Blue marlin fishing out of Virginia Beach is a canyon game. Most boats run 50 to 70 miles to Norfolk Canyon, and the best fishing falls from mid-July through mid-September. This guide covers when to go, how far to run, which named grounds to look at, how locals fish, and who fishes them.
When blue marlin are off Virginia Beach
The best blue marlin fishing out of Virginia Beach runs mid-July through mid-September, per Fly’n Fish. Knot Tell’n calls July and August strong, with August staying excellent. The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament usually falls in August, inside that window.
For biology, range, and how blue marlin behave elsewhere, see the blue marlin fishing guide.
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| Fly’n Fish | Best from mid-July through mid-September |
| Knot Tell’n | July and August strong, August stays excellent |
| Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament | Usually held in August |
How far boats run from Rudee Inlet
Rudee Inlet is the departure point for the offshore run. The Rudee Inlet port page covers the inlet, marinas, and where to read conditions, so this section covers offshore run distance only.
Norfolk Canyon run
Norfolk Canyon lies 50 to 70 miles out. Fly’n Fish runs up to 75+ nm on offshore days.
No NOAA buoy or tide station is specific to Rudee Inlet. Before committing to a 50 to 75 nm run, read the NWS offshore marine forecast and the nearest NDBC buoy observations, and use the wind, wave height, and period numbers to make your own call.
VBBT boundary
The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament fishing boundary is 100 nm from the Rudee Inlet sea buoy. Plot it from the buoy, not the dock.
Grounds and structure that hold blue marlin
Chart layers are not for navigation, so plot these on official charts.
| Ground | Depth | Distance or position |
|---|---|---|
| Norfolk Canyon | 690 ft (1994 list) | About 62 miles east of Cape Henry (1994 list) |
| The Cigar | ||
| The Fingers | ||
| Southeast Lumps | 19 to 28 miles off Rudee Inlet (1994 list) | |
| 26 Mile Hill and 21 Mile Hill | Named for distance from Wachapreague Inlet | |
| Chesapeake Light Tower | ||
| Triangle Reef (Triangle Wrecks) | 100 ft | 16.5 nm on 073 degrees true from Chesapeake Light Tower |
| Tower Reef | Listed by VMRC among offshore sites |
Norfolk Canyon
A 1994 list puts the canyon at 690 ft, about 62 miles east of Cape Henry. The list is dated, so treat the figures as a starting point.
For how it sits among the other Mid-Atlantic canyons, see the Atlantic Northeast blue marlin guide (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide).
The Cigar and The Fingers
Both are offshore grounds fished out of Virginia Beach.
Southeast Lumps and the hills
Southeast Lumps sits 19 to 28 miles off Rudee Inlet, per the 1994 list.
26 Mile Hill and 21 Mile Hill are named for their distance off Wachapreague Inlet, so the names don’t give the run from Virginia Beach.
Light Tower reefs
Chesapeake Light Tower is the reference point for nearby structure. Triangle Reef (Triangle Wrecks) lies in 100 ft of water, 16.5 nm on 073 degrees true from the tower. Tower Reef is listed by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) among offshore sites.
How blue marlin are fished out of Virginia Beach
The local spread is simple in concept: a few teasers raise a fish to one bait.
One big bait
Locals pull one large bait on a single big rod.
Squid chains and dredges
The bait sits behind squid chain teasers and dredges, which raise fish into the spread. There is more on billfish methods in the billfish guides.
Tournament days
In the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament, a blue marlin must be 110 inches lower jaw fork length (LJFL) or 400 lb to weigh. Live bait is banned, so the teaser, dredge, and big-bait spread carries tournament days.
Who fishes for blue marlin out of Virginia Beach
Four charters list blue marlin out of this port, and one tournament draws the fleet each summer.
Fly’n Fish Sportfishing
The 54 ft Custom Jim Smith "Fly’n Fish," under Capt. Jake Boltz, runs up to 75+ nm on offshore days. See the Fly’n Fish offshore trips page.
E-Fishinsea Sport Fishing Charters
Capt. Greg Weaver runs E-Fishinsea marlin charters.
AquaMan Sportfishing
AquaMan fishes The Flat Line and the 54 ft Game On, which is Coast Guard certified for up to 18. See AquaMan Virginia Beach trips.
Knot Tell’n Charters
Capt. Scott Horton runs the 36 ft Albemarle Express.
Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament
The tournament is usually held in August. Its fishing boundary is 100 nm from the Rudee Inlet sea buoy. Blue marlin weigh at 110 in LJFL or 400 lb, and live bait is banned.
FAQ about blue marlin fishing out of Virginia Beach
When is the best blue marlin fishing out of Virginia Beach?
Mid-July through mid-September, per Fly’n Fish. Knot Tell’n calls July and August strong, with August staying excellent. The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament usually falls in August, inside that window.
How far is Norfolk Canyon from Virginia Beach?
Norfolk Canyon lies 50 to 70 miles out. A 1994 list puts it about 62 miles east of Cape Henry at 690 ft. Fly’n Fish runs up to 75+ nm on offshore days when the fish are farther.
Is live bait allowed in the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament?
No. Live bait is banned in the tournament. Boats fish one big bait behind squid chain teasers and dredges instead.
What size blue marlin can be weighed in the VBBT?
A blue marlin must be 110 inches LJFL or 400 lb to weigh. Agency rules still apply on top of the tournament rule, so check both before fishing.
When is the VBBT held?
Usually August. The fishing boundary is 100 nm from the Rudee Inlet sea buoy, so plot the limit from the buoy and not from the dock.
Is there a NOAA buoy at Rudee Inlet?
No NOAA buoy or tide station is specific to Rudee Inlet. Read the offshore marine forecast and nearby buoy observations before the run.
