About Tidewater Guide Co
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Our Story
Thirty Years On The Same Water.
Tidewater Guide Co started in 1996 with one borrowed skiff and Wade Mercer's grandfather's hand-drawn map of the bay's oyster bars. Today we run four boats and a dockside shop from Harbor Lane in Norfolk — but the rule hasn't changed: fish where the fish are, treat guests like family, and never watch the clock when the bite turns on.
We are a working guide family, not a booking agency. The person who answers your quote is usually the person poling your skiff. We keep groups to six or fewer, maintain our own fleet, and close the calendar when the weather says no — even when it costs us.
- USCG-licensed captains, fully insured fleet, CPR-certified crew
- All tackle, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included on every trip
- Catch-and-release options and kid-sized gear on family outings
How We Fish
The Way We Run Every Trip
Small Groups Only
Never more than six anglers. You get coaching, not a crowd — and the captain learns your name by the first drift.
Honest Weather Calls
If the wind or lightning says no, we reschedule or refund. We would rather lose a day than ruin yours.
Gear That Works
Rods re-spooled weekly, hooks swapped daily, boats washed after every run. Bring sunglasses; we bring the rest.
Fish For Tomorrow
Slot limits respected, careful releases, and a dock recycling program. These waters raised us — we look after them.
Our Team
Meet With Our Guides
Four captains, one dock. Click through to learn how each of them fishes.
Come See The Dock For Yourself.
Free dock day runs the first Saturday of every month — rods, bait, and coaching on us. Or book a trip today.
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