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Top-Rated Suffolk Flats Fishing with Custom Tides
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Virginia
- $400 - $750 price range
- Updated Date: November 20, 2025
Summary
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Flats Fishing Action Shots
Suffolk's Shallow-Water Slam: Half-Day Flats Trip
Ready to stalk the skinny water for trophy reds and specks? Join licensed guide Jason for six hours of non-stop light tackle action in Suffolk's legendary flats. We'll hit the water at first light, when the grass beds are alive with feeding fish and your chances of hooking into a monster are at their peak. With room for just two anglers, you'll get plenty of one-on-one coaching to dial in your presentations and land more fish. Whether you're after that bull red of a lifetime or looking to bend a rod on some schoolie stripers, we've got you covered. Let's get after 'em!
What to Expect on the Water
We'll launch the skiff before sunrise and cruise out to prime fishing grounds as the marsh comes alive. Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish fast. You'll sight-cast to tailing reds in gin-clear shallows, work topwaters for aggressive trout, and maybe even tangle with a high-flying tarpon if conditions are right. The flats are constantly changing with the tides, so we'll stay mobile to find the hot bite. Expect a mix of poling shallow areas and drifting over deeper grass beds and oyster bars. Jason's always scanning for busting bait or those telltale signs of feeding fish, so be ready to make a quick cast when he gives the word!
Techniques & Gear Rundown
Light tackle is the name of the game here. We'll mainly be throwing soft plastics, topwaters, and swim baits on 7-foot medium-action spinning rods. Jason will show you how to work a popping cork rig for trout or walk-the-dog with a Zara Spook for explosive topwater strikes. When sight-fishing the shallows, accuracy is key – we might switch to fly gear if conditions allow. Don't sweat it if you're new to these techniques; Jason's a patient teacher and will have you dialed in quick. All quality tackle is provided, along with ice and water to keep you comfortable. Just bring your sunscreen, hat, and excitement!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of the flats, these copper-colored bruisers are what dreams are made of. We target reds year-round, but fall is prime time when big bulls invade the shallows. Look for their signature tails waving above the water as they root for crabs. Pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. Expect anything from scrappy 18-inchers to trophy fish pushing 40 pounds or more.
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are the bread and butter of Suffolk's inshore fishing. Known for their soft mouths and tendency to throw hooks, specks will test your finesse game. We find them schooled up around grass edges and oyster bars, often betraying their presence with subtle swirls on the surface. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch quality trout year-round. A 5-pounder is considered a true gator here.
Striped Bass: When the water cools in late fall, schools of stripers flood the flats chasing bait. These hard-fighting fish will crush topwaters and provide non-stop action on light tackle. We typically catch schoolie-sized fish in the 18-26 inch range, but larger specimens over 30 inches aren't uncommon. The striped bass bite can be red hot from November through early spring.
Tarpon: For a few magical months each summer, the "silver king" graces Suffolk's waters. These prehistoric gamefish are the holy grail for many anglers, known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. Hooking one is a feat; landing one is an accomplishment of a lifetime. We target them using live bait and large artificial lures. While not an everyday catch, the chance at a 100+ pound tarpon keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Suffolk's flats fishing is world-class, plain and simple. The diversity of species, year-round action, and stunning scenery make it a bucket-list destination for light tackle enthusiasts. But it's not just about the fish – it's the entire experience. Picture yourself poling silently through a misty marsh at dawn, spotting a huge red tailing in inches of water. Or the heart-stopping moment when a big trout blows up on your topwater lure. These are the memories that keep anglers coming back time and time again. And with Jason's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish, you're in for some of the best action of your life.
Time to Book Your Spot
Don't miss your chance to experience Suffolk's legendary flats fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tick some bucket-list species off your list, or a newcomer wanting to learn from one of the best guides in the business, this trip delivers. Jason's calendar fills up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. With only two spots per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and the best shot at landing that fish of a lifetime. The tides are calling – book now and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are shallow-water bruisers that typically run 5-15 pounds inshore. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. They're year-round targets but really shine in fall when big schools gather. Anglers love reds for their hard pulls and copper color with a trademark tail spot. To catch them, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Fish slow and quiet - reds are easily spooked. Sight-fishing for tailing fish is a rush. A local trick: on calm days, look for pushing water or mud plumes to find feeding reds. Their light, sweet meat makes great fish tacos too.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 10 pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active spring through fall when water temps are 60-80°F. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. To catch them, try a live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics on a jighead. Work your bait with a slow, twitching retrieve. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. A local tip: focus on areas with good tidal flow, as trout like to ambush bait in moving water. Handle them gently for release, as they're sensitive fish.
Striped Bass
Stripers are hard-fighting fish that typically run 20-40 pounds. Look for them around structure like reefs, sandbars, and channel edges. They migrate seasonally, so timing is everything. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move along the coast. Anglers love stripers for their powerful runs and tasty white meat. To catch them, try live eels or chunks of fresh bunker. Fish the tide changes, especially early morning or dusk. A local trick is to look for working birds - they'll lead you right to feeding bass. Stripers hit topwater lures hard too, making for exciting visual strikes. Just be mindful of size limits, as regulations change to protect the population.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the giants of our coastal flats, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. Most run 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds - still a handful on light tackle. They love to jump, sometimes clearing 10 feet of air. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, often around structure. Spring through fall is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Anglers prize tarpon for their acrobatics and powerful fights. To hook one, try live bait like pinfish or mullet on a circle hook. Let them run with it before setting the hook. Be ready for explosive jumps and long runs. Patience is key - these fish can battle for hours. While not great eating, catch-and-release gives others a shot at landing the "silver king."
About the Mitzi Tournament 17
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 60
