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 Port Republic. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Striped Bass
The area around Port Republic offers opportunities to intercept striped bass migrating through the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Focus your attention on the tidal reaches of the rivers that feed into the bay. Stripers often stage near structure such as bridge pilings, channel edges, and submerged oyster beds, waiting to ambush prey. Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) are prime times, coinciding with the stripers' spawning migrations and their return to the Bay. Consider using live bait, such as menhaden, or artificial lures that mimic the local forage fish. Adjust your presentation based on water temperature and current. Access can be gained at various public boat ramps along the rivers. A local tip is to pay attention to the water clarity, as stripers tend to be more active in clearer water. Also, be mindful of tidal currents, as stripers often position themselves to ambush prey in these areas. The striped bass in this region are prized for their size and fighting ability.
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 is the best bait for striped bass fishing near Port Republic, VA?
Live bait like eels and menhaden are popular choices for striped bass. Artificial lures, such as swimbaits and bucktails, can also be very effective.
What size striped bass are legal to keep near Port Republic?
You can keep one striped bass per day as long as it's within the 18-24 inch slot limit. Be aware the Potomac River has a different slot size.
Do I need a license to fish for striped bass in Port Republic, VA?
Yes, a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required.
Can I fish for striped bass year-round near Port Republic?
Yes, the striped bass season is open year-round in Virginia.
More Striped Bass Fishing in Virginia
Other Species to Fish in Port Republic
Ready to Catch Striped Bass in Port Republic?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.


