Looking for a Job?

Apply Now!

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR:
FEB 24, 2010-  WASHINGTON, D.C. FISHERMEN'S RALLY INFORMATION

 

 

Welcome to the
Virginia Beach Fishing Center

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the difference between Head boats and Charter Boats?

Head Boats are large boats that drift fish over wrecks or reefs. Normally there is anywhere from 25-65 people on a boat, but not always. These boats fish for bottom fish such as Black Sea Bass, Trigger Fish, Croaker, Spot and Flounder. You pay for these trips per person with ticket prices ranging from $35-$150.

Charter Boats range from 46'-59' and can carry a maximum of 6 people (per U.S.C.G. regulation). These boats will only include your party and the Captain and the mate. These boats have air-conditioned/heated salons, fighting chairs (for the BIG fish!), televisions, VCR's, radios, etc. These trips are paid by boat ranging from $600-$3600.

**We do also have make-up charters**


What is a make-up charter?

A make-up charter is when you are interested in going out on a private boat but you don't have enough people to take a whole boat out. You would put your information (name, phone #, dates available and deposit) on a list so that we can put you with other people and you can all split the cost evenly. We can't guarantee that we can put you on a trip but we will sure try our hardest!


Do all boats have bathrooms?

Yes, every boat that charters out of this marina has restroom facilities.


Do all boats sell food, or can we bring our own?

With the charter boats since it is a specialized trip you need to bring your own food and drinks, BUT you can bring anything you like (with the exception of glass).

The head boats have a full galley, containing hot dogs, chips, and soda for sale. On the head boats for fishing you can bring your own beer as they don't sell it on board, but on the cruise boats, you cannot bring your own beer as they do sell it on board. On any trips you can bring your own food, but no glass or hard liquor is allowed! 


Do the boats go out all year?

Yes. Head boats and Charter boats go out all year long. Call to see what we are catching right now!


Do I need to tip the crew on my fishing trip?

It is not required, however it is a nice gesture. The mate is the person on the boat who will take care of your lines, help you with anything you need, and can assist the Captain in case of emergency. They will definitely be working hard for you, and if you do well fishing, or you see they really tried to give you a great trip, you could also tip the Captain. An average tip for the mate is between 15%-20% of the total cost of the trip, and Captain is $50-$100.


How long ahead of time should I make reservations?

Reservations for the charter boats should be made as soon as possible. We can take them up to a year in advance (and yes people do book a year in advance!). Head boats do not require them however, you can make them by calling their phone number(s).


What is the cancellation policy?

For charter boats there is a two week cancellation period. Meaning, that you have until two weeks prior to your trip to cancel with no repercussions, after you are within that two week time period then your trip is considered confirmed and you will lose your deposit. If you just do not show up you will lose your deposit. If the Captain decides the weather is to bad to go out you will not be charged anything.


Do you have a mailing list that I could be a part of?

Yes, we do! Just email us your full name, and address and we will include you in our mailing list. We send roughly 4-6 letters a year! Don't miss out on the good inside info!!


What are your store hours?

The hours do change seasonally, so call for current hours. 757-491-8000, but generally summer hours are 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and winter hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.


What does the marina store sell?

The store sells everything you would need for your fishing trips, including tackle, ice, Styrofoam coolers, bait (including ballyhoo, bloodworms, squid, etc.). We also sell souvenir items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, magnets, stickers, and hats. Check out the link to our Marina Store and see what we are selling online.


Can I bring beer/alcohol?

Yes, all boats allow beer, however no glass is allowed on any boats. (It can be dangerous if you drop it!). Also, on the head boats no hard liquor, but on the charter boats you may bring anything you want.


Are the boats handicap accessible?

Yes, but please call if you are going to be needing assistance that way we can inform you if it is going to be very rough, and to make sure we have people there to assist. In addition, electric wheelchairs are not allowed on the head boats because of the sea spray could short out the electronics, and could cause the breaks to work faulty.


Are there any age limits?

There are no age limits for any fishing or cruising trip. However, if you are considering bring very young children it is a good idea to call first to check on the condition of the seas and winds.


Are animals allowed on any of the boats?

Unfortunately we cannot allow any animals on the vessels due to the danger to the animal. If the deck gets wet they could easily slip, fall, or injure themselves.