What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Virginia Beach, Virginia for the first time?

To remember it's up to the fish whether they're going to bite or not they're not it's not the captain or the 1st mate are captain and 1st mate were great. Our captain tried very hard to put us on fish. The captain and 1st mate were a pleasure to be around and work with.

Just know fishing can go either way. Some days you hit the jackpot, and other days you just catch some fish. But, a bad day fishing beats a good day at work, every time. Enjoy the ocean, forget the cell phone except to take photos, and have a relaxing day.

Captain Ron and the Southern Belle I highly recommend! Had a great time and caught lots of fish! Our deep sea charter couldn't have been better! Thanks for the awesome experience!!! Lisa Sutton and family from the Pacific Northwest

If you plan on getting out into the open water, wait a bit longer in the season than we did. I knew we would only be fishing the inlets because of the time of year we where in Virginia Beach, so I was ok with that. Just know what you're getting in for. Other than that, we had a great time.

Check the water temps and fishing reports. This year (2020) had an unusually cool May and the water temps were pretty cold at the end of May (apparently, fish like warmer temps.) We saw mostly 61 - 63 degrees while trolling. Captain and hands said late May usually had temps in the 70's, which brings more fish up from the south.

Be patient and ready to fight fish no matter where you go, because fishing off VA coast is as good as it gets. Keep in mind there’s nothing you can do about weather, but you can still have a good time.

It’s hit or miss. The water was still relative cold and the fish were not biting yet. Last year at this time when we went, the fish were bitting pretty well.

Don't expect blockbuster action in April. The water is still pretty cold. Better to listen to the Captains and wait a few more weeks, if you can, to have a better chance for more action.

Go fishing. Do not pay to have someone take you fishing. Go on your own so you can enjoy the experience of fishing. Unless you have a really good charter that wants the group to have a good time.

Talk to the captain about what your looking to catch and the best time to go ! The caption told us the end of May is the best time !

Come expecting to have fun and be sure to communicate with Captain Todd and let him know what your needs are, he’s there to help and guide you.

Pay attention to what the fish are doing and what is running seasonally. Reds, Cobia, Striper, and so on.

Maybe it is a bit soon for inshore fishing in first week of may, water to cold. Not an expert

The cold weather brought us bad luck but it's hard to plan around mother nature. We would shoot for warmer summer months or early fall next time.

Just remember it's for fun and there is no magic wand a Captian and crew can wave to make the fish bite. So if the fish don't cooperate then just enjoy the ride and the view and have fun.

We caught ribbon fish and we are not fans of trolling, if you enjoy trolling, VA beach is a great place to troll.

Apparently April is the start of fishing season, so perhaps in May or June the experience would have been a more satisfactory

Check fishing reports on line to get a good idea of what is being caught during the time frame you plan to fish.

Yes. First mate was awesome. Can’t catch fish if they aren’t there. She was great for conversation and keeping us occupied in between the few bites we got.

To hot at current time for anything reliable catching, east coast is in a heat wave. It may be better at other times or in different years just not the time we went.

If you are in the area to fish, stick to the piers in March and early April. Off shore is not good until mid to late April.

Do some research up front, understand all that's available in the area. So much that Virginia Beach has to offer so don't limit yourself.

Storm had just came through and stirred things up. Fishing was not strong but not for lack of effort by Captain.

Make sure you charter a knowledgeable captain and reliable boat . I recommend Southern Belle and Captain Ron .

Check the weather first to plan a booking for charter fishing. Read all about motion sickness to prep for it so that you could enjoy your day.

April is still a bit early in the season in regards to a lot of species. Plus the weather is still quite unpredictable.

Fish the wrecks and off shore. With Four Reel Charters they have everything you need.

If the weather permits, you will have a great time. The Sea Teaser is a good way to go.

Do your research on what you are looking for and for the group you are taking with you.

Beautiful weather. The breeze off the ocean surface keeps you somewhat cool. No complaints here!