8 HR Light Tackle Trip with Desperate Measures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour light tackle fishing trip targeting redfish inshoreAccommodates up to four guests with multiple tide opportunitiesTopwater fishing and flexible tactics without time pressure
When you've got eight solid hours on the water, that's when the magic really happens. This full-day inshore adventure gives you the kind of fishing freedom most anglers only dream about – no rushing between spots, no watching the clock, just pure fishing time where we can chase whatever's biting and adjust our game plan as the day unfolds. With Captain at the helm and room for up to four anglers, you're getting a top-rated experience that lets you fish multiple tide changes and really dial in on what's working.
Your day starts early with the kind of topwater action that gets your heart pumping – there's nothing quite like watching a big redfish blow up on a surface plug in the shallow morning light. As the sun climbs and the surface bite tapers off, we'll shift gears and start working the flats and deeper channels where the big reds like to cruise. The beauty of having eight hours is we're not locked into one approach. If the tide's moving and the fish are cooperating in the shallows, we'll stay put. If they're being stubborn, we've got time to run to different areas and try completely different tactics. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip – it's fishing the way it should be done, reading the water and adapting as we go.
We're talking serious light tackle fishing here – the kind of gear that makes every fish feel like a monster and every fight memorable. Most of the day you'll be throwing artificials: soft plastics, topwater plugs, spoons, and maybe some live bait when the situation calls for it. The light tackle approach means you're feeling every headshake, every run, every trick these fish have up their sleeve. We'll work everything from knee-deep grass flats to deeper channel edges, sight-fishing when visibility allows and blind-casting structure when it doesn't. The captain will have you rigged with the right tackle for each situation – whether that's a weightless fluke for spooky fish in gin-clear water or a heavier jig head for working current breaks. Don't worry if you're new to light tackle; the learning curve is part of the fun, and there's plenty of time to get the hang of it.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of many inshore trips, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, grow big, and show up when you least expect them. During cooler months, they school up and feed aggressively, making for some of the best light tackle action you'll find. Spring and fall are prime time, when they're moving through in numbers and actively feeding on baitfish. What makes stripers special is their unpredictability – one minute you're picking at short fish, the next you're hooked up to a 30-pounder that's peeling drag and making you question your knot-tying skills.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore gamefish, and they're the stars of this show. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, eat just about anything you throw at them, and fight like they're twice their size. Bull reds can push 40-plus inches and will test every bit of your light tackle setup. The smaller slot fish are just as fun – they're aggressive, plentiful, and perfect for dialing in your technique. Best part about reds is they're year-round residents, though late summer and early fall really turn them on. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in two feet of water is about as good as inshore fishing gets.
Cobia are the wild cards that can completely change your day. These brown sharks with attitude show up when they want to, usually around structure or following rays in deeper water. They're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat, giving you multiple shots if you don't spook them. A 30-pound cobia on light tackle is a handful – they dive hard, fight dirty, and make long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Spring through fall is prime cobia time, especially when water temps start climbing.
Spotted weakfish, or speckled trout, are the perfect light tackle fish. They hit artificials with authority, jump when hooked, and are just plain fun to catch. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. The bigger gator trout are getting harder to find, but when you hook into a 5-pounder, you'll know it immediately. They're most active during moving water and low-light periods, making them perfect targets for early morning and late afternoon fishing.
Spanish mackerel are pure speed and aggression wrapped in a sleek package. When they're around, they're usually around in numbers, turning slow fishing days into non-stop action. They'll hit just about any small artificial you throw at them, and their blistering runs will test your drag system. Summer months bring the best Spanish action, especially around structure and bait schools. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers who like to take a few fish home.
Eight hours on the water with Desperate Measures Guide Service isn't just another fishing trip – it's the kind of day that reminds you why you love fishing in the first place. You're getting world-class inshore fishing without the pressure of a short half-day trip or the exhaustion of an overnight adventure. The customer favorite aspect of this trip is simple: time. Time to figure out the bite, time to enjoy the catches, time to try different techniques, and time to actually relax between fish. With no meals included, you can pack whatever keeps you fueled up, and with space for four anglers, it's perfect for small groups who want a personalized experience. Don't wait until the prime dates are gone – book your 8-hour light tackle adventure and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing action around.
Desperate Measures cuts through the Chesapeake Bay like she was built for it – because she was. This center console handles whatever the water throws at you, staying dry when other boats are taking spray over the bow. The captain had her customized specifically for light tackle fishing these waters, and it shows in every detail. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip up on redfish without spooking them, while the fish finder marks schools before you even see the surface action. When you need to cover water fast chasing that topwater bite, she'll get you there. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during longer runs between spots. With space for four anglers, there's room to work without stepping on each other's lines. The GPS keeps you on productive structure, and the VHF radio ensures you stay connected with other boats working the same areas. Whether you're sight fishing shallow flats or working deeper channels, this boat handles it all with the kind of smooth ride that lets you focus on fishing instead of hanging on.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the bay, usually solo fish averaging 3-6 feet and 50-100 pounds with that dark brown shark-like profile. You'll spot them cruising just under the surface around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30 feet or less. Spring through early fall gives you the best shots when they're moving and feeding aggressively. What makes cobia exciting is their curious nature - they'll often come right up to the boat to investigate, plus they're amazing on the table with firm, white meat that rivals any offshore fish. My go-to trick: when you see one, toss a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow - they can't resist that fluttering action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow water approach, typically 28-33 inches with that distinctive copper color and black eyespot near the tail. These fish love super shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy bottoms. You'll sometimes see their backs sticking out of the water. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months. What guests love about reds is their powerful runs and that telltale bronze flash when they turn. Plus they're fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. Here's the key: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait settle before giving it life.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons averaging 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, with silver sides marked by yellow oval spots. These schooling fish cruise near the surface around structures, jetties, and open water flats. Warmer months bring the best action when they move closer to shore in big schools that can stretch for miles. What makes them popular is their lightning-fast strikes and excellent eating quality - they're perfect for grilling or smoking with rich, flavorful meat. When you find a school, work fast because they move constantly. The secret is using small, shiny lures like spoons or jigs and retrieving them quickly - match their natural speed and you'll hook up every cast.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish, or speckled trout, are ambush predators averaging 12-16 inches with silver sides covered in dark spots. They hang around grass flats, sandy bottoms, and shallow structure in 10-30 feet, often hunting near the surface. Spring through fall offers consistent action, especially during warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table quality - mild, flaky meat that's perfect for any cooking method. The trick with specks is their soft mouths, so once you feel that bite, don't jerk hard. Just lift the rod steady and keep constant pressure - too much force and you'll pull the hook right out.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are one of our most reliable targets, typically running 20-40 pounds with that classic silver body and dark horizontal stripes. These powerful swimmers love structure - you'll find them around drop-offs, bridges, and shorelines where moving water brings baitfish. They're not super fast, but they fight hard once hooked. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action, though you can catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat, plus they give you a solid battle on light tackle. Pro tip: fish early morning or late evening when they push baitfish to the surface - that's when you'll see the most explosive topwater action.
Dameron, MD