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In this week’s episode, host Luke Barton is joined by Captain Mike Robey of Hooked on Hope VB and Captain Christian Mauldwin of Bloodline Fishing Charters out of Pensacola Beach, Florida. The show highlights an unforgettable day of cobia fishing, the inspirational story behind the Hooked on Hope Spanish Mackerel Tournament, and a deep dive into both inshore and offshore fishing tactics from the Gulf to the Chesapeake.
Conditions Recap
Warm water temperatures and clear visibility created ideal sight-fishing conditions in the Lower Chesapeake this week. Fish were visible in the wave crests, and bait was active near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, especially around Cape Henry and the Chesapeake Light Tower. Light chop offshore didn’t stop cobia and red drum from showing up in numbers.
Spanish Mackerel Tournament and Giant Cobia with Capt. Mike Robey
Captain Mike Robey shared a big update on the 6th Annual VB Mackerel Tournament, taking place August 9. Open to the public, the only rule is that each boat must have a kid under 18 aboard. With over 30 boats already registered and 15 pediatric cancer families participating, this year’s event is set to be the biggest yet.
The tournament is more than just fishing—it’s about giving pediatric cancer families a day to forget hospital visits and create lasting memories. Mike shares the emotional story of how his daughter’s leukemia diagnosis inspired the creation of Hooked on Hope VB.
To register or sponsor the tournament, visit VBMackerel.com or call (757) 472-7212.
Gear Recommendation:
Mike fished with a Shimano 6000 series reel, 30 lb braid, 60 lb leader, and a 5/0 hook using live menhaden and small crabs while targeting cobia. Even the smaller 5/0 J hooks performed with perfect hooksets.
Charter Info:
Captain Eric Meyers of Heads~N~Tails Charters is a top captain in the tournament and offers trips on a 27′ skiff, a 22′ bay boat, and a 32′ Contender out of Virginia Beach.
Offshore Memories and Cobia Action with Capt. Christian Mauldwin
Captain Christian Mauldwin of Bloodline Fishing Charters shared stories from growing up fishing with his father, Captain Matt Mauldwin of the Fathom Offshore team. From double hookups on cobia as a kid to landing a 12-pound lobster in the Bahamas, Christian’s upbringing was the stuff of fishing dreams.
Now running a 39′ Venture with triple Yamaha 300s, Christian targets everything from snapper and grouper to Wahoo and jacks. One of his favorite memories was landing an 82 lb Wahoo on his boat’s maiden voyage.
Fishing the Chesapeake Bay was a throwback for Christian, who hadn’t seen free-swimming cobia in years. After slow days, the bite turned on around structure, with over 20 cobia spotted in one afternoon.
Gear Recommendation:
Capt. Christian had great success using a No Live Bait Needed 5.5″ Paddle Tail, with fish inhaling the lure boat-side.
