Half Day Chesapeake Bay Fishing with Captain Dorothy
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter targeting striped bass and flounderCaptain Dorothy provides all gear for up to 6 guestsDeparting from scenic Annapolis into Chesapeake Bay waters
Captain Dorothy knows these Chesapeake Bay waters like the back of her hand, and she's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This half-day charter out of Annapolis gives you four solid hours to work the Bay's best spots without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to get your line wet or bringing the family for some quality time on the water, this trip delivers the goods. The Bay's got personality – one minute you're drifting over grass beds stalking flounder, the next you're working structure for stripers that'll test your drag. Captain Dorothy provides all the tackle you need, so just grab your license and cooler, and let's go fishing.
You'll meet at the dock in Annapolis where Captain Dorothy's got her boat rigged and ready. She runs a clean, well-maintained vessel that handles the Bay's chop with ease and gets you to the fish fast. The beauty of a half-day trip is you're not committed to eight hours if the weather turns or the kids get restless. Four hours gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and target different species without wearing everyone out. The Chesapeake Bay is massive – over 200 miles long with thousands of tributaries – but Captain Dorothy knows exactly where to find active fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. Some days you'll anchor up and bottom fish for croakers and perch, other days you'll be drifting live bait for stripers or casting jigs around structure. The Bay changes constantly, and that's what keeps it interesting.
Captain Dorothy comes prepared with spinning rods, conventional reels, and everything in between. Bottom rigs with circle hooks work great for croakers and white perch, while she'll switch you to fish-finder rigs when stripers are prowling the shallows. Live spot and white perch make killer bait for bigger fish, and she usually has a good supply on board. When the flounder are biting, you'll be bouncing jigs and live minnows along the bottom – it's all about feeling that subtle tap and setting the hook quick. The Bay averages 21 feet deep, but Captain Dorothy knows where the channels drop to 50 feet and where the shallow grass beds hold baitfish. Circle hooks are the way to go here since Maryland has strict regulations on striped bass, and they make catch-and-release much easier on the fish. She's got pliers, a good net, and plenty of ice if you're keeping dinner.
Striped bass are the Bay's bread and butter, and for good reason. These fish can push 30+ inches and fight like bulldogs, making long runs and testing your patience. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. What makes stripers special is their unpredictability – they might be suspended in 20 feet of water chasing baitfish, or hugging bottom around bridge pilings. The slot limit protects the breeding population, so you'll likely catch and release most of what you hook, but the fight is what you're really after.
White perch don't get the respect they deserve, but they're fantastic table fare and willing biters year-round. These silvery fighters typically run 8-12 inches and school up tight, so when you find them, you can fill a cooler fast. They love structure like pier pilings and rock piles, and they're not picky about bait. Bloodworms, grass shrimp, or small jigs all work. Kids love catching white perch because they bite consistently and don't require perfect technique.
Southern flounder are the Bay's master of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They're challenging to catch because they barely move when they take bait – you've got to pay attention to subtle taps and weight changes. Most run 14-18 inches, but doormat flounder over 20 inches are out there. Summer months are best when they move into shallow water to feed. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Bay, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Bluefish bring the aggression, often hitting baits so hard they'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. These toothy predators travel in schools and create feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping. They're excellent fighters, making fast runs and aerial jumps. Spring and fall migrations bring the best bluefish action to the Bay. Be ready for cut fingers if you're not careful – those teeth are razor sharp and they don't let go easily.
Atlantic croakers earn their name from the drumming sound they make, and they're one of the most reliable fish in the Bay. These bottom dwellers love worms and small crabs, and they bite year-round when water temperatures cooperate. Most croakers run 10-14 inches and make excellent table fare. They're perfect for beginners because they bite aggressively and don't require finesse. When the croakers are schooled up, you can catch them as fast as you can rebait.
The Chesapeake Bay delivers world-class inshore fishing right out of Annapolis, and Captain Dorothy's half-day trips give you the perfect taste of what these waters offer. You'll target multiple species, learn the techniques that work, and hopefully put some dinner in the cooler. The Bay's been producing fish for centuries, and it's not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you're after the fight of a striper, the challenge of a flounder, or just want to bend some rods with the family, this trip hits all the marks. Captain Dorothy's got the experience and local knowledge to put you on fish, and the half-day format works for any schedule. Don't wait for the perfect day – the best time to fish is whenever you can get out there. Book your spot an
Captain Dorothy's 450hp Mercury-powered fishing boat cuts through Chesapeake Bay waters with serious authority. Built for serious anglers, this motorboat handles up to 6 guests comfortably while you target striped bass and flounder in the Bay's productive fishing grounds. The flybridge gives you prime spotting position for schools and structure, while the GPS and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get tricky. Between bites, kick back with the onboard entertainment system, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or use the head facilities. VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and fishing reports. The roomy layout means everyone gets fishing space without bumping elbows, and the smooth ride lets you focus on working your lines instead of fighting rough water. Perfect setup for a productive half-day on the Bay.
Micropogonias UndulatusAtlantic croaker are the chatty members of the drum family - you'll actually hear them croaking when you bring them aboard. These pink-silver bottom feeders typically measure around a foot and weigh about a pound, perfect for family fishing trips. Look for them over muddy bottoms in 25-40 feet of water, especially near channels and drop-offs. They show up in good numbers from March through October, with peak action during summer months. Kids love catching croakers because they bite readily and make that distinctive noise, plus they're excellent eating with sweet, mild meat. The winning technique is bottom fishing with a double-hook rig using bloodworms or small pieces of shrimp. Fish around high tide for best results, and once you find them, you'll usually catch several from the same spot.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a serious fight once hooked. These blue-green beauties typically range from 3-10 pounds in our waters, with razor-sharp teeth that demand respect when handling. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water and around structure during their summer visits to the Bay. They're most active during feeding frenzies when they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. While they're strong fighters, bluefish also make good eating when prepared fresh - just bleed them immediately after catching. The trick with blues is matching the bait to what they're feeding on. When you see birds diving or bait jumping, get there fast with spoons or cut bait. Always use wire leaders; their teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically measure 15-18 inches, though we occasionally see them over two feet. Both eyes sit on their left side, which always fascinates first-time anglers. You'll find them in shallow bays and around structure like channel edges and grass beds. Fall is peak season when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore for winter. They fight surprisingly hard for a bottom fish and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to catching them is slow presentation - drift live minnows or shrimp along the bottom with just enough weight to stay down. Watch your rod tip closely; their bite feels like a gentle tug.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fish with distinctive dark stripes can range from schoolies around 20 inches up to trophy fish over 30 pounds. You'll find them around structure like bridge pilings, drop-offs, and grass beds, often following baitfish in 15-40 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active feeding. Stripers are known for strong fights and make outstanding table fare with their sweet, firm meat. They're also smart fish that can be picky about presentations. The local secret is fishing live spot or white perch near structure during moving water - incoming tide is usually best. Use circle hooks and let them take the bait before setting.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are actually part of the bass family despite their name, and they're one of the most reliable catches in the Bay. These silvery fish typically run 7-10 inches and under a pound, making them perfect for beginners and kids. You'll find them in the brackish waters where rivers meet the Bay, especially around structure and drop-offs. Spring through early summer is prime time when they school up to spawn - that's when you can catch doubles and triples on simple bottom rigs. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick is using a two-hook rig with bloodworms about a foot apart. When you find one perch, there's usually a whole school nearby, so keep your line in the same spot.
Annapolis