Get ready to cast your line into the storied waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Our 6-hour shared weekend trips are the perfect way to spend a day on the water, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. From May 1 to November 15, we're out there chasing some of the Bay's most prized catches. You'll have a shot at landing up to two keeper Striped Bass per person, with the sweet spot being 19" to 31". When the dog days of summer roll around (July through September), we switch gears to match what the fish are doing – that means breaking out the spinning rods and live or cut bait. We've got you covered with everything from licenses to rods, reels, and even cleaning your catch. Just bring your lunch and favorite drinks, and we'll take care of the rest. It's time to make some memories on the Chesapeake!
Picture this: You're stepping aboard our well-equipped charter boat as the sun's just starting to warm up the Bay. The air's got that salty tang, and there's a buzz of excitement as we head out. We'll cruise to some of the Bay's honey holes – spots where the fish have been biting like crazy. You'll be fishing alongside a few other anglers, swapping stories and maybe even a little friendly competition. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a day of non-stop action. We'll be targeting those famous Chesapeake Stripers, but don't be surprised if we run into some Spanish Mackerel or Bluefish along the way. It's all hands on deck when someone yells "Fish on!" – that's when the real fun begins!
We're not just out here chunking and praying – we've got tried and true techniques that put fish in the boat. For most of the season, we're trolling with a spread that'll make those Stripers think twice. We're talking about a mix of umbrella rigs, tandem bucktails, and maybe even a few secret lures that have been crushing it lately. But when summer heats up, we switch to a more finesse approach. That's when the spinning rods come out, and we start working with live spot or fresh-cut bunker. There's nothing like feeling that thump when a big Striper hits your bait. And don't worry if you're new to this – our crew will show you the ropes, from setting the drag to fighting that fish all the way to the net. By the end of the day, you'll be talking fishing lingo like a pro!
Striped Bass, or "Rockfish" as we call 'em around here, are the stars of the show in the Chesapeake. These bad boys are the reason anglers from all over flock to these waters. They're hard fighters, known for their powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. The best part? They're delicious on the grill. We target them year-round, but the fall run is something special – that's when the big ones come out to play. In the 19" to 31" range, you're looking at some prime eating size fish that'll put up a great fight without wearing you out.
Spanish Mackerel are like the speedsters of the Bay. These sleek, silver bullets show up in the warmer months and boy, do they know how to get your heart racing. They hit hard and fast, often skyrocketing out of the water when hooked. Trolling for Spanish is a blast – when a school moves through, it's not uncommon to have multiple rods go off at once. That's when things get really exciting on deck!
Bluefish are the wild cards of Chesapeake fishing. These toothy critters are all attitude, pound for pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the Bay. They travel in schools and when they're on the feed, it's non-stop action. Blues will hit just about anything that moves, making them a great target for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, they're a riot to catch – their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights will keep you on your toes all day long.
There's something special about fishing the Chesapeake that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the light dances on the water as the sun comes up. Or that moment when your rod doubles over and you know you're in for a fight. Could be the camaraderie that builds over a day of shared excitement and friendly competition. Whatever it is, our guests tell us time and time again that these trips are the highlight of their summer. You'll leave with more than just fish in the cooler – you'll have stories to tell, new skills under your belt, and probably a few new fishing buddies. And let's not forget about those fish tacos you'll be enjoying for dinner!
Alright, let's cut to the chase – these trips fill up fast, especially on weekends. If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of the Chesapeake's finest, now's the time to lock in your date. Remember, we've got everything you need for a killer day of fishing – from the license to the gear to the know-how. All you've got to do is show up ready for action. Whether you're looking to put some meat in the freezer, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the Bay, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's go make some waves and catch some fish. The Chesapeake's calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this bite!
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the Bay - aggressive, strong, and always ready for a fight. These toothy predators usually run 2-10 pounds, though some real bruisers can top 20. You'll find them roaming in schools, often near the surface in open water or around structure. Summer and early fall are peak seasons as they chase baitfish. Anglers love blues for their savage strikes and powerful runs. They're not the best eating, but make great smoked fish dip. Metal lures and topwater plugs work well. Pro tip: when blues are in a feeding frenzy, or "blitz," use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Cast into the mayhem and hold on - it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience on the Bay.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons of the Bay, clocking in around 30 mph when chasing bait. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds, though some can reach 8 pounds. Look for them near the surface in open water, often in large schools. Summer is prime time as they follow baitfish into the Bay. Anglers love their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with a rich, oily flesh perfect for grilling. Small, flashy lures like Clark spoons work great. Here's a local trick: when you see mackerel skyrocketing on bait, cast just beyond the school and retrieve quickly through the frenzy. Hold on tight - the strikes are lightning fast!
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These powerful fish typically range from 5-30 pounds, with some trophy-sized stripers hitting 40+ pounds. You'll find them prowling the Bay's channels, reefs, and structure, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Early mornings and evenings are prime times, as stripers move shallow to feed. Anglers love chasing stripers for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious white meat. Live eels, bunker, and soft plastics are go-to baits. For a local tip: when you spot birds diving, there's a good chance stripers are below pushing baitfish to the surface. Drift through those areas with live bait for your best shot at hooking into a big one.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 31
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 380