We are going to visit my sister in law's family over spring break. I am hoping to do a little fishing and I'm wondering if you find folks could give me the lay of the land. I'll be shore fishing and probably just a few hours here or there.

I think the place we are staying (Governor's something) has a stocked pond. I also think I'll be relatively close to the James River.

I'm open to other species besides bass if that's the recommendation. I'll have a 7' M/ML spinning travel rod and/or a 7'1" MH casting. Bonus points if the fishing is near a big playground. Thank you In advance.

Williamsburg has some good spots. Consider Waller Mill Park - it is

not free, but you can fish a small area from shore, or rent a jon boat.

You've also got Toano, just north of Williamsburg, with Little Creek,

also can rent jon boats there.

Tidal fishing on the James, and some of the Chicahominy river. There

is free and paid fishing here, depending on where you go. A little further

south is Lee Hall Reservior, one of my fave spots, on the west side of

route 64. Again, boat rentals available. Further still is Harwood's Mill

but the water level is very low due to construction on rte 17. Crappie

and pickerel are hot.

I'm not from the area, so I'm just listing my limited experience when visiting Williamsburg and only get a couple hours to wet a line.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park has a playground, and some decent bank access if you're willing to walk. Work a popper along the rip rap. There's also some access on the north side of the point.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/r2drYhCCgTbmZ3hJ8

Not a playground, but beach spot for kiddos: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iYnRqwbPh9GvxeZ77

The tide can rip pretty good at the bridge north of the beach. I usually just throw a shallow crank here.

You're about 30 minutes away from some really good salt/brackish water species (Redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead). You may want to consider a charter and see what's biting in April (assuming that's your Spring Break).

Need any food recs?

5 minutes ago, Junger said:

Need any food recs?

Yes please. I'll take any recommendations. Thank you for everything you have provided already!

Amber Ox Public House - My favorite there. Modern southern, local sourced, scratch made, but not pretentious. Great beers, and reasonably priced whiskey selection, like Stagg Jr for $20. Pretty casual spot.

Blue Talon Bistro - Modern french inspired. Their mac and cheese is out of this world. Top end whiskey shelf, but you'll pay for it, such as William Larue Weller, George T. Stagg, etc. Casual as well.

Fat Canary - New American, with some good italian dishes. Pretty upscale spot.

Paul's Deli - Go here if you want to feel like you're in college again. If you don't order the food correctly the guy will yell at you, like Seinfeld's Soup Nazi. I like their style of pizza, and hot subs.

Green Leafe Cafe - Good spot to try some interesting beers, like sours, and non-typical IPA's.

Williamsburg Inn Rear Patio - This is a great spot for happy hour/small bites. It overlooks the golf course and is really relaxing if the weather is right. Hospitality is great here. Side story: They had some OK whiskeys on the patio like Booker's, but the waiter said they had better stuff inside. I went inside and saw an unopened Pappy 23, the bartender said it was $150 for 2oz, which was way under secondary, so I said let's do it. As he was ringing it up, it wasn't in the system so he checked with the bar manager and he said $270...but since I was quoted $150, they charged me that for the one pour.

Fat Tuna Grill & Oyster House - Loud, busy, but fun if you like that ambiance. Our kids always liked this place. Can't say anything bad about it other than it can get really busy, hence slow.

Tuscany Ristorante/Sal's By Victor - I usually get take out from these spots, depending where we stay. Nothing bad to say about them, but nothing amazing either. Just no frills italian food.

Le Yaca - Went here once with my wife for our anniversay. The restaurant itself is really nice, but it's really expensive, and I'm from the DC area so I'm used to $75 entrees, and I thought the food was mediocre. I wouldn't go back again. Just checked their website, and it looks like they've moved to a price fixed menu.

I'm surprised I haven't tried any Latin cuisine down there, I'll have to do that next time I'm down there.

@MontanaBasser , do you have access to military bases? If so, your options are a bit better.

10 hours ago, Choporoz said:

@MontanaBasser , do you have access to military bases? If so, your options are a bit better.

No sir.

Another Williamsburg food rec: Bellissimos Pizza. Mmmm.

Haven't been in a couple years, but owner is from Brooklyn,

makes authentic, brick oven NY style pizza. Hope it hasn't

changed much. Is off of 199, in same "plaza" as Home Depot.

https://www.facebook.com/BellissimoPizzaCafe/

Second all the fishing suggestions, Waller mill would be my first suggestion for out of towners. My favorite two restaurants are Oceans and ale's Great seafood, and drinks then there is Sal's by victor great Italian food. Both are within a 10 min drive of Waller Mill Park.