Cobia & Red Drum Sight Fishing in Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon sight fishing targets Cobia and citation Red DrumLive bait and jigs with spinning gear in Chesapeake BaySmall group experience with maximum four guest capacity
There's something special about watching a massive red drum cruise through clear water, its bronze back cutting through the afternoon light like it owns the place. That's exactly what you'll experience on this half-day sight fishing charter targeting two of the Chesapeake Bay's most prized species. Bay Bound Charters runs this afternoon trip when conditions are prime – visibility is crystal clear, fish are active, and you've got the best shot at spotting these bronze bulldogs and chocolate-colored cobia before you cast to them. It's visual fishing at its finest, where your eyes are just as important as your rod.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip where you drop a line and wait. We're hunting fish with our eyes first, then presenting baits and jigs with surgical precision. The afternoon departure gives us optimal lighting conditions when these fish are cruising in 3-8 feet of water, making them visible from the boat. You'll spend your time on the shallow flats and structure edges where big reds patrol and cobia follow rays. The four-angler limit keeps things intimate – everyone gets plenty of shots, and there's no crowding at the rail when that citation red shows up. Captain works the trolling motor while you're on the bow, scanning for dark shapes and bronze flashes. When we spot fish, it's game on with spinning gear and whatever they're eating that day.
We fish light spinning tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run. Live bait is the bread and butter – blue crabs for the reds and eels or spot for cobia when we can get them. Jigs come into play when fish are finicky or when we need to cover water fast. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. You'll learn to read body language – a red drum that's tailing in the grass versus one that's just cruising, or how a cobia moves differently when it's hunting versus just traveling. Polarized sunglasses are essential gear here, and we'll position the boat so sun angle works in our favor. It's active fishing that keeps you engaged from the first cast to the last.
Red drum are the stars of this show, especially the citation-size fish that call the Chesapeake home year-round. These bronze beauties range from 20 to 50+ pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving shallow to feed on crabs and baitfish. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature when feeding – they'll crash baits in inches of water and put on spectacular fights in the shallows. The sight of a 40-inch red tailing in the grass is something that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Cobia bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These chocolate-colored sharks (they're not actually sharks, but sure look like them) are curious by nature and often approach the boat for a closer look. They average 20-40 pounds in the Bay and are known for their acrobatic fights and bulldogging runs. Cobia season peaks from May through September, when they follow stingrays and cruise structure looking for easy meals. They're smart fish that will inspect your bait, sometimes following it right to the boat before deciding to eat. When they do commit, hang on – cobia are some of the strongest fish pound-for-pound in the Bay.
This sight fishing charter offers something you can't get from every fishing trip – the visual element that makes each cast strategic and every hookup earned. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or someone ready to step up from basic fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The afternoon timing, small group size, and focus on two of the Bay's premier gamefish makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Bay Bound Charters knows where these fish live and how to put you on them when conditions are right. Don't miss your chance to experience world-class sight fishing in one of the East Coast's most productive fisheries.
This 2019 25' Privateer center console is built for serious Chesapeake Bay fishing, powered by a reliable 225HP Honda that'll cruise you to the best Cobia and Red Drum spots at up to 40 knots. The stable center console design gives all four anglers clear sight lines for spotting fish in the shallows. You'll have everything needed for a productive afternoon on the water - fish finder to locate holding areas, GPS for precise positioning, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride to fishing grounds. This boat's shallow draft and responsive handling make it perfect for chasing Cobia and citation Red Drum in the Bay's varying depths, whether you're sight casting to cruising fish or working structure with live bait and jigs.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the Bay's most exciting sight fishing target. These brown rockets average 30-50 pounds and often get mistaken for sharks when cruising just under the surface. They're loners, so when you spot one, it's game on. Look for them around channel markers, structure, and temperature breaks from late May through September. They love following rays and hanging near anything that looks different on the bottom. What makes them special? Pure power - a good cobia will test your drag and your patience. Plus, they're premium table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the water. The key to hooking up is patience and the right presentation. When we spot one, I'll have you cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where it's heading. Let it sink, then work it slow and steady. Cobia are curious but cautious - give them time to investigate and they'll usually commit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are what make sight fishing in the Chesapeake so special. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows from spring through fall, often in water so skinny their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them by that distinctive black spot near their tail and their bronze backs. Most fish we target run 20-35 inches, but citation reds over 42 inches show up regularly. They love oyster bars, grass edges, and channel drop-offs in 2-6 feet of water. Peak action happens May through October when water temps climb above 65 degrees. What makes them great targets? They fight hard, taste fantastic, and give you that visual thrill of watching them eat your bait. Pro tip: when you see one tailing, cast your jig well ahead and let it sink - they spook easily but can't resist a slow-moving crab imitation bounced right past their nose.
Chesapeake Bay