Fishing Charters in Virginia
Browse fishing charters in Virginia that can help you catch striped bass.
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.
Takedown Sportfishing
saltwater fishing boat cruise charter boat cobia stripers rockfish flounder tog tautog spadefish triggerfish sheepshead saltwater charters offshore charters fishing
Rock Creek Striper Guide Service
When it comes to chasing Trophy Striper having the right equipment is essential
Captain Marc’s Striper Guide Service
Captain Marc's striper fishing guide service site contains a gallery of photos of customers with stripers, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and catfish. It contains the 2022 charter rates, and everything you will need for a great fishing experience on Smith Mountain Lake.
Squid hound Fishing Charters
Squidhound Fishing Charters provide guided striper fishing trips on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Email: [email protected] Phone#: 540-204-6170
Rockfish Adventures, LLC
Rockfish Adventures is Smith Mountain Lake’s leading striper and catfish fishing charter! offer professional fishing guided services, Book Now!
Patriot Fishing Charters
Patriot Fishing Charters is a veteran owned, operated, and captained Smith Mountain Lake Striper fishing charter boat. Join veteran and patriot, Captain John, for the catch of a lifetime.
Class Act Charters LLC
Class Act Charters runs the best Fishing Charter. Learn more about Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charter, Black Drum, Bluefish., Cobia, Redfish, Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Tautog, Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charter, Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, chesapeake bay fishing seasons
The Shad Taxi Striper Guide Service
Striper Fishing T Shirts are now here! These striper shirts are popular with all striper fishermen. Striped bass, hybrids, and stripers are our focus.
Kenny's Striper Guide Service
Fish for striper on Smith Mountain Lake with an expert: Captain Kenny Short
Best Time to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass can be caught year-round in Big Island. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Striped Bass
While Big Island, Virginia, is situated inland, a relatively short drive will put you within striking distance of excellent Striped Bass fishing in the James River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. The spring and fall migrations are when the striper fishing truly shines. As the Striped Bass move upriver to spawn or head back out to the ocean, they concentrate in these waterways, offering anglers prime opportunities. The James River near Big Island is known for its deep channels and structure, which hold stripers. Trolling with umbrella rigs or casting with crankbaits and swimbaits near bridge pilings and drop-offs can be very effective. A local tip: pay attention to the salinity levels in the river, as stripers prefer slightly brackish water. Also, be aware of the regulations regarding size and creel limits, as they can change seasonally. Access to the river is available through several public boat ramps in the area, but be prepared for potential crowds during peak season.
How to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass Fishing Regulations in Virginia
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
1 per day
Size Limit
18-24 inch slot limit, except in the tidal Potomac River where the slot limit is 20-26 inches
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Possession of striped bass or hybrid striped bass is prohibited on Gaston Lake and its tributaries from April 1 through May 31. Check local advisories for specific water bodies.
⚠️ 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 striped bass in Big Island, VA?
Striped bass in this area respond well to live bait like eels and menhaden. Artificial lures such as swimbaits and crankbaits are also effective, especially when targeting larger fish.
What size striped bass am I allowed to keep in Big Island?
Virginia has a slot limit for striped bass. You can keep one fish per day, but it must be between 18 and 24 inches long.
Do I need a license to fish for striped bass around Big Island?
Yes, you'll need a valid freshwater fishing license from the state of Virginia to target striped bass in this area.
Can I fish for striped bass year-round near Big Island, VA?
Yes, the striped bass season is open year-round in Virginia, so you can fish for them whenever you like, provided you follow the size and bag limits.
More Striped Bass Fishing in Virginia
Other Species to Fish in Big Island
Ready to Catch Striped Bass in Big Island?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.