Offshore Walk-On Trip – 6 Hours
Looking to get after some serious offshore action without breaking the bank? Captain Preston Hukill's 6-hour walk-on trips out of Virginia Beach are exactly what you need. These shared charters give solo anglers and small groups a shot at big cobia without the full cost of a private boat. At $250 per seat, you're getting professional guide service, local knowledge, and the kind of light tackle fishing that makes every strike feel like a battle. We're talking real offshore fishing here – not some tourist boat ride where you're shoulder-to-shoulder with fifty other people.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Preston runs a tight ship and knows these Virginia Beach waters like the back of his hand. Your day kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp, so plan to be at the dock a few minutes early with your coffee in hand. This is a working fishing trip, not a pleasure cruise – Preston's got three seats available and he's focused on putting you on fish fast. The boat heads out to his proven cobia spots, and he'll have you rigged up with the right tackle before you even reach the fishing grounds. Expect to spend your six hours actually fishing, not running around looking for fish. Preston's been doing this long enough to know where the action is, and his repeat customers will tell you he doesn't waste time. There's a $20 bait fee to cover the good stuff – fresh baits that cobia actually want to eat. If you've got buddies who want to join last minute, he can add more anglers for $100 each, space permitting.
Light Tackle Tactics
Preston runs his cobia trips using light tackle techniques that make these fish feel twice their size. We're talking spinning gear in the 20-30 pound class, not the heavy boat rods you might expect. This approach lets you feel every headshake and run, plus it gives the cobia a better chance to show off their famous bulldogging style. The typical setup involves live or cut bait on circle hooks, though Preston's not afraid to switch to artificials when the fish are fired up. Cobia fishing is all about sight fishing and structure work – these fish love wrecks, buoys, and anything that holds baitfish. Preston positions the boat so you can make accurate presentations without spooking the fish. He'll coach you through the fight, but don't expect him to do the work for you. Part of what makes this trip special is learning proper technique from a guy who's been putting clients on cobia for years.
Customer Stories
"Really enjoyed my trip with Puttin n Sport Fishing" - Steve
Species You'll Want to Hook
Cobia are the main target on these offshore trips, and for good reason – they're one of the most exciting fish to catch in Virginia Beach waters. These brown sharks, as some locals call them, can stretch over 40 inches and fight like they're twice that size. Cobia are curious fish that will often approach the boat to check out what's going on, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you don't spook them on the first cast. The best cobia action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak season hitting during the summer months when water temperatures climb into the upper 70s and 80s. What makes cobia so special is their attitude – they fight dirty, using their broad sides to pull against you while making strong runs toward structure. These fish are also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Virginia Beach sits right in the heart of the mid-Atlantic cobia migration route, so you're fishing some of the most productive waters on the East Coast. When a big cobia grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately – there's no subtle nibbling with these fish. They hit hard and start pulling, testing your drag and your technique from the first second of the fight.
Time to Book Your Spot
This walk-on trip offers serious value for anglers who want professional guide service without paying private charter rates. Captain Preston's reputation speaks for itself – he's built his business on repeat customers who know he'll put them on fish. At $250 per person for six hours of guided offshore fishing, you're getting access to productive cobia grounds, quality tackle, and the kind of local knowledge that takes years to develop. The three-seat limit keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time. Whether you're a solo angler looking to get out on the water or a small group wanting to split costs, this trip delivers the real offshore experience. Virginia Beach cobia fishing is world-class, and Preston knows how to make the most of these waters. Don't wait until peak season to book – the best dates fill up fast with anglers who've fished with Preston before and know what to expect.