Free Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Cape Charles Pier Tips & Tricks
Cape Charles and the Eastern Shore of Virginia aren’t just paradise for boaters and beach lovers—they’re also a family-friendly angler’s haven, where you can fish the licensed Cape Charles Fishing Pier at no extra cost.
Chesapeake Angling 101: From Bottom Baits to Bobber Catches
Fishing from the Cape Charles Fishing Pier is a fantastic, family-friendly way to experience the Chesapeake Bay—no personal license required, as the town covers all anglers on the pier. To get started, try a simple bottom rig (3/0 hook, 3–4 oz sinker, squid or artificial fish bites) dropped straight down or cast out to target flounder, croaker, puppy drum, spot, and gray trout. For active anglers, casting and retrieving lures like lead-head jigs with rubber flukes or paddle tails (for speckled trout) and silver casting spoons (for Spanish mackerel and bluefish) can be hugely rewarding. If you prefer the classics, a bobber rig baited with clam will help you hook spadefish—just leave about three feet of line between hook and bobber.
Gear & Regulations: Your Local Tackle Shops and VMRC Guidelines
Beyond fish, the pier is also a hotspot for blue crabs—just tie a chicken leg and sinker to a string, lower it over the side, and wait for a crab to grab on. While a net makes landing easier, crabs often hold tight enough to pull up by hand; for guaranteed success, consider a collapsible pyramid crab trap. You’ll find everything you need at local tackle shops like Bailey’s Bait & Tackle (327 Mason Ave) and OceansEast (28316 Lankford Hwy), where you can also pick up tide charts and expert setup tips. Don’t forget to check Virginia Marine Resources Commission regulations online for size and possession limits before you head out!