Full Day Private Rockfish & Seasonal Species – 8HR
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day private charter targeting Striped Bass and seasonal speciesAccommodates up to 9 guests with all gear and licenses includedSpacious 45-foot vessel features toilet and wheelchair accessibility
Captain Mason's got you covered for a full day of serious fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. This 8-hour private charter aboard the Bay Hunter II is built for groups who want to hit the water hard and bring home some of Maryland's best eating fish. With room for up to 9 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to spread out on this 45-footer while targeting everything from trophy stripers to tasty white perch. The boat's equipped with wheelchair access and a head, so everyone stays comfortable during those long battles with big rockfish.
You're looking at a full day of fishing prime Chesapeake Bay waters with one of the area's top-rated captains. The Bay Hunter II runs a clean operation – all your gear, bait, and licenses are handled, so you just show up ready to fish. Captain Mason knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether they're schooled up in the shallows or holding deep near structure. The first mate's there to keep lines untangled, net your fish, and make sure everything runs smooth. Pack your own food and drinks since this trip focuses purely on maximizing your time with a line in the water. Groups love this charter because there's room to move around, and the captain adjusts tactics based on what's biting that day.
Captain Mason switches up techniques depending on conditions and what species are active. You'll likely start with light tackle casting to schools of breaking fish, then move into trolling umbrella rigs or bucktails for stripers cruising the channels. When the bite gets tough, expect to drop into jigging mode over structure where rockfish and black sea bass hold tight. Bottom fishing with circle hooks produces steady action on white perch and smaller stripers, especially during slower periods. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from 2-pound white perch to 30-inch rockfish. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all see action depending on the season and target species. Spring and fall mean serious striper fishing, while summer opens up opportunities for bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and sea bass.
Striped Bass are the main event here – Maryland's famous rockfish that keep anglers coming back year after year. These fish run the Chesapeake Bay in huge numbers during spring and fall migrations, with fish ranging from schoolie 18-inchers up to trophy 40-pound cows. Spring fishing peaks from April through June when post-spawn fish are feeding heavy, while fall brings the best trophy hunting from October into December. Stripers fight hard, pull drag, and taste amazing whether you're grilling fillets or making fish cakes. The Bay's healthy striper population means consistent action, and Captain Mason knows exactly where to find them based on tide, temperature, and baitfish movement.
Bluefish show up in summer and early fall, usually running in aggressive schools that provide fast action for the whole boat. These toothy predators hit lures hard and fight dirty, making short runs and shaking their heads to throw hooks. Blues range from 2-pound snappers up to 10-pound choppers, and they're excellent eating when bled and iced properly. When bluefish are around, you'll know it – they attack baitfish on the surface and create feeding frenzies that attract birds from miles away.
Spanish Mackerel are a summer favorite that provides light tackle fun when conditions are right. These fast-swimming fish love small jigs and spoons, and they're prized for their delicate, flaky meat. Most Spanish run 1-3 pounds in the Bay, but they make up for size with speed and acrobatic jumps. They school heavily during late summer, creating opportunities for multiple hookups when you find them.
White Perch are the Bay's most reliable panfish, available year-round and always willing to bite. These scrappy little fighters average 8-12 inches and provide excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Kids love catching white perch because they bite consistently on small baits, and experienced anglers appreciate them as backup when game fish aren't cooperating. They school up in deeper holes during winter and spread into shallower areas during spring spawning.
Black Sea Bass are structure-loving bottom dwellers that provide solid action from late spring through fall. These fish hang around wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom where they ambush crabs and small fish. Sea bass fight hard for their size, diving straight down toward structure when hooked. Most run 1-3 pounds in the Bay, and they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for frying or baking.
This world-class Chesapeake Bay fishing experience delivers exactly what serious anglers want – a full day on the water with a captain who knows how to put fish in the boat. The Bay Hunter II's reputation speaks for itself, and Captain Mason's commitment to finding fish shows in every trip. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate event, or just a day out with your fishing buddies, this charter has the space and expertise to make it memorable. The 8-hour timeframe gives you real opportunities to work different areas and techniques, maximizing your chances at multiple species. Book early for peak season dates, especially during the prime striper runs when this top-rated charter fills up fast.
The Bay Hunter II is your ticket to serious Chesapeake Bay fishing action. This 45-foot custom Glass Marine boat gives your group of up to 9 anglers plenty of room to spread out and work the water. Captain Mason knows these productive bay waters inside and out, targeting striped bass, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and whatever's biting that season. The 450 HP Cummins engine gets you to the fish fast, while the GPS, radar, and fish finder keep you on top of the action. Switch between light tackle casting, trolling the drop-offs, jigging structure, or bottom fishing depending on what the rockfish want. The flybridge gives great sight fishing opportunities, and there's a head onboard for those long 8-hour days. Wheelchair accessible with a first mate to help land fish and keep lines untangled.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are bottom-dwelling fighters that hang around every piece of structure in the Bay. These chunky fish usually run 1-4 pounds, with dark coloration and a scrappy attitude. They love wrecks, pilings, jetties, and rocky bottoms in 20-80 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests love is their willingness to bite and their excellent table quality—sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live bait, cut squid, and small jigs with equal enthusiasm. The fight's strong but short once they break water. Here's the key: fish right on the bottom near structure, but be ready to horse them up quickly or they'll wrap you around whatever they're hiding in.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up one heck of a fight when they hit your line. These blue-green torpedoes typically run 3-15 pounds in our waters, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through careless fingers. They roam open Bay waters and channel edges, following schools of baitfish. Summer and early fall are prime when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. What makes them exciting is their explosive strikes and strong runs—they'll test your drag for sure. The meat's great if you bleed them quickly and keep them cold. Watch for diving birds and surface action—that's a bluefish blitz happening. Quick tip: use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon, because those teeth will cut regular line in a heartbeat. Cut bait works great, especially oily fish like menhaden.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass—or rockfish as we call them locally—are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silvery fighters with their distinctive dark stripes run 20-40 pounds on average, though we see plenty of bigger ones. They love structure like bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges throughout the Bay. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migrations. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing, and you never know if the next one will be a trophy. The Bay's cooler depths hold fish year-round, but here's a tip: watch for diving birds—they'll show you where the baitfish are, and that's where you'll find feeding rockfish underneath.
Ameiurus CatusWhite catfish are one of the Bay's hidden gems that most folks overlook. These smaller cats typically run half a pound to two pounds, with their blue-gray backs and white bellies. They love the brackish waters where rivers meet the Bay, hanging around muddy bottoms and structure. Spring through fall fishing is best, especially during evening hours when they're most active. What's great about them is they're perfect for kids and new anglers—they bite readily and taste fantastic fried up. Since they're bottom feeders with those sensitive whiskers, they'll find your bait even in murky water. Pro tip: use chicken liver or bloodworms on a simple bottom rig, and let it sit still on the bottom—they'll come to you.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are the Bay's scrappy little fighters that'll surprise you with their aggressive bite. Despite the name, they're actually in the bass family and typically run 7-10 inches. These silvery fish love brackish water areas and school up tight, so when you find one, you'll usually catch several. Spring spawning runs in April through June are peak time when they move into tributaries. Kids love them because they bite fast and fight hard for their size, plus they make excellent table fare. They're not picky eaters—bloodworms, small jigs, and minnows all work well. Here's what I tell folks: use a multi-hook rig and jig it up and down once your bait hits bottom. They like to chase, so that movement triggers strikes.
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