ISO: Cobia Charter

[Bend-Lure]

I know this is short notice, but I am looking for a cobia charter this weekend. I would like to take my father in law out on Sunday. My wife, son and I will be at the in-law's place in Chesapeake, VA all weekend.

Can anyone provide the contact info for a couple possible cobia charters? I am not looking to break the bank on a 60' sportfisherman. Something small (and less expensive) would be fine for us.

Thanks!

[Echo]

Maybe ???? PAIGE II CHARTERS _ VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (http://www.paige2charters.com/)

[kapoc]

Ben from above average sportfishing if you want to sight fish (757) 621-5094

If you want to chum on a small boat we can run you out as well on a 25 parker or a 43 post depending on the comfort level you would like

Capt Mike
Blue Dragon Charters
Blue Dragon Fishing (http://www.bluedragonfishing.com)
(757) 373-2338

[Wes Blow]

Capt. Jorj Head is an expert at catching all of Virginia’s inshore fish but he is probably best known for his multiple cobia, flounder, and striped bass tournament wins. Jorj has been a certified captain for a while but this is the first year he has taken charters. Fish Head Charters can be reached at: (757) 262-9004.

[Mike Avery]

I'd go with CPT Jorj as he has been targeting cobia for a long time.

[jrhjr]

Buccaneer with Capt. Jim Jenrette
"For the Best in Fishing, Charter the "Buccaneer" with Captain Jim Jenrette"
Phone: 757-442-7376
Toll Free: 800-756-4401
"Come fish aboard the Buccaneer on the Chesapeake Bay & Atlantic Ocean"
"Fishing off the Eastern Shore of Virginia"




The "Beverly Elizabeth"
Fast, Modern Sportfishing Vessel
45' fiberglass Sportfisherman
Drum, Cobia, Trout, Flounder, Croaker,
Spot, Rock, Tuna, Dolphin
Web Site: Rod-Jolting Eastern Shore Charter Fishing Action! (http://bevlizcharters.com)



Twin turbo-charged V8 Caterpillar engines. GPS, Loran, fishfinders, 3 radios. 2 fighting chairs, benches for large groups. Licensed for 28 passengers Large fishing area.






A Miss Jennifer fishing excursion is an ideal way to please both the novice and experienced angler. If you're a skilled fisherman, you'll eliminate the hassle of launching and landing your boat, worries about lack of familiarity with local waters and fuel costs. Just sit back, enjoy the surroundings and let Captain Cardone do the work. If you're a beginner, Capt. Cardone and his mates will help you learn the tricks of the trade. A Miss Jennifer outing is an ideal way to introduce your youngster(s) to fishing as a life-long pastime. Capt. Cardone makes fishing easy all in a wholesome, family-oriented environment.

Web Site: Miss Jennifer Charter Fishing - Eastern Shore Sport Fishing Made Easy! (http://www.missjennifercharterfishing.com)


Lt. BAY CHARTERS
Rock Fish, Black Drum, Red Drum, Cobia, Croaker, Flounder, Spadefish, Sheepshead, Gray Trout & Spot
Lt. David A. Thornes
(757) 678-3718
21038 Mill Street
Cape Charles, Va. 23310
Email: dat556@verizon.net


U.S. Coast Guard Certified, U.S Merchant Marine Officer of not more than 50 gross US tons.Certified AHA First Aid, FCC Licensed Telecom operator, VMRC Licensed Commercial Handline, Trot line & Gill Net, VMRC Licensed Charter boat, VMRC Permit for Striped Bass (Rock).

BOAT: BAY BUILT, DELTAVILLE 33, LENGTH: 33'1"
BEAM: 10'9", DRAFT: 4'2"
MOTOR: Caterpillar 3208 Turbo (320 hp)
SURVEYED: 2007



Web Site: Lt. BAY CHARTERS (http://www.ltbaycharters.com)

Captain Rob Savage
Rodbuilder Guide Service, Inc.


Inshore / nearshore light tackle sport fishing.

Eastern Shore of VA Bayside / Seaside Fishing Trips
USCG Licensed / Insured

Phone/fax: (757) 678-0063 Email: capt.robsavage@yahoo.com

VA. SW Tournament Expert / Master Angler
Customized trips fro groups of 1-3 with focus on hands-on instruction.

4498 Wilsonia Neck Drive, Machipongo, VA. 233405

[Bend-Lure]

Wow - that was quick - you guys are great - Thanks!

