, trout, spot, small croaker, and flounder, reflecting the rich marine biodiversity of the region.

For the more adventurous, deep-sea fishing offers even greater rewards. With species like sea bass, tilefish, swordfish, marlin, wahoo, dolphin, and tuna available, deep-sea expeditions off the coast promise both an exciting challenge and the potential for a bountiful harvest.

The Magic of October: A Fisherman’s Dream

As we embrace the cooler days and the changing seasons, the waters off the coast of Virginia Beach continue to offer new opportunities for anglers. From the Chesapeake Bay to the deep sea, fall fishing in this region is truly special. Whether you're after the thrill of a giant red drum or the challenge of landing a swordfish in the deep, October offers something for every angler.