Hampton Roads Charter has run public and private fishing charters out of Fort Monroe since 2003, family-owned and operated, currently by Ryan and his wife Stefanie, who became sole owners in 2019. The business runs two vessels: the Ocean Eagle, a 65-foot, mahogany-built headboat certified for up to 68-73 passengers, and the Camilla W, a 31-foot Cabo accommodating up to 6 for smaller private charters.
Built in 1962 on Radio Island, North Carolina, the Ocean Eagle is one of the most stable fishing boats on the East Coast thanks to her heavy build, giving her superior fishability on the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads. She’s equipped with the latest navigation and safety gear, indoor and exterior seating, two restrooms, and a snack bar, run by an experienced licensed captain and crew. Daily public charter times run 6:30am-11:30am and 12:30pm-5:30pm, with a 6:30pm-10:30pm summer evening trip also available; the boat can also be booked entirely for private parties.
Trips target a range of Chesapeake Bay and coastal species depending on the season, including Croaker, Cobia, Tautog, Black Sea Bass, Rockfish, and occasional sharks. The smaller Camilla W runs walk-on inshore trips as well, targeting Cobia, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel on 8-hour outings, with gear, tackle, bait, and licensing included (mate tip not included).
Public Ocean Eagle rates run $55 per person if purchased in advance or $65 at the dock, with kids 5-10 at $30 and kids 4 and under free with a paying adult; specialty 8-hour trips targeting Tautog, Black Sea Bass, and Rockfish run $85 online or $90 day-of. Camilla W walk-on trips run $250 per person for 8 hours. Mates work for tips only, so tipping generously is appreciated.
For anglers and groups looking for an affordable, family-friendly headboat fishing trip or a smaller private charter out of Fort Monroe, Hampton Roads Charter’s Ocean Eagle offers a well-established, multi-decade operation on the lower Chesapeake Bay.
