%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F31149%2Fimages%2F1747783766360screenshot_2025-05-21_071441-removebg-preview.png&w=1200&q=100)
Suffolk's Beginner-Friendly Flats Fishing Trip
- Published Date: September 4, 2025
- Fishing
- Virginia
- $400 - $750 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F14d01d3f-f487-43fc-9297-5eb54e9e3d2b%2Fratecard%2F491733937_122109960140830079_3551888587173174743_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Flats Fishing in Action
Splashing Redfish — fierce and exciting fight at the boat!
Powerful Redfish — exciting surface action on the water!
Golden sunrise — exciting start to a fishing adventure!
Proud angler with Redfish — exciting catch on the fly rod!
null
Focused fishing moment — action-packed cast by the water.
Focused fishing moment — action-packed cast by the water.
Impressive Redfish catch — powerful and exciting on the water!
Hooked Redfish — powerful strike in action!
Fighting Redfish — energetic action on the line!
Splashing Redfish — fierce and exciting fight at the boat!
Powerful Redfish — exciting surface action on the water!
Golden sunrise — exciting start to a fishing adventure!
Proud angler with Redfish — exciting catch on the fly rod!
null
Focused fishing moment — action-packed cast by the water.
Focused fishing moment — action-packed cast by the water.
Impressive Redfish catch — powerful and exciting on the water!
Hooked Redfish — powerful strike in action!
Fighting Redfish — energetic action on the line!
Splashing Redfish — fierce and exciting fight at the boat!
Powerful Redfish — exciting surface action on the water!
Golden sunrise — exciting start to a fishing adventure!
Proud angler with Redfish — exciting catch on the fly rod!
Virginia Flats: A Beginner's Fishing Paradise
Welcome to the shallow, grassy waters of Suffolk, Virginia, where your flats fishing journey begins. This 4-hour private charter is tailor-made for newcomers looking to wet a line and learn the ropes of saltwater angling. You'll be in good hands with Jason, your USCG-licensed guide, as you explore the rich ecosystem of grass beds and oyster bars that make these waters a haven for game fish.
What to Expect on the Water
As you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement building. The flats around Suffolk are teeming with life, and your small group of just two anglers means you'll get plenty of one-on-one coaching. Jason will show you the ropes, from perfecting your cast to choosing the right lure for the conditions. You'll drift over skinny water, eyes peeled for the telltale signs of feeding fish. Whether you're tossing live bait or working artificial lures, you're in for a real treat as you target some of Virginia's most sought-after inshore species.
Gear and Techniques
Leave your tackle box at home - we've got you covered with top-notch gear. You'll be wielding premium light-tackle rods paired with quality reels, perfect for the finesse required in flats fishing. Jason's hand-tied lures are local favorites, proven to entice even the wariest fish. As you learn to read the water, you'll pick up on the subtle differences between working a topwater lure for explosive strikes and finessing a soft plastic through the grass for those bottom-hugging reds. And don't worry about licenses or staying hydrated - your fishing license, ice, and bottled water are all included in this hassle-free experience.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish - though they're a big part of it. The calm, shallow waters of Suffolk's flats offer a unique fishing experience that's hard to beat. As you glide across the water, you'll spot ospreys diving for their own catch, and maybe even glimpse a pod of dolphins in the distance. The serene beauty of the flats, combined with the heart-pounding excitement of a fish on the line, creates memories that last a lifetime. Plus, with Jason's expert guidance, you'll be building skills that will serve you well on future fishing adventures.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a flats angler's dream. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish (also called red drum) love to cruise the shallows in search of crabs and baitfish. In the summer and fall, you might spot their tails waving above the water as they root around in the grass - a sight that'll get your heart racing. Redfish put up a stellar fight, often making long runs that'll test your drag. The "slot" size (18-26 inches in Virginia) makes for excellent table fare, but the real trophy is the experience of fooling one of these wary fish.
