Get ready for a day of fun, learning, and plenty of fish-catching action on the Chesapeake Bay! This 6-hour trip is tailor-made for young anglers, giving them a chance to reel in some of the bay's most exciting species. Captain Andy knows just how to keep kids engaged and excited, whether they're casting a line for the first time or looking to level up their skills. With all the gear provided and a focus on having a blast, it's the perfect way to spark a lifelong love of fishing in your little ones.
Picture this: You and your kids out on the sparkling waters of the Chesapeake, lines in the water, and the thrill of anticipation in the air. Captain Andy's got years of experience working with kids, so he knows how to keep things fun and safe. You'll be targeting a mix of fish that are just right for young anglers – Spanish Mackerel that put up a zippy fight, Redfish that'll test their strength, and Sea Trout that'll have them grinning from ear to ear when they land one. The boat's set up with all the right gear sized for smaller hands, and there's plenty of room for up to 4 guests. It's the kind of trip where memories are made, and fish stories are born.
Don't worry about bringing a tackle box or trying to figure out what bait to use – Captain Andy's got it all covered. He'll show the kids how to bait their hooks, cast their lines, and reel in their catches like pros. The focus here is on having fun, not perfect technique, so there's no pressure. You might start off trolling for Spanish Mackerel, then switch to bottom fishing for Black Drum. The captain knows all the kid-friendly hotspots where the fish are biting, and he's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to keep things exciting. And hey, if anyone needs a break from fishing, there's plenty of wildlife to spot and cool bay facts to learn.
Ask any parent who's been on this trip, and they'll tell you – it's a game-changer for family time. Kids who've never shown interest in fishing before suddenly can't wait to go again. It's not just about catching fish (though that's pretty awesome); it's about building confidence, learning new skills, and spending quality time together away from screens. Plus, Captain Andy has a way of explaining things that gets kids excited about conservation and respecting the bay. Many families make this an annual tradition, watching their kids grow more skilled and passionate about fishing with each trip.
Spanish Mackerel are like the speedsters of the bay. These silver bullets are known for their quick runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Kids love the excitement of reeling in these fast-moving fish, and they're just the right size for young anglers to handle. Spanish Mackerel usually show up in the bay from late spring through early fall, so summer trips are prime time for catching these fun fish.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the Chesapeake. These big, whiskered fish can grow to impressive sizes, but the ones you'll be targeting are perfect for kids. They're not too tricky to catch, which makes them great for building confidence. Black Drum use their sensitive barbels to find crabs and other tasty treats on the bottom, so you'll be using bait that mimics their natural food. They're most active in the bay from spring through early summer.
Striped Bass, or "rockfish" as the locals call them, are the rock stars of the Chesapeake. These fish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and powerful fights. Catching a striper is always a thrill, and kids get a kick out of their bold personality. The best time to target them is during their spring and fall migrations, but summer can offer good opportunities too, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
Sea Trout, also known as Weakfish, are a favorite among young anglers. They're not too big, which makes them manageable for kids, but they put up just enough of a fight to keep things interesting. Sea Trout have a beautiful, speckled appearance that never fails to impress. You'll find them in the bay from spring through fall, often hanging out near structure or in deeper channels.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the all-stars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their strong, determined fights. Kids love the challenge of reeling in a Redfish, and the sense of accomplishment when they finally get one in the boat is priceless. You can find Redfish in the Chesapeake year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months.
If you're looking for a way to introduce your kids to fishing or just want to spend some quality family time on the water, this trip is your ticket. Captain Andy's kid-friendly approach, combined with the rich fishing grounds of the Chesapeake Bay, creates an experience that's hard to beat. Whether your kids are total beginners or budding anglers, they'll come away from this trip with new skills, great memories, and probably a few fish stories to tell. Spots on these family-favorite trips tend to fill up fast, especially during school breaks and summer weekends. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long to book. Give your kids the gift of a day on the bay – it might just spark a lifelong passion for fishing and the outdoors. Ready to make some waves and reel in some fun? Get in touch with Outta Line Charters and lock in your family's fishing adventure today!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the Chesapeake, growing up to 80 pounds or more. Most catches run 5-30 pounds though. Look for them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in channels 5-30 feet deep. They use sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shellfish, so a piece of crab or clam on the bottom is your best bet. Spring is prime time as they move into the Bay to spawn. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight, using their size to their advantage. They're not the prettiest fish, but anglers love the challenge and the potential for a real trophy. Smaller ones under 15 pounds taste great too. Here's a local secret: On calm nights, listen for their distinctive drumming sound to locate schools. It's a low-frequency croaking that travels well underwater.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a blast to catch in the Chesapeake's shallows. Most are "puppy drum" in the 3-10 pound range, but big bulls over 40 inches do show up. Look for them tailing in water as shallow as 1-3 feet, especially around grass beds and oyster bars. They love crabs and shrimp, so those make great baits. Reds put up a strong, dogged fight - often making several powerful runs. Fall is prime time as they school up to feed before winter. Sight-fishing for them is incredibly exciting. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, flaky meat. Here's a local secret: On calm days, scan shallow flats for their copper-colored backs or tails breaking the surface. Approach quietly and make an accurate cast for best results.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite for light tackle anglers in the Chesapeake. These spotted beauties usually run 1-3 pounds, with some gators pushing 5+ pounds. You'll find them in grassy shallows, around creek mouths, and near structure in 3-15 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are moderate. Sea Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hook set is key. They put up a good fight with head shakes and short runs. Anglers love their willingness to hit artificial lures - try soft plastics or topwater at dawn and dusk. The meat is delicate and tasty too. Local tip: When you find a school, work the area thoroughly. They often hold in tight groups.
Spanish Mackerel are a favorite for anglers in the Chesapeake Bay. These sleek, silvery fish with dark spots on their sides typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often chasing bait fish in open water. They're fast swimmers and put up an exciting fight when hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through the Bay. Look for diving birds to spot feeding schools. Trolling with small, shiny lures or spoons works well. For a real thrill, try casting light tackle into a feeding frenzy - the strikes can be explosive. Spanish Mackerel also make excellent table fare with a firm, flavorful meat. Local tip: When you find one, there's usually more nearby. Fan-cast the area thoroughly before moving on.
Striped Bass, or "rockfish" as we call them here, are the pride of the Chesapeake. These powerful fish average 5-30 pounds but can top 50. They're found throughout the Bay, from shallow flats to deep channels. Spring and fall see big spawning runs, while summer finds them holding near structure and drop-offs. Stripers hit a variety of lures and baits - try live eels, chunked menhaden, or topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. They put up an amazing fight, often making several strong runs. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, flaky texture. Anglers love targeting them for both the challenge and the dinner table. Pro tip: Look for birds working over schools of bait fish - there's a good chance stripers are feeding below.