8-Hour Private Fishing: Redfish to Cobia

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$600 - $950 price range

Summary

Captain Jack's 8-hour fishing trip is a local favorite for good reason. You'll have a full day to chase a mix of species, adapting your approach as needed. The captain knows these waters well and comes prepared with quality gear, setting you up for a productive outing. Red Drum and Cobia are often the main targets, but don't be surprised if you switch gears to go after Spadefish or Spanish Mackerel when the conditions are right. This flexibility is key - you can adjust your strategy while staying focused on getting fish in the boat. It's an ideal trip for anglers who want variety and expert guidance. Whether you're aiming to catch a bunch or land that personal best, you've got the time and support to make it happen. With room for up to 5 guests, it's a great option for small groups or families looking to spend a day on the water. Just remember, this is an inshore trip, so you'll be fishing closer to land rather than heading way offshore. King Tide Charters runs a tight ship, so be aware that deposits are non-refundable.

8-Hour Private Fishing: Redfish to Cobia

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

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2 people fishing on the beach in Virginia Beach

Solid Cobia catch under bluebird skies!

Impressive Cobia catch on calm Gulf waters!

Angler with a big catch in Virginia Beach

Energetic Cobia on the line!

Private 8-Hour Fishing Adventure with Captain Jack

Ready for a full day of rod-bending action? Captain Jack's 8-hour private charter is your ticket to some serious inshore fishing. We're talking about a trip that gives you the time and flexibility to really dial in on the bite. Whether you're after hard-pulling redfish or want to mix it up with some high-flying Spanish mackerel, this trip's got you covered. With top-notch gear and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're in for a day of non-stop action.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Jack's boat, you're signing up for a full 8 hours of prime fishing time. This isn't some rushed half-day deal – we're talking about a proper outing where you can really settle in and get after it. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility. Conditions change? No problem. We'll switch up our tactics to keep the rods bent. Maybe we'll start off chasing reds in the shallows, then head to some nearshore structure for cobia as the day heats up. Or if the Spanish mackerel are running, we might troll up a storm. Point is, we've got options, and Captain Jack knows how to make the most of them.

Techniques That Put Fish in the Box

On this trip, we're not married to just one style of fishing. Depending on what's biting and where, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, jigging for cobia around structure, or running and gunning for schools of Spanish mackerel. Captain Jack's got a full arsenal of techniques up his sleeve, and he'll break them out as needed. We're talking about everything from live bait fishing to artificials, bottom fishing to top water. And don't worry if you're new to some of these methods – the captain's there to show you the ropes and put you on fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a staple of inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and tasty fillets, redfish (also called red drum) can be found year-round but really turn on in the fall. We'll target them around oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges. When a big red takes off, you'll know why anglers can't get enough of these fish.

Cobia: Often called "crab eaters," cobia are hard-fighting fish that can push 100 pounds. They're migratory, showing up in spring and sticking around through summer. We'll look for them around buoys, wrecks, and even free-swimming on the surface. Cobia have a reputation for being unpredictable fighters, so hang on tight when you hook one.

Spanish Mackerel: These sleek, toothy speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They typically show up in spring and fall, often in big schools that can light up a whole area. We'll troll or cast lures for Spanish macks, and when they're on, the action can be non-stop. They're also excellent eating, so be ready to take some home for the grill.

Spadefish: Don't let their small size fool you – spadefish punch above their weight class when it comes to fighting. These striped oddballs hang around structure and can be finnicky, but when you dial in the bite, it's a riot. They're most common in summer months and make for some great light tackle fun between shots at bigger game.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, there's a reason this is Captain Jack's most popular trip. Eight hours gives you the sweet spot of fishing time – long enough to really explore different spots and techniques, but not so long that you're beat by the end. It's perfect for serious anglers who want to put in work, families looking for a full day of fun, or anyone who wants the best shot at a mixed bag of species. Plus, with a max of 5 guests, you're getting a personalized experience. The captain can tailor the trip to your skill level and what you want to target. Whether you're after your personal best or just want steady action, this trip delivers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're thinking about booking a fishing trip, this is the one you want. It's got the time, the variety, and the expertise to make for a day on the water you won't forget. Captain Jack knows his stuff, and he's committed to putting you on fish. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. And keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable – but trust me, once you're out there hauling in fish after fish, you won't be thinking about anything else. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat and get ready for some serious fishing action. The fish are out there – let's go get 'em!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are the bruisers of our waters, often mistaken for sharks with their long, dark bodies. These solitary fish can grow up to 6 feet and hit 100 pounds, making them a prized catch. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 30-70 feet of water, especially during their spring and summer spawning runs. Cobia are aggressive feeders, chasing crustaceans and smaller fish. They put up a monster fight, which is why anglers love targeting them. For the best shot, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live eels. Here's a tip: when you spot one, cast well ahead of it and let the bait sink - cobia often investigate slowly before striking. Their firm, white meat is excellent on the grill, making them a favorite for the dinner table too.

Redfish

Redfish are a staple here, with their copper-red backs and signature spot near the tail. You'll find them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms. These fish grow fast, reaching 28-33 inches in 3-5 years, but can get much bigger offshore. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish are famous for their strong fights and tasty, mild meat. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to jigs. Here's a local trick: on really shallow flats, look for their backs sticking out of the water - it's called "tailing," and it's a dead giveaway. Just approach quietly and make a gentle cast ahead of them. Redfish are a blast to catch and even better to eat.

Spadefish

Spadefish are a unique target that'll keep you on your toes. These disk-shaped fish usually weigh 3-10 pounds and hang out near structures like reefs and wrecks. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you've often found hundreds. Spadefish love clams, so that's your go-to bait on a small circle hook. Look for them in warmer, shallower coastal waters, especially around mangroves or beaches. They put up a surprisingly good fight for their size, which makes them popular with anglers. If you spot a school, cast past them and slowly drag your bait through - that's often the ticket. Spadefish are also good eating, with a mild flavor that's versatile in the kitchen. Keep an eye out for their distinctive vertical stripes, and you might just land yourself a fun catch.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are the speedsters of our local waters, often seen zipping through bait schools near the surface. These sleek fish typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, but they make up for their size with blazing speed. Look for them in open water near structures, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They're a blast to catch on light tackle, striking hard and making quick runs. Trolling with small spoons or casting jigs into feeding frenzies are go-to methods. Here's a local secret: watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish mackerel are pushing bait to the surface. These fish are also delicious, with a rich, oily flavor that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Just remember to eat them fresh for the best taste.

About the 25' C Hawk

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for a full day of fishing action? Captain Jack's 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to chase a variety of fish and adapt your strategy as needed. You'll be targeting popular catches like Red Drum and Cobia, with the option to switch gears for Spadefish and Spanish Mackerel if conditions are right. This flexible approach keeps things interesting and improves your chances of success. With top-notch gear provided and an experienced captain who knows all the local hotspots, you're set up for a productive outing. Whether you're aiming to rack up numbers or land that personal best, this trip caters to different goals. It's a favorite among anglers looking for diversity and expert guidance on the water. Bring up to 4 friends along to share in the fun and memories. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so pick your date wisely and get ready for a great day of fishing!

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