Speckled Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Speckled sea trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are ambush predators that love to hang around structure. You'll often find them lurking near oyster bars or in deeper holes within the flats. Their soft mouths make for an exciting fight, as you'll need to finesse them to the boat without pulling the hook. The satisfaction of watching a speck crush a topwater lure at dawn is hard to beat.
Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish, these powerful gamefish are a staple of Chesapeake Bay fishing. While they're often associated with deeper water, stripers will venture onto the flats to feed, especially in cooler months. Their distinctive horizontal stripes make them easy to identify, and their aggressive strikes and strong runs make them a favorite among anglers. Landing a chunky striper on light tackle is a thrill you won't soon forget.
Summer Tarpon: Now here's a real treat for flats anglers in Virginia. While not as common as in Florida, tarpon do make appearances in Suffolk's waters during the warmer months. These "silver kings" are the stuff of fishing legend, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Seeing a 100-pound tarpon roll on the surface of a shallow flat is a heart-stopping moment. Landing one is a feat that'll earn you serious bragging rights among your fishing buddies.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or hoping to tangle with a summer tarpon, this Virginia flats fishing charter is your ticket to an unforgettable day on the water. You'll walk away with new skills, a deeper appreciation for the local ecosystem, and maybe even a few fish stories to tell. Remember, with only two spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast - especially during prime fishing seasons. So don't wait to get your line wet in some of Virginia's most productive inshore waters. Book your trip with Custom Tides Guide Service today, and get ready to experience the thrill of flats fishing in Suffolk. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check those calendars and get ready for an adventure you won't forget!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, typically 18-27 inches here and 3-8 pounds. They love super skinny water, often tailing in just inches deep. Target grass edges, oyster bars, and mud flats on low tides. Spring and fall are prime, but you can catch 'em year-round. Reds fight hard, pulling drag and making short runs. They're also great eating if you keep a slot-sized fish. Scented soft plastics on a jighead work well - try gold spoons too. For live bait, nothing beats a frisky mud minnow. A local secret is to look for nervous water or v-wakes pushing away from shorelines. That's often a cruising red. Cast well ahead and let the lure sit - reds are curious and will often come investigate. Once hooked, be ready for some drag-screaming action.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a year-round staple on our flats. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. They love grass beds and oyster bars in 2-4 feet of water. Look for them around creek mouths on falling tides. Spring and fall are best, but summer nights can be dynamite too. Specks put up a decent fight and taste great, so they're popular for both catch-and-release and the dinner table. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. For artificials, try a jig and grub or topwater walk-the-dog lure at first light. A local tip: focus on depth changes and points where currents converge. Fan-cast an area thoroughly - sea trout often hold tight to specific spots. Once you find 'em, you can usually catch several before moving on.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are a local favorite, typically 20-40 inches and 5-30 pounds around here. They're structure-oriented, so target bridge pilings, rocky points, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime as they migrate through. Stripers hit hard and fight strong - you'll feel that characteristic thump. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat. Live eels or bunker chunks are top baits. For artificials, try swimming plugs or bucktails. Dawn and dusk are best, especially on moving tides. A local trick is to look for working birds - that often means stripers are pushing bait to the surface. Match your lure size to the bait you see. Be ready to move around until you find the schools. Once you do, it can be non-stop action.
Tarpon
Tarpon are real showstoppers, growing up to 8 feet long and 280 pounds. Most you'll see are 4-5 footers in the 80-100 pound range. They're summer visitors to our Virginia flats, following warm currents up from Florida. Look for them cruising the edges of deeper channels and around structure. These prehistoric-looking fish put on an acrobatic show when hooked, leaping clear out of the water. It's catch-and-release only, but the fight is unforgettable. Use heavy spinning gear with 50-pound braid and circle hooks. Fresh mullet or large live bait works best. Let them run with it before setting the hook - patience pays off with tarpon. The keys are finding moving water and bait schools. Once you spot rolling tarpon, it's game on for an epic battle.
About the Mitzi Tournament 17
%2F%2Fusers%2F14d01d3f-f487-43fc-9297-5eb54e9e3d2b%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fimg_5285.jpeg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 60
