Full-Day Cobia Sight Casting Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
7hour offshore charter specializes in sight casting for cobiaTarget powerful fish exceeding 100 pounds with provided gearAccommodate up to 5 guests with all tackle and bait included
Looking for a fishing challenge that'll test your skills and maybe land you a trophy? This 7-hour offshore charter with Riptide Charters puts you in the hunt for one of the ocean's craftiest fighters – Cobia. We're talking about sight casting to fish that can top 100 pounds and will absolutely school you if you're not ready. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip where you drop a line and wait. We're actively hunting these bronze beauties, scanning the water for the perfect shot, and when we spot one, it's game time. Whether you've been sight casting for years or you're ready to step up from bottom fishing, this trip will push your angling game to the next level.
This charter is all about the hunt. We'll spend our day cruising productive offshore waters, eyes glued to the surface, looking for those telltale signs – a dorsal fin cutting through the water, a dark shadow cruising just below, or the classic sight of a Cobia following rays or sharks. When we spot our target, we position the boat for the perfect cast. You'll need to be ready to fire a cast quickly and accurately because these fish don't hang around long once they sense pressure. The crew handles all the boat positioning and coaching – your job is to make that cast count and then hang on tight. We keep the group small at just 5 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of shots and personalized instruction. The boat comes stocked with top-shelf tackle specifically rigged for sight casting Cobia, but bring your polarized sunglasses – they're absolutely essential for spotting fish.
Sight casting for Cobia is a completely different game from traditional offshore fishing. We're using medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with 30-40 pound test, rigged with live bait or large jigs depending on conditions. The key is being able to make accurate casts to specific fish, often at distances of 50-80 feet. When we spot a Cobia, you've got maybe 30 seconds to get your bait in the water before the fish moves on or spooks. These fish are incredibly smart and will inspect your offering before committing. The crew will coach you on lead distance, bait presentation, and when to set the hook. Once you're hooked up, that's when the real fun begins – Cobia are notorious for their bulldogging runs and will test every knot in your tackle. The fight can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on the size of the fish. We provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to focus on the technique.
The Cobia runs have been producing some serious fish this year. We're seeing good numbers of 40-60 pound fish, with several trophy-class Cobia over 80 pounds landed by our anglers. The sight casting bite has been particularly strong during the warmer months when these fish cruise the surface more actively. Many of our guests are surprised by how visual this fishery is – on a clear day, you can actually watch the fish's behavior and reaction to your bait. Some of the most memorable trips happen when we find schools of rays with multiple Cobia following underneath. These scenarios can produce double and triple hookups that'll have the whole boat scrambling. The key has been staying mobile and covering water until we locate active fish. Recent trips have averaged 2-4 shots per angler, with hook-up rates around 60% for experienced sight casters and about 40% for newcomers to the technique.
Cobia are hands down one of the most challenging and rewarding species to target in our offshore waters. These fish are built like submarines – long, powerful, and incredibly intelligent. They typically range from 20 to 60 pounds in our area, but we see plenty of fish pushing 80-100 pounds during peak season. What makes Cobia special is their behavior – they're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you a clear shot if you're ready. They're also notorious followers, often shadowing rays, sharks, or other large marine life. The best fishing usually runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb and these fish become more active in the upper water column. Once hooked, Cobia are legendary fighters that use their broad tail and muscular body to make powerful runs toward structure. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. The combination of the visual hunting aspect, the technical casting challenge, and the brutal fight makes Cobia a bucket-list species for serious anglers.
This charter fills up fast, especially during prime Cobia season when conditions are perfect for sight casting. With only 5 spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to cast. The 7-hour trip gives us the time to really hunt for quality fish and covers enough water to find active Cobia even when they're scattered. All your gear, tackle, and bait are included – just bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. This trip is perfect for experienced anglers looking for a new challenge or intermediate fishermen ready to step up their game. Don't wait on this one – book your spot with Riptide Charters and get ready to test your skills against one of the ocean's craftiest fighters. Whether you land your personal best or just enjoy the hunt, this sight casting adventure will give you stories to tell for years.
This 25' Mako center console is your ticket to serious cobia fishing action. Powered by a 300HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise you to the prime fishing grounds at 30 knots, this boat is built for the demanding work of sight casting offshore. The flybridge gives you the perfect elevated view to spot those shadowy shapes cruising below the surface, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish that draw cobia in. With space for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the deck when you hook into one of these powerful fighters. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and any trophy fish fresh during the 7-hour hunt. This center console handles offshore waters with confidence, giving you a stable platform for those critical sight casting moments when a 100+ pound cobia appears in range.
Wanchese, NC