York River Charters was a veteran-owned Chesapeake Bay saltwater fishing and sightseeing charter business founded in June 2011 by Captain Alan Alexander, who grew up on the York River in Croaker, Virginia and served with the Special Boat Units in the U.S. Navy before returning home to the area. Alan ran the business as a father-son operation, offering an intimate, small-boat charter experience across the York River and the tributaries of Mobjack Bay.
The company operated primarily out of two Virginia locations: Riverwalk Landing on the historic Yorktown waterfront, where York River Charters was the only fishing charter contracted to dock, and York River Yacht Haven in Gloucester Point, where it also held the distinction of being the sole fishing charter operator. Having dockage on both sides of the river gave guests the choice of departure point. During certain seasons, the boat also ran trips from Smith’s Point on the Northern Neck and from Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets in Virginia Beach.
Trip offerings included striped bass (rockfish) charters, bottom fishing, live baiting, trolling, and light tackle fishing, along with sightseeing cruises and special packages, including a dinner package at the Yorktown Pub. The business was voted “Best Place to Fish – Eastern Region” in Virginia Living Magazine’s “Best of Virginia” Readers Poll three years running, in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and built a strong reputation for a personalized charter experience geared toward guests from Williamsburg, Jamestown, Richmond, Newport News, Hampton, and Gloucester.
Captain Alan also ran a sister company, Bay Country Kayaking, alongside his daughter Shannon, and served as a winter instructor at the Chesapeake Marine Training Institute in Gloucester.
For historical reference: York River Charters offered personalized saltwater fishing and sightseeing charters on the York River and Chesapeake Bay under the Alexander family for well over a decade — though current operating status should be confirmed directly before referring customers here.
