There’s something about heading out on a boat and watching the shoreline slowly disappear behind you. It’s a feeling we’re familiar with here in the River Realm, especially when we’re headed out to fish. We leave the cell phones in our tote bags, bring along coolers packed with yummy local snacks, and keep our eyes on the water full of hope about what we may be able to find beneath its surface. The bounty of our rivers and the Chesapeake Bay is one of plenty when it comes to fish.
Here are a few tips for the novice fisherman to bring home the catch in Virginia’s River Realm…
First thing’s first: make your plans to get on the water! The options to get out on the water in Deltaville are as endless as the sea itself. This River Realm town is perfectly positioned to welcome sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, and powerboats from the Chesapeake Bay as well as guide them out into the Bay. The shepherds to the rivers and the sea are our marinas. All together the River Realm has more than 22 marinas, many of which are located on the shorelines of Deltaville. Here, you can dock your boat at Dozier’s Regatta Point, Deltaville Marina, Deltaville Yachting Center, and more. While you’re there, our marinas can tackle repairs and maintenance on your boat. You can even shop for a new one.
If you’d prefer to relax and let someone else do the work, experts from businesses like Deltaville Sailing Charters, Urbanna Cruises, and Norton’s Yachts can lead you and the crew on a chartered pontoon, sailing, or yacht adventures.
Want to bring home a fresh catch? Link up with a local fishing charter. Captains like Wesley or “Wes” Crump of WC Sport Fishing know and love the region and it shines through as you hop aboard his boat and prepare for a day of fishing for what’s in season. He’ll set up several fishing lines and make the trek out to open waters. He teaches and coaches guests every step of the way so you always come home with something fresh and ready to grill or put on ice for the road home! Discover more fishing charter options using our helpful business directory!
Pro tip: Every May, a weekend-long Deltaville Dealer Days event takes over the town. Eight boat dealerships host a weekend of food, music, contests, and of course, boats for sale!
If you brought your own boat, you can launch at one of our 22 marinas along the shorelines of the River Realm. If you want to keep your boat to come back for more fishing in a few weeks or months, marinas have long-term slips like Rappahannock River Yacht Club, Dozier’s Regatta Point Marina, and Deltaville Marina that include bath facilities, laundry room, pool, WiFi, courtesy bikes and cars other amenities to make your stay comfortable and fun. You can also short-term park your boat at one of these marinas while you head onshore to give your sea legs rest for the evening at one of our boutique hotels and fuel up at one of our foodie hot spots.
Get our full marina and boating guide to the River Realm.
You’ll need all sorts of gear to fish in Virginia’s River Realm. The foodies in us definitely need some good snacks for the adventure, too! You can take care of both at J & W Seafood, Deltaville’s seafood and fishing hub. Keep an eye out for a towering pile of oyster shells when you’re getting close. They carry their own fresh catches including fish, oysters, crabs, mussels, and clams. You’ll also find a large collection of prepared dips, hummus, and more ready to pack on ice for your journey along with some craft beer and crackers. As for your fishing adventures, the tackle shop at J&W seafood is extensive and has everything from poles, to bait, to specialty equipment. Deltaville is also home to West Marine, which carries boating and marine parts, supplies, accessories, apparel, and small boats and trailers. Nauti Nells carries a large consignment collection of boating and fishing gear that is both inside and out!
We’re not the experts, but we’re home to a lot of fishing pros. Make sure you follow them for the latest news, tips, and insights about fishing in the area. Learn the where, when, and what when it comes to fishing in Virginia’s River Realm.
Captian’s Billy’s Fishing Report: Captain Billy shares regular fishing reports on his website, in the weekly Rappahannock Record newspaper in “The Fishing Line” column, and on the radio Thursdays – Saturdays at 6:40 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. on WIGO country 104.9.
Southern Tide Guide: Joe Biddlecomb is a Northern Neck Native who regularly leads fishing charters. He shares easy-to-understand information and facts on his website and blog.
While every year is different and official seasons change according to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, there are a few rough patterns fisherman can count on every year for the most popular of fish.
- Rockfish: April – December to November
- Bluefish: May – September
- Spanish Mackerel: July -September
- Grey Trout: June – October
- Speckled Trout: May-October
- Croaker: May-October
- Spot: May – October
- Flounder: May – September
- Cobia: June – August
Read the Virginia Marine Resource Commission guide to Virginia’s Saltwater Fish.
More Ways to Love Fresh Fish in the River Realm
- Click here to find out where to buy fresh seafood.
- How to go crabbing in the River Realm
- Discover our favorite seafood dishes to order at River Realm Restaurants.
Capture And Share Your Favorite Deltaville Moments
With every river bend and wind in the road, we’re sure you and your travel buddies captured memories of the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the River Realm. After your adventures are done, check out your photos and share the best with us! We hope more people like you can enjoy the calming and enchanting spirit of the River Realm. Tag us using @virginiasriverrealm and we’ll share your photos.
