Hookz Sportfishing is a locally owned Virginia Beach fishing charter run by Captain Tom Zelibor, a lifelong Chesapeake Bay angler and longtime firefighter who has guided anglers around the Lynnhaven River, Chesapeake Bay, and Virginia Beach oceanfront for five years. Unlike most Virginia Beach charters, which run from Rudee Inlet, Hookz launches from a private dock on the Lynnhaven River, putting the boat in a productive fishery before the engine even starts.

From the dock at 1016 Michaelwood Drive, Captain Tom can fish the Lynnhaven River backwaters for puppy drum and speckled trout, push into the Chesapeake Bay for summer cobia and bull drum, run to the pilings and structure of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, or head out the inlet to the oceanfront. Depending on the season, targets include Cobia, Bull and Puppy Drum, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, and Sea Bass, with trips customized around whatever’s biting.

Trip options include the Lynnhaven Inlet trip (ideal for beginners, targeting puppy drum and trout), Half Day, 3/4 Day, and Full Day Bay Trips (working multiple spots for bigger species like cobia and bull drum), a light-tackle Bluefish & Spanish Mackerel trip great for families, and a bucket-list Inshore Bluefin Tuna trip chasing winter bluefin near Virginia Beach. Every charter includes bait, tackle, rods, reels, ice, and the Virginia fishing license, plus water and snacks on shorter trips.

Beyond fishing, Hookz also offers 2-hour dolphin tours ($400, up to 6 guests, complimentary drinks) and sunset tours ($125/hour, 2-hour minimum, up to 6 guests, complimentary beer, wine, and soda) on the Lynnhaven River and Chesapeake Bay.

For anglers looking for a laid-back, locally owned fishing charter out of a unique private Lynnhaven River dock, Hookz Sportfishing offers a well-reviewed operation with Captain Tom Zelibor, covering everything from beginner-friendly inlet trips to a bucket-list winter bluefin tuna run.