12 Hour Charter Trip in Berlin Maryland
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
12hour inshore fishing adventure at Assateague IslandFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to 5 guests comfortablyOptional beachside bonfire with hotdogs available for $75
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the hassle of dealing with a boat? This 12-hour adventure on Assateague Island puts you right where the action is. We're talking surf fishing at its finest, with your feet in the sand and lines in the water targeting some of the best inshore species the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. Perfect for families who want to fish together, this trip gives you a full day to work different spots along the shoreline while keeping things relaxed and fun.
This isn't your typical boat charter – we're hitting the surf zones and back bays on foot, which means you get to cover way more ground than you would anchored in one spot. Assateague Island's unique positioning creates perfect conditions for multiple species to feed close to shore, especially during tide changes. You'll spend the day moving between productive spots, reading the water, and adjusting techniques based on what's biting. The 12-hour format gives us plenty of time to work through different tidal phases, which is key for consistent action. We provide drinks and snacks to keep everyone fueled up, and if you want to make it a real beach day, we can set up a bonfire with hotdogs for an extra $75. Just remember to dress for the conditions – this is coastal fishing, so layers are your friend.
We'll be running multiple rods with different setups depending on what's moving through the area. Circle hooks with fresh bait work great for the stripers and reds, while cut bait on bottom rigs pulls in the sea trout. When the blues are running, we might switch to metal lures or spoons to match their aggressive feeding style. The beauty of surf fishing here is reading the structure – sandbars, cuts, and drop-offs all hold fish at different times. We'll teach you how to spot these features and position your casts for maximum effect. Since we're walking the beach, you'll learn to travel light but smart, keeping essential tackle organized and ready to move when the bite shuts down in one area.
Bluefish are the bread and butter around Assateague, especially from late spring through fall. These aggressive feeders hit hard and fight harder, making them perfect for newer anglers who want to feel that classic headshaking battle. They typically run in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for multiple hookups. Blues aren't picky eaters – they'll slam cut bunker, metal spoons, or even bucktails retrieved fast.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Assateague consistently produces quality fish. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, with fish ranging from schoolies to keeper-sized bass pushing 30+ inches. Stripers are structure-oriented, so we'll target them around sandbars and in the deeper cuts between them. Live eels and chunk baits work best, especially during low-light periods.
Sea Trout, or weakfish, are making a comeback in these waters and provide some of the most fun fighting you'll find. They're typically most active during warmer months and love soft plastics or small jigs worked near grass beds and shallow flats. When they're on, sea trout will hit consistently, making them great confidence builders for kids or less experienced anglers.
Redfish are the wild card that makes every cast exciting. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water and will absolutely destroy your drag system. Fall brings the best red drum action, and when you hook into a bull red in the surf, you'll understand why surf fishing addicts keep coming back. They're smart fish that require patience, but the payoff is worth every minute.
Blacktip Sharks add serious excitement to the mix, especially during summer months. These smaller sharks are perfect for experiencing shark fishing without needing heavy offshore gear. They're incredibly fast and acrobatic, often jumping multiple times during the fight. Blacktips typically feed in the early morning and late afternoon, making them perfect targets during our longer trip format.
With space for just five anglers, this trip fills up fast, especially during prime season. You're getting a full day of guided surf fishing on one of the East Coast's most productive stretches of beach, plus all the local knowledge that comes from years of reading these waters. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking to add some new species to your list, this 12-hour adventure gives you the time and guidance to make it happen. The combination of quality fishing, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere makes this a customer favorite that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait – grab your spot and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even leave the beach.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are exciting sharks that average 4-6 feet and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. You'll recognize them by the black tips on their fins. They patrol nearshore waters from spring through fall, usually in 30-100 feet over structure and reefs. What makes them thrilling is their aerial displays - they'll leap completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're strong, fast, and put on quite a show. We practice catch-and-release with these beauties. Best tip: use oily baits like mackerel or bunker, and when you hook one, keep steady pressure - too much slack and they'll throw the hook during their jumps.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a solid fight once hooked. These silver-blue predators typically run 2-8 pounds around Assateague, though we occasionally see larger ones pushing 15+ pounds. They travel in schools and love to chase baitfish in the surf and around structure. You'll find them most active during spring through fall when water temps are right. What makes them exciting is their feeding frenzies - when they're on, the action gets fast. They're also great eating if you bleed them quickly after catching. Pro tip: look for diving birds working the water - that usually means bluefish are pushing bait to the surface underneath.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are bronze-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 20-35 inches and fight like freight trains once hooked. They love super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall brings some of the best action as they school up before winter. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and the sight-fishing opportunities in skinny water. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's what works: when you spot their tails or backs in shallow water, cast well ahead of them and let your bait settle - they spook easily but will investigate a well-placed offering.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful spotted fish that average 1-3 pounds with occasional 5-pounders. They prefer grass flats and shallow bays, especially around structure like oyster bars and creek mouths. Night fishing and low-light periods produce the best action, particularly during warmer months. These fish are prized for their delicate, flaky white meat and their willingness to hit artificial lures. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're consistent biters and perfect for families. Local tip: try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds - the sound draws them in and signals when they hit.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local fishing scene. These silver-sided beauties with distinct black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we get smaller schoolies and occasional trophy fish over 50. They love structure - rocks, jetties, drop-offs - and feed heavily during dawn and dusk. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're moving up and down the coast. What guests love is their powerful runs and head-shaking fights. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you see them busting bait on the surface, cast just beyond the action and work your lure back through the edges of the feeding school.
Berlin, MD