Expert Guided Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$667 - $880 price range

Summary

Ready for a day of inshore fishing in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay? Captain Andy's got you covered with this 6-hour charter trip. You and up to three friends can try your luck at landing striped bass, redfish, sea trout, black drum, and more. No need to worry about gear—the captain provides everything you'll need to reel in some impressive catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, you'll enjoy cruising the bay and feeling that rush when a fish takes the bait. Captain Andy knows these waters well and can put you on the best spots. It's a great way to spend a day outdoors, soak up some sun, and maybe bring home dinner. Just remember to pack some snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture your big moments. With any luck, you'll be heading home with some fish tales to tell and maybe even a new personal best catch.

Expert Guided Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters

Reels and Catches

Chesapeake Bay Reels in Striper!

Cute hooks in Chesapeake Bay!

Tiny but mighty reels Chesapeake Bay!

Black Drum hooked in Chesapeake Bay!

Reel in the Bay's Best: 6-Hour Fishing Adventure

Ready to feel that tug on your line? Captain Andy's got you covered for an action-packed day on the Chesapeake Bay. This 6-hour charter puts you right where the fish are biting, with all the gear you need to land some impressive catches. Whether you're after striped bass, redfish, or black drum, you'll be in for a treat. Bring your buddies (up to 4 total) and get ready to swap fish stories by the end of the day. Trust me, the Bay's calling your name!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Andy's boat, you're in for a real treat. The Chesapeake Bay is like a buffet for fish, and Andy knows just where to find the good stuff. You'll cruise out to some prime fishing spots, where the captain will set you up with rods, reels, and bait. Don't worry if you're new to this – Andy's got patience for days and loves showing folks the ropes. As you drift along, keep your eyes peeled for ospreys diving or dolphins playing – it's not just about the fish out here. The Bay's got a charm all its own, and you'll be soaking it in while you wait for that big bite.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

Alright, let's talk strategy. Depending on what's running, Captain Andy might have you jigging, trolling, or bottom fishing. If we're after stripers, you might be tossing soft plastics near structure or slow-trolling with live bait. For redfish and black drum, we often anchor up and fish the bottom with cut bait or crab. Andy's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using circle hooks to increase your hook-up ratio or showing you how to read the water for signs of feeding fish. And here's a pro tip: when you feel that thump, don't jerk the rod – just start reeling! Half the fun is learning these little secrets that'll make you a better angler.

Species You'll Want to Hook

The Chesapeake Bay is home to some real fighters, and you've got a shot at several of them on this trip. Let's break 'em down:

Striped Bass (Rockfish): These are the rock stars of the Bay. They can grow over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. Spring and fall are prime time for these beauties. When you hook one, hold on tight – they're known for making spectacular runs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Redfish (Red Drum): With their copper color and black spot near the tail, redfish are a sight to behold. They love hanging around oyster beds and grass flats. In the summer and fall, you might land some real bulls pushing 40 pounds. The best part? They're delicious on the grill.

Black Drum: These big boys can tip the scales at over 80 pounds! They've got a distinctive "drumming" sound they make with their swim bladder. Spring is your best bet for hooking into one of these giants. They're bottom feeders, so patience is key – but when they bite, hold on tight!

Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout): These guys are known for their speckled bodies and canine-like teeth. They're most active in the warmer months and love to hang around grass beds. Light tackle anglers love targeting these fish because they often put on an acrobatic show when hooked.

Summer Flounder (Fluke): Flatfish with both eyes on one side, flounder are masters of camouflage. They lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing their prey. Drift fishing with live bait is a great way to target these tasty fish. They're most abundant in the Bay during summer months.

