Your Guide to Fishing in Cape Charles, Virginia

If you are planning on fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles is a great place to stay. The area gives easy access to the southern part of the bay, and you can also explore many local rivers. Anglers love fishing here because the location yields a bounty of fish. Here is your complete guide to fishing in Cape Charles.

Best Places to Fish in Cape Charles

Whether you want to cast your line in a river or fish in the bay, plenty of spots yield good hauls. If you are wondering where to fish in Cape Charles, Virginia, here are a few spots to check out:

• Kiptopeke State Park: This location has a pier open all night with lights to draw in fish, and you can fish from shore.
• Chesapeake Bay Bridge: You can navigate the base of the bridge in a boat or fish off the pier at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
• Cape Charles Fishing Pier: This pier overlooking Cape Charles Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay is a great fishing spot if you love pier fishing.
• Saxis Public Pier: If you would like to fish farther into the bay, check out this pier near Virginia's border with Maryland.
• Hungars Creek: This is a great spot to go river fishing.
• Cherrystone: This neighboring city to Cape Charles offers fishing charters and inlet fishing.

Types of Fish You Can Catch

If you plan to fish in Cape Charles, the best time to come is between spring and fall. Here are the most common fish species to look for during your Chesapeake Bay fishing trip:

• Striped bass (rockfish): These monstrous fish are one of Chesapeake Bay's most popular recreational catches. Your options for luring one in are numerous because you can catch them from shore, a pier, a bridge or a boat.
• Flounder: If you are a beginner at fishing, these fish are a great target because they are reasonably easy to catch. You can fish for flounder from shore or in a charter.
• Bluefish and redfish: If you are an experienced angler, these fish are a great target because they offer an exciting battle. The best way to catch these fish is through fly fishing.
• Spanish mackerel: These fish are prized for their delicious meat and readiness to fight. You can catch them by fly fishing along river mouths or venturing out in a trolling boat.
• Cobia: The best place to catch this species is close to the Atlantic Ocean, so Cape Charles is an excellent spot for those looking for cobia.

What to Bring Along

If you are a beginner angler, you may be unsure what to bring for your fishing trip to Cape Charles. The first thing to consider is buying a fishing license. If you plan to stick to public piers, you will not need a permit, but for most other types of fishing, you will want a Virginia fishing license. You can usually get one online or at local tackle shops when you arrive.

In terms of fishing gear, here is what you should bring along:

• Rod and reel: If you are a beginner, go for a rod and reel combo, as this will be the easiest to set up.
• Lures and bait: You can purchase live bait at a Cape Charles tackle shop or bring lures along, which are better for targeting specific species. If you are a new angler, bait might be your best option.
• Fishing line: Go for a monofilament line and choose a line based on the weight of the fish you intend to catch with it.
• Waders: This gear is beneficial to keep you dry if you plan to fly fish or fish along the shore.

When you leave for the day to go fishing, you should bring additional supplies beyond your fishing gear. Your everyday packing list for fishing in Cape Charles should include:

• Sun protection: Grab that bottle of sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and clothes that protect you from the sun.
• Cooler: Use this to hold food and water. You may also want to bring a separate cooler for live bait.
• Waterproof bags: Ensure your phone and other electronics stay dry by stashing them in protective bags.
• Extra clothes: Whether it is a hot day or you get wet, a change of clothes can keep you comfortable after fishing.
• Bug spray: If you fish along the shore, bug spray can ward off mosquitoes, gnats and ticks.

Come to Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort

If you are looking for a place to stay during your Cape Charles fishing trip, come to the Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort. The location includes a private beach, so you do not need to leave the campground to fish. The resort is also surrounded by acres of parkland, so you will never run out of fishing spots. Take a look at the lodging, RV Sites and Tent Sites we offer to find the perfect place for you and reserve your spot today.