Bottom Fishing Adventure on Potomac & Chesapeake
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Bottom fishing adventure in Potomac River and Chesapeake BayPerfect for beginners and experienced anglers alikeAccommodates up to 6 guests with guaranteed catches
Looking for a fishing trip that delivers both action and dinner? Captain Hub's bottom fishing charter puts you right where the big ones live in two of the Mid-Atlantic's most productive waters. Whether you're new to dropping lines or you've been working these waters for years, this $350 charter gives you a solid day chasing striped bass and Spanish mackerel in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your gear without bumping elbows.
This isn't your typical weekend pier fishing. Captain Hub knows exactly where the fish stack up along the bottom structure, and he'll put you on spots that consistently produce. The Potomac River offers deeper channels and drop-offs where stripers love to hunt, while the Chesapeake Bay gives you access to vast flats and oyster bars that hold both striped bass and Spanish mackerel. You'll spend your day anchored over prime bottom structure, letting your bait work in the current while Captain Hub reads the fish finder and adjusts position as needed. The boat handles six people comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a crew of fishing buddies, everyone gets their shot at hooking up. Don't worry about coming back to the dock empty-handed – these waters are known for putting fish in the cooler, and Captain Hub's track record speaks for itself.
Bottom fishing here is all about reading the structure and presenting your bait where the fish are feeding. Captain Hub rigs you up with circle hooks and enough weight to keep your line vertical in the current. You'll be using fresh bait – bloodworms, sandworms, and cut bait work best for stripers, while small jigs and strip baits get the Spanish mackerel fired up. The key is feeling the bottom and keeping your bait just off the structure without getting snagged in the rocks or oyster shells. Captain Hub provides all the tackle you need, from the rods and reels down to the terminal gear, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging. When a fish picks up your bait, you'll feel that telltale tap-tap before the rod loads up. The circle hooks do most of the work – just lift and wind, no need for a big hook set that might pull the bait away from the fish.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish can range anywhere from schoolie size up to hefty 30-pound cows that'll test your drag and your back. Spring and fall are prime time when the stripers are feeding heavily, but summer fishing can be excellent too, especially in the deeper water of the Potomac channels. What makes striped bass so popular isn't just the fight – they're absolutely delicious on the table. The meat is firm and flaky with a mild flavor that works with just about any recipe. You'll find them holding around structure like bridge pilings, channel edges, and underwater humps where baitfish get pushed by the current.
Spanish mackerel bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These speedsters hit hard and fast, making screaming runs that'll get your heart pumping. They typically run smaller than the stripers – most Spanish mackerel in these waters are in the 1-3 pound range – but they make up for size with pure attitude. Summer is peak season for Spanish mackerel, when water temperatures climb and these fish move into the Chesapeake system to feed. They're aggressive predators that'll hit both live bait and small lures, and they're known for their willingness to bite even when other species shut down. On the table, Spanish mackerel are rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling or smoking.
Captain Hub's bottom fishing charter gives you access to some of the best fishing grounds on the East Coast without the hassle of navigating these big waters yourself. At $350 for up to six anglers, you're getting professional guidance, all the gear you need, and a captain who knows exactly where to find fish. The Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay system offers year-round fishing opportunities, but the action really heats up from late spring through early fall when both striped bass and Spanish mackerel are most active. Whether you're looking to put meat in the freezer or just want to spend a day on the water with friends and family, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and word gets around the local fishing community.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly rigged for bottom fishing in the productive waters of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. This reliable vessel comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The onboard fish finder will help locate schools of rockfish, perch, and catfish holding near the bottom structure, while our GPS keeps you positioned over the hottest spots. Fresh bait and tackle stay perfectly chilled in the spacious ice box, and there's plenty of room to store your catch as you fill up the coolers. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just learning to read the water, this boat gives you the platform to target those bottom-dwelling fighters that make these waters famous. The sturdy deck provides stable footing for battling larger fish, and the motor gets you to productive fishing grounds quickly so you can maximize your time with lines in the water.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These silver torpedoes with yellow spots average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structure - channel markers, piers, and drop-offs in 10-25 feet. They show up in late spring when water hits 70 degrees and stick around through early fall. What's great about targeting them? Lightning-fast strikes, acrobatic fights, and some of the best eating fish in the bay. The meat's mild, flaky, and perfect grilled or smoked. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast small silver spoons or jigs - but keep moving because these schools don't sit still long.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Chesapeake's signature fish, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though we've seen some real monsters pushing 50+. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around channel edges, drop-offs, and rocky areas in 15-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding during their migration. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing, and you never know if the next bite will be a schoolie or a trophy. Here's a local secret: when the water's murky after a rain, switch to live eels near the bottom around dawn - that's when the big girls come out to play.
Lottsburg, VA