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters show up in the Bay during the hotter months. They're known for their blistering runs and tendency to leap out of the water when hooked. Trolling with small, shiny lures is often the ticket to landing these fast-moving fish.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding on these waters for years, and I still get excited every time I head out. There's something special about the Chesapeake – maybe it's the way the light hits the water at dawn, or the thrill of watching your rod bend double with a big fish on. But what really keeps folks coming back is the variety. One day you might be battling a monster striper, the next you're finessing specks out of the grass. And let's not forget the stories – there's nothing like swapping tales over a cold drink after a day on the water. Plus, with Captain Andy at the helm, you know you're in good hands. He's got that sixth sense for finding fish that only comes from years on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the Chesapeake and feel that rush of reeling in a big one, now's the time to lock in your date. Captain Andy's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, this 6-hour charter is your ticket to an awesome day on the water. Bring your buddies, your camera, and a good attitude – the fish are waiting! Don't let this chance slip away – book your Chesapeake Bay fishing adventure today and get ready to make some serious angling memories. Trust me, you'll be hooked!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are hefty bottom-dwellers that can reach over 100 pounds, though most run 5-30 pounds here in the Bay. Look for them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and muddy flats in depths up to 30 feet. They use their strong, crushing teeth to feed on crustaceans and mollusks. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love black drum for their powerful fights and good table fare, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To target them, use fresh crab, clams, or shrimp on a fish-finder rig. Here's a local trick - when you feel that telltale thump, be patient and let them take the bait before setting the hook. Get ready for some rod-bending action when you hook into one of these bruisers.

Redfish

Redfish, also known as red drum, are hard-fighting inshore favorites. In the Chesapeake, they typically run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones show up occasionally. Look for them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. They're most active in warmer months, with fall being prime time. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch them, try live or cut bait on the bottom, or cast artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Here's a local tip: Keep an eye out for their copper-colored backs and tails breaking the surface as they feed in skinny water. When you spot them, make a quiet approach and get ready for some drag-screaming action!

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called weakfish, are sleek predators that typically run 1-5 pounds. Look for them around grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper holes, especially at dawn and dusk. They're most active in spring and fall as they migrate through the Bay. Anglers prize sea trout for their delicate, sweet-tasting meat and the fun of light tackle fishing. To catch them, try soft plastics, small jigs, or live bait like peeler crab or spot. Here's a local secret: On calm nights, listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound - that's often a sign of a good fishing spot. When you find a school, get ready for some fast action and tasty fillets for the dinner table.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are fast, feisty fish that make for an exciting catch in the Chesapeake. These sleek predators usually run 1-3 feet long and love to chase bait near the surface. Look for them around structure like reefs or drop-offs, especially in the warmer months. They migrate through our waters from spring to fall, with peak action in summer. Anglers prize Spanish mackerel for their hard-fighting nature and delicious meat. To hook one, try trolling or casting small, shiny lures that mimic their favorite prey - things like spoons or jigs work great. A local tip: Keep an eye out for birds diving on bait schools, that's often a sign Spanish mackerel are feeding below. Once you find them, get ready for some fast-paced fishing and tasty fillets for dinner.

Striped Bass

Striped bass, or rockfish as we call them here, are the crown jewel of Chesapeake fishing. These powerful predators average 5-30 pounds but can top 50. They prowl all levels of the water column, from shallow flats to deep channels. Spring and fall migrations offer peak action, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love stripers for their hard fights, large size, and excellent eating. To target them, try live-lining spot or eels, or casting topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Here's an insider tip: Focus on areas with moving water, like rip lines or channel edges, especially during tide changes. When you hook up with one of these bruisers, hang on tight - the first run of a big striper will make your heart race!

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, also called fluke, are masters of camouflage that lie in wait on the bottom. They typically run 15-20 inches and a couple pounds, though trophy-sized doormats over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms near channels, drop-offs, and artificial reefs. They're most active in warmer months, with peak season running May through October. Anglers love flounder for their delicious, mild white meat and the challenge of enticing a bite. To catch them, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like minnows or strip baits. Here's a local tip: When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Instead, lower your rod tip and give them a few seconds to fully take the bait. It's a game of patience, but the reward is worth it.

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