6HR Light Tackle Trip - Chesapeake Bay Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour light tackle fishing adventure on Chesapeake Bay watersTarget multiple fish species with extended time on waterAccommodates up to four guests for personalized angling experience
When you're serious about putting multiple species in the boat, six hours on the Chesapeake Bay with Desperate Measures Guide Service gives you the time and range to make it happen. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a proper fishing adventure that lets us chase the bite wherever it's happening. The Bay's massive system of tributaries, flats, and structure means we can pivot between different species and techniques as conditions change throughout the day.
Your six-hour charter starts early, giving us the full advantage of prime feeding windows and the flexibility to cover serious water. We'll be running light tackle setups that keep the fight exciting without overpowering these Chesapeake species. The beauty of this trip length is we're not watching the clock – if the stripers are busting bait near the bridge pilings at hour four, we're staying put. If the Spanish mackerel are running thick on the outside edges, we've got time to load up. Most anglers walk away having targeted three to four different species, each requiring different approaches and locations within the Bay system.
We're running spinning gear in the 2500-4000 size range, matched with rods that have enough backbone for the bigger stripers but still telegraph every head shake from a speckled trout. Depending on what we're targeting, you'll be throwing everything from soft plastics on jigheads to topwater plugs when the fish are up. When we're working structure for stripers, we'll drop live spot or work bucktails along the drop-offs. For the reds, we'll sight-fish the shallows with spoons and soft crabs. The Spanish mackerel love small jigs and metal lures worked fast through the water column. Each species demands its own presentation, and that's what keeps this trip interesting from start to finish.
Striped bass remain the backbone of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and these fish show up in good numbers from spring through fall. We're seeing fish from schoolie size up to 30-plus pounders, with the best action typically coming around dawn and dusk when they're feeding aggressively on the abundant baitfish. What makes stripers special here is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials – they're not overly picky, but they do demand you put the bait where they're feeding.
Redfish have become customer favorites over the past few years as their population has really taken off in the Bay. These bronze bulldogs average 20-30 inches and fight way above their weight class. Summer and early fall are prime time, when you can actually sight-fish for them in the shallows. There's nothing quite like watching a red drum crush a topwater plug in two feet of water – the visual aspect makes every hookup memorable.
Spotted weakfish, or "specks" as we call them, are the finicky cousins in this group. They're incredibly light biters that require a delicate touch, but when you connect, they jump and run like mini-tarpon. Best action typically comes during the warmer months in grass flats and around structure. These fish are why we emphasize light tackle – anything too heavy and you'll never feel the subtle pickup.
Spanish mackerel bring the speed and aggression that gets hearts pumping. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, run fast, and jump repeatedly. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and when they're in, the action can be absolutely nuts. They school up tight and compete aggressively for food, meaning multiple hookups are common when you find the right school.
Bluefish round out the slam with their aggressive nature and powerful runs. These guys have serious teeth and attitude to match. They're opportunistic feeders that show up throughout the Bay system, often mixed in with other species. When the blues are around, you know it – they'll hit anything that moves and fight dirty all the way to the boat.
Six hours on the Chesapeake Bay with light tackle gives you the real fishing experience – time to learn the different techniques, cover multiple spots, and actually enjoy the process instead of rushing through it. With a four-angler capacity, there's room for everyone to fish comfortably without crowding. The variety of species keeps everyone engaged, from the angler who's never caught a redfish to the veteran looking to complete a Bay slam. This trip length consistently produces the most satisfied customers because we're not cutting corners or watching the clock. Book your spot and see why serious anglers choose the six-hour option when they want to fish the Chesapeake Bay right.
The Desperate Measures is your ticket to some serious light tackle action on the Chesapeake Bay. This custom-built center console cuts through choppy water like butter and stays bone dry even when conditions get interesting. The captain rigged her specifically for Bay fishing, so you'll have everything needed to target multiple species during your 6-hour adventure. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking the whole school, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures where stripers and other Bay favorites like to hang out. GPS keeps you on the honey holes, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. Between casts, crank up the multimedia system and enjoy the ride. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work different techniques without getting lines tangled. Six hours gives you real time to explore different areas and adapt to what the fish want that day - whether it's working grass beds for redfish or drifting structure for striped bass.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up serious fights on light tackle, making them a favorite for action-packed trips. These blue-green torpedoes typically weigh 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and bad attitudes. You'll find schools working over baitfish in open water, around structure, and in the surf zone from late spring through fall. They're voracious feeders that attack in groups, creating those famous "bluefish blitz" feeding frenzies. Guests love the non-stop action when blues are feeding - they'll hit almost anything you throw. The smaller ones eat well when fresh, with flaky white meat. They roam throughout the water column but often betray their location by crashing bait on the surface. Pro tip: when you find a school, work fast - they move quickly and the action can shut off suddenly. Use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are tough fighters that love our shallow Bay flats and grass beds, usually in 2-4 feet of water around oyster bars and structure. Most run 18-30 inches here, with that telltale black spot near the tail and coppery bronze coloring. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they don't jump much but they pull hard and steady. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. The shallow water sight-fishing is a real rush when you can see them tailing in the grass. Pro tip: when you spot one feeding, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait sit still - they'll find it. Movement often spooks them in skinny water.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and light tackle skills. These silvery bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, swimming in schools near the surface over open water and structure. Summer and early fall are peak times when they follow baitfish into the Bay. What anglers love is their blistering runs and acrobatic fights - they're fast and don't give up easy. The meat is outstanding too - mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Look for them around channel edges, bridge pilings, and wherever you see diving birds working baitfish. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Here's the trick: troll small spoons or cast shiny jigs fast and erratic. These fish react to speed and flash, so keep that lure moving to trigger their predatory instincts.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish, or "specks," are some of the most fun fish to target on light tackle in the Bay. They average 12-16 inches but can push 3 feet, with silver sides covered in small spots and that distinctive soft mouth that gives them their name. You'll find them over grass beds and sandy bottoms in 5-15 feet, especially around creek mouths and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time when water warms up. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit lures aggressively and their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're ambush predators that hunt from bottom to surface, so you don't need heavy weights. Local secret: retrieve your lure slowly until you see them following, then speed up suddenly to trigger that strike. Just keep steady pressure once hooked - that soft mouth tears easily.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Chesapeake's crown jewel - these silver-sided bruisers with their distinctive black stripes run 20-40 pounds on average, though we see plenty of schoolies mixed in. They're structure lovers, hanging around bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall offers prime action, especially during their migration periods. What makes them special? They fight hard with multiple runs and taste great on the table. The Bay's moving water and abundant baitfish make it perfect striper habitat. Here's a local trick: when you find birds working over breaking fish, get your lure in fast but don't motor right into the school - approach from the side and cast to the edges. These fish spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable battle on light tackle.
Dameron, MD