[PLAYIN' HOOKIE]

It is funny, but you can get a charter faster than you can a HO!!! Good luck out there!

[capt. jakeg]

Ben caught 51 fish last week. He's reel hot right now.

[Bend-Lure]

Ended up booking a friend of a friend for Friday. Thanks to all.

[smithbros]

I would place my money with capt Ben, he is pretty dialed in on the cobes

[capt_ben]

Let us know how your charter goes. I am at fish number 64 for the year, with well over half being paperwork, and I have had almost 80% release ratio.

Wes and Mike, I dont have any contact with Jorj, but as much as yall are bumping him up...how many has he caught so far this year just curious.

Capt_Ben
AboveAverageSportfishing.com

[Bend-Lure]

Capt Ben,

What kind of boat are you fishing? Your website doesn't say much about the boat. Sounds like you have been slaying the cobia!

[capt_ben]

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k321/capt_ben/6-17-09062.jpg

She is a 22' Century with Yamaha 150. Let me know!

Capt_Ben
AboveAverageSportfishing.com

[PlaynHooky]

We have some of the BEST Cobia fishing anywhere I have ever seen from VA all the way down to Hatteras and most likely some of the best fishermen / charter Capts in the fishery! I would hate to have to chose one guy to go with......I would have to put 5 or 6 names in a hat and pick one!!!

[surfperch1]

Capt Ben is the man when it comes to Cobia. He is real good and has the right boat to put you on them.

[Swamp Collie]

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k321/capt_ben/6-17-09062.jpg

She is a 22' Century with Yamaha 150. Let me know!

Capt_Ben
AboveAverageSportfishing.com




Thats false advertising.... Ben's boat is always covered in fish blood... its never that clean!




If you want to catch cob's.... its hard to beat his set up and experience. That century is one very smooth riding boat, and I've been on boats over ten feet longer and gotten beat up more in calmer waters that I have in Ben's.

[Mike Avery]

Let us know how your charter goes. I am at fish number 64 for the year, with well over half being paperwork, and I have had almost 80% release ratio.

Wes and Mike, I dont have any contact with Jorj, but as much as yall are bumping him up...how many has he caught so far this year just curious.

Capt_Ben
AboveAverageSportfishing.com

Ben, I don't track how many Jorj has caught and he don't post on tidalfish. I do know he has been targeting and catching cobia longer than you have been alive so that has to count for something. :D

[surf rat]

Diffrent Captians have diffrent styles. Some are a better fit than others for diffrent customers. I myself prefer to fish with fisherman that can fish and in small groupes of two or three. There is no dought Ben can catch Cobia. He has a nice boat and is very passionate about fishing. I am sure the other guy can as well. As can many other charter captians and recreational and commercial fisherman. What I am finding is that there is much more to a charter than just the catching. Some of the worst trips I have had we caught our limit. The best charter captian is a teacher. Most guys that charter a boat want to learn something. That is the reason I fish when I do a Trout or Flounder charter. If no one shows them the right technique they will not learn. I have caught a lot of grief from some for this but that is what I do. I am not going to watch someone thrash around while I know we are on fish. I am sure both of these guys are great in their own way. I would love to fish with either one of them from what I hear. Captian David Hester , Fishy Business Charters. By the way I'm not looking for business. I am booked till the middle of August. I only charter two days a week.

[BottomKnocker]

Capt Jorj has been around and is an excellent Cobia fisherman! Just because he doesn't post his count daily to beat his chest doesn't mean he isn't catching fish.Capt Ben seems to have the sight casting dialed in and it's nice to see others with the same enthusiasm for these fish as i've got . Good luck with whatever charter you choose and give us a report back!

[South Paw]

I've heard both Captains talk and give presentations about their tactics. Jorg is a great structure fisherman. There can be no argument there. He knows where to anchor up and chum up cobia. He's probably one of the best at it. As far as sight fishing goes I know he catches more each year than with the anchoring technique, because he told me so. Ben is a great sight fisherman, a run & gun fisherman that doesn't anchor. Cocky too! Both will catch you fish. Yeah there is more to chartering than just catching fish. Customers want to be entertained with the "whole experience" of going fishing not just catching. Good Luck.

