Hi; I’m new to this site, and fairly new to the VA NC border area. Born in NJ, and fished all my life in NJ NY PA and some in Fl. I’m right next to Kerr Lake, where strippers, bass, catfish, crappi, and perch are plentiful, and fairly easy to catch but looking forward to hearing tips and suggestions for Kerr and other nearby spots.
I’m also a saltwater fisherman and looking to understand the best times for the various fish around the coast here and especially inshore and tidal areas. I especially want learn something good places and timing for crabbing.

Have to stretch it some

There’s a real good summary for you. With a boat to get away from shore but near channels and sandbars you’re gonna have a blast.

Spawning time in spring has em move upstream (upper ends of lakes) heading toward shallow water that hopefully has lots of brush. They stay in the creek beds and channels till time is right, then move into the shallows (2-3 ft of water) to spawn. They might be there for few days. When done spawning they start moving back to the creek beds and channels, and slowly migrate back to deeper water areas. They love to hang out in or around submerged cover, rocks, stumps, logs, and especially brush piles so a decent fish finder that helps find cover will help you find the fish. Little jigs and minnows are best.

I think in Heathsville there is a boat takes charters out, not sure if he often has open spots or takes walk in’s. Try googling him - Crabbe’s Charter Fishing.
You may have to head north or south a way to get to highly populated area for an actual party boat, or head boat, like Annapolis or Virginia Beach.
I don’t know the area there well, actually wish I did. Seems being located on the west shore of the bay and fairly close to inlet it would be great for so many species. I’d really love find out a good place around there to go crabbing, and when best months are.