VA Fishing Charters - Cobia Season in Exmore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Cobia in Chesapeake Bay waters near ExmoreFourhour inshore charter accommodates up to five guestsSeasonal fishing available from May 30th through September 15th
Get ready for some serious rod-bending action in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay! Max Fly Charters is firing up the engines for another epic Cobia season, running from late May through mid-September when these brown sharks are thick in our waters. We're talking about 4-hour trips that pack more punch than your average half-day charter - perfect for small groups of up to 5 anglers who want quality fishing without the crowds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to check Cobia off your bucket list, our Exmore-based operation puts you right in the heart of some of the East Coast's hottest Cobia fishing.
Picture this: you're cruising the crystal-clear waters around Exmore in late spring when the water temps hit that magic 70-degree mark. That's when the Cobia migration kicks into high gear, and our local waters become a highway for these copper-colored beauties. We launch right from the heart of the Eastern Shore, giving us quick access to the productive waters where Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic. The shallow flats, channel edges, and structure around here create perfect ambush points for hungry Cobia. Our crew knows every productive spot from the CBBT to the shoals, and we're not shy about sharing the intel that puts fish in the boat. Expect to cover some water as we search for surfacing fish, but that's half the fun - nothing beats the adrenaline rush of spotting your target cruising just under the surface.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip - Cobia fishing is all about the hunt. We run a sight fishing operation first and foremost, spending time on the tower scanning for those telltale brown shadows and dorsal fins cutting through the surface. When we spot fish, it's game on with live eels, spot, or croaker pitched right in their path. The gear we run is stout enough to handle these bruisers but balanced enough to feel every head shake and run. We're talking conventional reels loaded with 30-50 pound test, paired with rods that have the backbone to turn a fish but enough tip to feel the bite. When sight fishing slows down, we'll deploy some live bait around structure or work the edges with bucktails and soft plastics. The beauty of Cobia fishing is the variety - some days they're aggressive surface feeders, other days they're hugging bottom around pilings and wrecks.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing for good reason. These fish average 20-40 pounds in our waters, with plenty of 50+ pound fish showing up each season to keep things interesting. They're curious by nature, often swimming right up to the boat before deciding whether your bait is worth eating. That shark-like profile and bronze coloration makes them easy to spot in clear water, but don't let their laid-back cruising fool you - once hooked, they turn into absolute freight trains. Cobia are notorious for their initial runs and their ability to find every piece of structure within a half-mile radius. What really gets anglers fired up is their seasonal predictability combined with their fighting ability. Unlike many gamefish that require luck and timing, Cobia show up reliably from late May through September, with peak action typically hitting in July and August when water temperatures are consistently in the upper 70s to low 80s. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. The fact that Virginia allows a generous bag limit during the open season makes this one of the best value trips you'll find on the Chesapeake.
The Cobia season waits for no one, and prime dates fill up fast with returning customers who know what we're all about. With only 5 spots per trip, you're getting a personalized fishing experience that bigger head boats simply can't match. Our 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to locate fish without dragging out the day, and starting from Exmore puts you in the thick of the action without burning half your trip in travel time. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, father-son adventure, or want to introduce someone to serious gamefish angling, this charter hits all the marks. The season runs through September 15th, so you've got plenty of opportunities to get out there and tangle with Virginia's most sought-after inshore species. Don't wait until the last minute - the best fishing often coincides with everyone else's vacation plans.
Our 28' Mako center console is your ticket to serious Cobia fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. This classic 1985 beauty packs a punch with her 300HP Suzuki outboard, cruising at 28 knots to get you to the fish fast. With room for up to 5 anglers, she's perfectly sized for your crew without feeling cramped when the action heats up. The boat comes fully rigged for success - GPS keeps us on the productive spots while the fish finder helps locate those schools of Cobia lurking below. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and grab drinks between bites. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot fish breaking the surface or following rays, which is key for Cobia fishing. From late May through mid-September, these waters come alive with hungry Cobia, and this Mako has the speed and fishability to make the most of every trip. Her shallow draft lets us work the structure and shallows where big fish cruise, while the center console layout gives everyone easy access to the action. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising fish or bottom fishing productive structure, this boat delivers the platform you need for a productive day on the Chesapeake.
Chesapeake Bay