Good Fishin

[capt_ben]

Not so much cocky as confident. Stay confident with your technique and you'll prosper. I specialize in sight fishing, I can catch lots of other fish ... some pretty darn good, but I would rather specialize with 1 targeted species and be as close to 100% as I can and run specially those types of trips. I do have other back up plans incase they wont cooperate on a certain day. Sight fishing works for me, its a very hands on and active type of fishing and VERY EXCITING! More shots at fish, you get to know how big the fish your tangling with is, NO CRITTERS to deal with, and no flies and chum and other nasty stuff...only blood ;) To each his or her own. If you wanna chum...go chum. Me, I'll be climbing high and lookin.

Chest thumping maybe...but Im passionate and the numbers mean a ton to me. I keep very close record of where when and how many for each and every single trip. Nice meeting you today Keith!

Mike :nono: low blow on the lack of gray hair my friend, and Im pretty sure Jorj has a good count on his fish as well. Im done with this subject, Im not going to get into a pissing match over a man I have never talked to. Im sure he and I will meet sooner or later and Im sure a beer or two will be consumed during conversations.

[Mike Avery]

Ben, I felt your remark about "well how many has he caught" showed a general lack of respect for a fellow angler and fellow charter captain. I think you are well on your way to being a great Captain, just feel there is no need to for you to try to prove your better than another Captain by typing on a message board. Let your results speak for themselve and I think they do. You should not feel insulted in any way if everyone on tidal fish does not immediately recommend you when someone asks for a charter recommendation. Many of the Captains fishing these waters have been fishing for 20, 30, 40 or more years and they have earned a good reputation. Good luck....I think you will do well.

[Findemjake]

Ben,
I'm a lurker, but I have to give you props. I'm a sight caster too, and although we don't know each other, we have sign languaged out catches to each other at the CBBT many times. Sight casting is the way to go. If your boat is set up for it, there is nothing more thrilling as watching a cobia charge your bait and nailing it. You definitely know what you're doing, and I would hire you any day. Chumming is fine, but if you are slim enough to get in the cobia tower and hunt cobia, you'll never fish for them any other way!
Findemjake

[BottomKnocker]

Nice meeting you Ben, good luck!Fish dad you make a good point and well said and maybe something can be learned from some of us "old timers". Ben will be a good Captain and is very successful so far at his endeavor! We have alot of good captains witn plenty of experience in the area so everyone can find what they are looking for. Good luck!

[mikec]

Before booking any charter for a specific fish there is one very important question to be asked.

How many have you caught this year?:yes:

[jasonco51]

I don't charter boats, but if im gonna charter a boat, IT WILL NOT BE ON A TRAILER

[Swamp Collie]

Before booking any charter for a specific fish there is one very important question to be asked.

How many have you caught this year?:yes:

Amen

Fish are here today gone today. This is a game of what have you done lately. If you don't stay on the fish... you'll burn half your day looking for what they're doing now.

[lyle]

Amen

Fish are here today gone today. This is a game of what have you done lately. If you don't stay on the fish... you'll burn half your day looking for what they're doing now.

Oops, have to call Bullshit on this one!!!! sorry bud
Here today doesnt mean tmorrow they will be anywhere close or eating the same thing.
Unless you are talking about the buffett at Golden Corral.
Just because you are tearing them up this week, doesnt mean you will tear them up next week.

Some old secret haunts can be much better than a lucky spot you found today.
And some one trick poines can lose their flash way too fast.

[capt_ben]

Jake next time you see me introduce yourself. Networking with sight fishing is key.

The reason my boat is on a trailer is so if the fish are off the ocean front I can put in at Rudee, in the Bay...Lynnhaven. Would you want to book a charter for a half day and spend an hour to an hour and a half of your day running from Rudee around to Hampton? Why not hop on a boat that is already half an hour closer to the fish due to easy accessibility to "move" the boat closer? Yet again personal prefference. Hope you dont book any inshore charters in OI or Hatteras because myself and the rest of the guys put their boats on a trailer. It may not be everyday...but those boats do get trailered. Personal prefference.

Sorry Mike didnt mean it to sound that way. I was just curious.

[surf rat]

If you won't charter a boat on a tralier that shows how little you know. Every inshore Guide I know that stays on fish keeps their boat on a tralier. I fish from Hatteras to Oyster. That would be a hell of a run. Sounds to me like you are more the type that wants to go for a boat ride in a nice boat than catch fish. The conditions dictate where the fish are. This is not South America or Mexico where the fish do the same thing in the same place every day. What Ben said is right on the money.

