Fishing Charters in Virginia
Browse fishing charters in Virginia that can help you catch flathead catfish.


Nauti Dog Sportfishing
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Experience Virginia Beach fishing charters like never before! Captain Kaleb Underwood and Nauti Dog Sportfishing offer thrilling fishing adventures!


Backlash Sportfishing
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach Fishing Charters Welcome to Backlash Sportfishing- Virginia Beach Fishing Charters, with Captain Steve Richardson aboard the Beautiful Custom Built 56' Carolina Style Custom Boat. The


It’S A Shore Thang Charters
Cape Charles, Virginia
Shore Thang Charters. Fishing charters. Fishing guide. inshore fishing. offshore fishing. Chesapeake Bay. Virginia. boat guide. boat trip. fishing trip. redfish. mackerel. black drum. rockfish. mahi mahi. tuna.


Beach Bum Charters
King George, Virginia
Fishing charter service for the Potomac River Chesapeake bay. Beach Bum Charters LLC King George Va. We also offer beach trips, and sunset cruises.


Island Queen Inland Charters
Chincoteague, Virginia


Citations Only Guide Service
Colonial Heights, Virginia


Shenandoah Lines Fly
Crozet, Virginia
Explore Shenandoah Lines’ fly fishing services in Central VA, including half and full day guided trips, casting lessons, and fly tying classes.


Virginia River Guides
Lexington, Virginia
We are confident in the quality, diversity, and beauty of the waters we fish. Come see us and fish the legendary rivers of Virginia. We float and wade the James, Jackson, and Maury rivers.


Virginia Fly Fishing Guide John Roberts Flyfishing
Lexington, Virginia
John Robert's Fly Fishing Adventures located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia offers the best trout fly fishing in Virginia. John Roberts is your guide offering 50+ years of flyfishing expertise on Virginia Streams.


Takedown Sportfishing
saltwater fishing boat cruise charter boat cobia stripers rockfish flounder tog tautog spadefish triggerfish sheepshead saltwater charters offshore charters fishing


Headboat Fishing


Gettin Bendy Charters
Best Time to Catch Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish can be caught year-round in Exmore. Right now in March, activity is Fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Flathead Catfish
If you're hunting for a true whiskered behemoth, the flathead catfish opportunities around Exmore, Virginia, might surprise you. While the Eastern Shore isn't the first place that comes to mind for monster cats, the tidal freshwater portions of the local rivers and creeks that feed into the Chesapeake Bay offer ideal habitat. Look for structure – fallen trees, bridge pilings, and sharp bends – in deeper holes. Targeting them from late spring through early fall is your best bet, with the warmer months seeing the most activity. Live bait is key; bluegills or large shiners are hard to beat. Be prepared for a fight – these fish can easily top 40 pounds. A popular access point is the public boat ramp on Machipongo River. Check local tide charts, as the current can be strong, influencing flathead behavior. Remember to handle these magnificent fish with care, as they are a prized species in these waters.
Plan a Trip to Exmore
See what's biting in Exmore, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Flathead Catfish
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Flathead Catfish in Exmore.
Flathead Catfish Fishing Regulations in Virginia
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Virginia state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for flathead catfish in Exmore?
Live bait like bluegill or shad is highly effective for catching flathead catfish. Cut bait can also work well. Experiment to see what the catfish are biting on that day.
Are there any size or quantity restrictions for flathead catfish in Virginia?
No, in Virginia, there is no size or bag limit for flathead catfish. You can harvest them year-round.
Do I need a license to fish for flathead catfish in Exmore, VA?
Yes, you'll need a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license to target flathead catfish in the Exmore area.
When is the best time to target Flathead Catfish in Exmore?
Flathead catfish are typically more active during warmer months, so late spring through early fall can be ideal. They tend to feed more aggressively at night.
More Flathead Catfish Fishing in Virginia
Other Species to Fish in Exmore
Ready to Catch Flathead Catfish in Exmore?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.


