Chesapeake Bay Cruise | Private 2-Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2hour Chesapeake Bay cruise with Captain PhilExplore lighthouses and spot diverse wildlife along waterfrontAccommodates up to 25 guests for groups and families
Captain Phil Gootee brings you something special on Maryland's legendary Chesapeake Bay - a private 2-hour cruise that's perfect when you want to get your group on the water without the pressure of fishing lines in the water. This isn't your typical charter, but it's exactly what many anglers and their families are looking for. Whether you're scouting future fishing spots, giving the non-fishing members of your crew a taste of the bay, or just want to enjoy the water at a relaxed pace, this top-rated cruise delivers. You'll cruise past iconic lighthouses, spot the wildlife that makes these waters so productive for fishing, and get an up-close look at the waterfront scenery that draws anglers from across the East Coast.
This private cruise runs just your group - up to 25 people - so you can set the pace and focus on what interests you most. Captain Phil knows these waters like the back of his hand from years of running fishing charters, which means you'll get insider knowledge about the bay's structure, seasonal patterns, and hotspots. The 2-hour timeframe hits that sweet spot where you can cover serious ground without wearing out the kids or non-boaters in your group. You'll cruise by the same drop-offs, channel edges, and structure that hold fish during peak seasons, giving you a great preview if you're planning a future fishing trip. The boat's designed for fishing charters, so it's stable, spacious, and built to handle Chesapeake Bay conditions comfortably.
Captain Phil runs a fishing operation, so his approach to this cruise comes from a angler's perspective on what makes the Chesapeake special. You'll see the lighthouse structures that serve as navigation aids for fishing boats, learn about the underwater contours that concentrate baitfish, and understand why certain areas produce consistently for different species throughout the year. The bay's tributary mouths, bridge pilings, and channel markers all play roles in the fishing ecosystem here. During your cruise, you'll get explanations of tidal flow, seasonal migrations, and habitat features that most tour boats skip over. The captain's fishing background means you're getting real knowledge about how this water system works, not just surface-level sightseeing.
While this cruise doesn't involve fishing, you'll be touring the home waters of some of the East Coast's most sought-after species. Striped bass, locally called rockfish, are the bay's signature catch and the reason many anglers make the trip to Maryland. These fish use the bay's structure and current breaks that you'll see during your cruise. Spring and fall bring the best action as schools move through the main stem and tributaries. Rockfish can range from schoolie size up to trophy fish over 40 inches, and their seasonal patterns are tied directly to the water temperatures and baitfish movements you'll observe. The reason anglers love targeting stripers here is their aggressive feeding behavior and the variety of techniques that work - from live lining spot to throwing topwater plugs over the same areas you'll be cruising.
Blue catfish have become a major draw for anglers looking for consistent action and good eating. These fish have adapted incredibly well to the Chesapeake system and now provide some of the most reliable fishing in the bay. They're most active during warmer months and can be found in the deeper channels and drop-offs that your cruise will highlight. What makes blue cats exciting for fishing is their size potential - 20 to 50-pound fish are common, with some reaching much larger. They're also aggressive feeders that hit cut bait hard, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action. The areas where blue cats concentrate are often the same deeper water zones that striped bass use during certain seasons.
Spot and white perch might not be the glamour species, but they're essential parts of the bay's fishing culture and food web. These smaller fish are what many local anglers target for family fishing trips and what the larger predators feed on. During your cruise, you'll see the shallow areas and grass beds where these species thrive. Spot runs happen during late summer and early fall, creating some of the most consistent fishing action on the bay. White perch are year-round residents that provide reliable action when other species are tough to find. Both species are excellent for introducing kids to fishing and are prized for their eating qualities by local fishing families.
This private cruise gives you a perfect introduction to what makes the Chesapeake Bay such a renowned fishing destination, even when you're not dropping lines. You'll come away understanding why Captain Phil chose these waters for his fishing charter business and why anglers travel from across the region to fish here. The 2-hour format works great for mixed groups, scouting trips, or when you want to get on the water without the commitment of a full fishing charter. With space for up to 25 people, it's ideal for family gatherings, corporate groups, or fishing clubs looking to explore new waters. Captain Phil's fishing expertise means you're getting genuine insights into the bay's ecosystem and seasonal patterns, not just a scenic boat ride.
Captain Phil's 42-foot charter boat cuts through Chesapeake Bay waters with twin 600HP Yamaha engines, giving you the power to reach prime fishing spots quickly. This spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 20 anglers with room to move around while working the lines. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools beneath the surface, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when morning fog rolls in. With a private head onboard, your group can focus on fishing without worrying about comfort breaks. Built for serious bay fishing, this boat combines the space you need to land trophy stripers with the technology to find them. Whether you're targeting rockfish around the bridge pilings or working the deeper channels, you'll have everything needed for a productive day on Maryland's premier fishing waters.
Chesapeake Bay