[Bend-Lure]

Well, while we are discussing the merits of various captains let me tell you about my experience this Friday:

I set up a trip with a charter captain for Friday. I spoke to him on Wednesday and confirmed on Thursday. We were to meet at Lynnhaven marina at 7am on Friday. Weather looked good.

I got a text message at 5:20am Friday morning saying “don’t leave the house. Boat not ready. Maybe Saturday. Sorry.”

I was pissed of course. We had plans Saturday (Son’s first b-day). I called him at 5:25am to see what happened. Phone goes straight to vm, and his mailbox is full. I sent a text asking for a call. Still haven’t heard from him.

The guy that set me up with this captain says that the captain got so drunk on Thursday night that he couldn’t take us out Friday.

Moral of the story – be careful who you book. I hadn’t sent the guy any $$ yet, but I did lose the opportunity to fish for cobia Friday. I ended up taking the Sally-T out from 8 to noon Friday to try to salvage the day. Caught a bunch of 8” croaker and one 14” flounder. Not exactly cobia fishing, but at least we got out.

[Salmo trutta]

That's ruff, sorry to hear that. I've been following this thread hoping to read your report.

In the future, you'd be surprised about who might split a charter. I'm from DC area and I've made the trip down there many times for just the day.

[capt. jakeg]

Well, while we are discussing the merits of various captains let me tell you about my experience this Friday:
I set up a trip with a charter captain for Friday. I spoke to him on Wednesday and confirmed on Thursday. We were to meet at Lynnhaven marina at 7am on Friday. Weather looked good.
I got a text message at 5:20am Friday morning saying “don’t leave the house. Boat not ready. Maybe Saturday. Sorry.”
I was pissed of course. We had plans Saturday (Son’s first b-day). I called him at 5:25am to see what happened. Phone goes straight to vm, and his mailbox is full. I sent a text asking for a call. Still haven’t heard from him.
The guy that set me up with this captain says that the captain got so drunk on Thursday night that he couldn’t take us out Friday.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. Any legit charter operation is not like that, and your experience is way off what the typical charter fishing experience is and should be. Who was the captain? Which boat?

[Bend-Lure]

Who was the captain? Which boat?

Since I haven't heard from the guy I'm not going to post his name or info, but it certainly wasn't anyone I've seen on TF. For all I know he fell down a well. Who knows?

[Bend-Lure]

Next time I will just take my boat down. That way at least it's my fault when we dont catch fish...

[surf rat]

If you are going to make a comment like that you should say who the guy is. Otherwise it is a blanket statement.

[capt. jakeg]

Since I haven't heard from the guy I'm not going to post his name or info, but it certainly wasn't anyone I've seen on TF. For all I know he fell down a well. Who knows?

I understand that you dont want to put it out there. Many people on this board do charter boats though and it could help them to steer clear of this one. It could save someone else's vacation. Most other people would not be as easy going as you on the guy, especially if a big part of their weekend vacation was ruined by this guy's lack of responsibility and alcoholism. There are plenty of real, professional operations out there that should not have to compete for charters with this guy. If its a friend of a friend thing, I am willing to bet that this was not a legit operation and you were probably better off not getting stuck on the boat with this clown anyways.

[Bend-Lure]

If you are going to make a comment like that you should say who the guy is. Otherwise it is a blanket statement.

Who have I blanketed? I stated my experience. I didnt spend the time to find someone reputable, and I certainly didn't book very far ahead.

[PlaynHooky]

I really hate to see that happen to you.....I assure you NEITHER Jorge or Ben would of done that to you.....I hope that experience doesn't taint you towards other PROFESSIONAL Charter Captains.......

[Bend-Lure]

I really hate to see that happen to you.....I assure you NEITHER Jorge or Ben would of done that to you.....I hope that experience doesn't taint you towards other PROFESSIONAL Charter Captains.......

I've chartered plenty of boats, and will do it again soon. I'm not soured on charters, just a little smarter (hopelully).

[PlaynHooky]

Good luck and best wishes! Get out there soon!

[surf rat]

I have canceled a couple charters my self. Several as a matter of fact. Even Charter catpians have medical or family emergencies . The fact that he didn't answer your call shows that he is for sure not very profesional. Sorry about your trip. Word of mouth is the real deal. Go with what you know. If someone has a reputation for catching fish then it is most likely going to be true.