Suffolk's Premier Private Flats Fishing Charter

Full Day Flats Fishing in Suffolk's Hidden Gems

Ready to wade into some of Virginia's best-kept fishing secrets? Hop aboard with Custom Tides Guide Service for a full day of sight-casting action in Suffolk's shallow waters. We're talking grass beds, shell points, and oyster bars where the redfish and specks love to lurk. With top-notch gear and a seasoned captain at the helm, you're in for six hours of non-stop fishing in crowd-free honey holes. Whether you're chasing tailing reds or looking to tangle with a tarpon, this trip's got you covered. Let's break down what makes this Suffolk flats adventure a must-book for any serious angler.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're easing along a pristine flat, the water gin-clear and barely knee-deep. Your guide, Jason, points out a copper-colored shape moving through a patch of sea grass. "There's your target," he whispers. "Drop that lure about two feet in front of him." This is flats fishing at its finest, and it's what you're in for on this full-day charter. We'll launch near the Nansemond River and spend the day working prime spots where gamefish gather to feed. With only two anglers on board, you'll get plenty of one-on-one coaching on everything from lure selection to proper release techniques. And don't worry about bringing a thing – we've got all the top-shelf rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, plus ice-cold water to keep you hydrated during the hunt.

Sight-Casting Skinny Water

If you've never tried sight-fishing before, you're in for a treat. This isn't your grandpa's bait-and-wait game. We're talking active, stealthy fishing where you spot your quarry before making the cast. It's like hunting, but on the water. We'll pole through shallow areas, scanning for signs of fish – a tail breaking the surface, a wake pushing through the grass, or even the shadow of a cruising red. When we spot one, it's all about making that perfect presentation. Too close, and you'll spook 'em. Too far, and they'll never see your lure. Don't sweat it, though. Captain Jason's got years of experience reading these waters and will help you dial in your technique. By the end of the day, you'll be spotting fish like a pro and making casts that count.

Top Catches This Season

The flats around Suffolk are teeming with gamefish, and each season brings its own hotshots. In the warmer months, we're often sight-casting to schools of redfish, watching them tail as they root through the shallows for crabs and shrimp. Speckled trout are another year-round favorite, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. As the water warms up, we start seeing more tarpon rolling through – hooking one of these silver kings on the flats is an experience you won't soon forget. And let's not forget about the striped bass. These hard-fighting bruisers move into the shallows to feed, especially during the cooler months. No matter when you book, there's always something worth casting to in these waters.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the stars of the flats. They range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds topping 40 inches. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail. Reds love to cruise in shallow water, often revealing their location with a waving tail as they dig for crabs in the bottom. They're known for powerful runs and can often be sight-cast to, making them a favorite among fly anglers and light tackle enthusiasts alike.

Speckled Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your typical mountain trout. Specks, as we call 'em, are aggressive predators that put up a great fight on light tackle. They're known for their spotted pattern and delicate mouth, which makes for some exciting topwater action. We often find them hanging around grass beds and oyster bars, waiting to ambush baitfish. The bigger ones, called gator trout, can push past 5 pounds and are prized catches.

Striped Bass: Stripers are the bulldogs of the flats. These powerful fish move into shallow water to feed, often chasing bait right up to the shoreline. They're known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and can range from schoolie-sized fish of a few pounds to monsters pushing 40 inches or more. Watching a big striper crash a topwater lure in skinny water is about as exciting as fishing gets.

Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail of flats fishing. These prehistoric-looking fish can top 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Tarpon are seasonal visitors to our waters, typically showing up in the heat of summer. Hooking one is challenge enough – landing one is an accomplishment you'll be bragging about for years. Even if you don't hook up, just seeing one of these giants roll in the shallows is a thrill.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the flats that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the visual aspect – actually seeing the fish before you cast. Or perhaps it's the challenge of making that perfect presentation in skinny water. Whatever it is, once you've experienced it, you're hooked. And the waters around Suffolk offer some of the best flats fishing you'll find anywhere on the East Coast. With a mix of species to target and ever-changing conditions, no two trips are ever the same. Plus, with our flexible departure times, we can chase the best tides and avoid the crowds, giving you a truly premium fishing experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the flats game, there's always something new to learn and experience out here.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the joys of flats fishing in Suffolk, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. If you're ready to step up your angling game and try your hand at some world-class sight-casting, it's time to get this trip on the books. Remember, we're limited to just two anglers per trip, so you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and prime fishing spots. Whether you're looking to cross a tarpon off your bucket list or just want to spend a day stalking redfish in gin-clear water, this is the trip for you. Don't let another season slip by – give us a call and let's get you out on the flats. The fish are waiting, and trust me, once you hook into your first tailing red or watch a gator trout crush your topwater, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.