The lower Chesapeake is where the bay meets the Atlantic, and Virginia's side holds the mouth — cobia and big red drum over the shoals in summer, speckled trout in the shallows, and striped bass schooling around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel pilings late in the year. It is a big-water fishery that rewards local knowledge of current and structure.
Where charters launch for Chesapeake Bay — each town page lists every local guide.
The species our Virginia write-ups mention most for this water.
Required for ages 16+. Freshwater and saltwater licenses sold separately. Trout license additional. Typical cost: Resident: $23 | Non-Resident: $47. On a guided charter your license is often covered under the captain's permit — confirm when booking.
Official Virginia licensing site →
