Extended Half Day Advanced Catfish, Bass And Perch Fishing Trip In Baltimore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour advanced fishing trip targeting striped bass and catfishProfessional captain provides local expertise and quality tackle includedSpacious 41foot vessel accommodates up to six experienced anglers
Captain Gus knows these Baltimore waters like the back of his hand, and this 6-hour adventure puts his decades of local knowledge to work for serious anglers. You'll step aboard a spacious 41-foot Downeast cruiser that's built for comfort and fishability, giving your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking about a dedicated fishing experience that targets the area's most sought-after species using proven techniques that consistently produce results. The Chesapeake Bay system around Baltimore offers some of the East Coast's most productive inshore fishing, and this extended half-day format gives you the time needed to really dial in on the bite.
Once you board the Downeast cruiser, Captain Gus will brief you on the day's game plan based on current conditions, tides, and recent fishing reports. The beauty of this 6-hour window is the flexibility it provides – you're not rushed to one spot or limited to a single technique. The boat's design offers excellent stability for bottom fishing and enough speed to cover ground when trolling for active stripers. All tackle is provided, from heavy-duty bottom rigs for catfish to lighter setups for perch, plus everything in between for bass. The spacious deck layout means everyone gets prime fishing real estate without stepping on each other's lines. Captain Gus runs a clean operation with organized tackle systems, so you'll spend more time with your line in the water and less time untangling gear.
This trip combines two of the most effective methods for Baltimore's inshore waters: trolling and bottom fishing. When we're after striped bass, trolling allows us to cover water efficiently and locate schools of active fish. Captain Gus knows the specific depths, speeds, and lure presentations that trigger strikes in these waters. For catfish, we'll anchor up over proven structure and drop baited rigs to the bottom – this is where patience meets technique, and the captain's knowledge of local holes and drop-offs really shines. White perch fishing often involves a combination approach, sometimes picking them up while bottom fishing for other species or targeting them specifically over structure. The tackle provided includes circle hooks for better fish survival, quality reels that can handle the fight, and a selection of baits and lures proven in these waters. Captain Gus will coach you through each technique, helping experienced anglers refine their approach and maximize their success rate.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and Baltimore's waters offer excellent opportunities year-round. These powerful fish can range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to impressive 30+ pound specimens that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall typically offer the hottest action when stripers are feeding heavily, but summer fishing can be outstanding if you know where to find them. What makes striped bass so exciting is their aggressive strike and sustained fight – they'll make multiple runs and aren't afraid to jump. The population here is healthy and well-managed, giving you legitimate shots at both keeper-sized fish for dinner and larger specimens for bragging rights.
White perch might be smaller than stripers, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and excellent table fare. These scrappy fighters typically run 8-14 inches and are known for their willingness to bite throughout the day. They school heavily around structure, and once you locate a good concentration, the action can be non-stop. White perch have a sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish fries, and they're one of the most consistent producers in Baltimore waters. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but you can find them actively feeding in the right spots almost year-round.
Hardhead sea catfish bring a different dimension to the fishing experience with their bottom-hugging behavior and surprisingly strong fight. These fish can reach respectable sizes in Baltimore waters, often running 2-5 pounds with occasional larger specimens. They're most active during warmer months and feed heavily on crabs, worms, and cut bait. What surprises many anglers is how hard catfish pull once hooked – they use their weight and the current to their advantage, making long, steady runs that can really test your technique. They're also excellent eating when prepared properly, with firm, white meat that takes seasoning well.
This extended half-day format gives serious anglers the time they need to really work the water without the full-day commitment. Captain Gus's local knowledge combined with quality tackle and a fishable boat creates the foundation for a productive day on Baltimore's waters. Whether you're looking to put fish in the cooler, test your skills against hard-fighting stripers, or simply enjoy steady action on a well-run charter, this trip delivers the goods. The 6-person capacity keeps groups small and manageable, ensuring everyone gets personalized attention and prime fishing spots. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly – but given Captain Gus's track record and the consistent productivity of these waters, you're making a solid investment in a quality fishing experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Step aboard our beautifully restored 41-foot Gene Travers Chesapeake Deadrise for serious fishing action in Baltimore waters. This classic 1980 vessel, completely refurbished in 2022, combines traditional deadrise design with modern reliability. The powerful 450HP Cummins engine delivers smooth cruising at 17 knots, getting you to the best fishing spots efficiently. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped with everything needed for productive fishing: advanced fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation, radar for safety, plus an onboard icebox to keep your catch fresh. Comfortable amenities include a bed for resting between bites, toilet facilities, and multimedia system. Whether you're bottom fishing for catfish or trolling for striped bass, this spacious vessel provides plenty of deck room to work your lines and fight fish. Captain Gus knows these waters inside and out, positioning you over productive grounds where white perch, bass, and catfish feed. The stable platform and quality tackle setup make this boat ideal for anglers looking to maximize their time on Chesapeake Bay's rich fishing waters.
Ariopsis FelisHardhead Sea Catfish are tough, scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These scale-free bottom dwellers typically run 12 inches and 1-3 pounds, though some reach 28 inches in our waters. You'll find them on muddy and sandy bottoms in brackish areas, especially around river mouths and shallow flats. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed. While some folks consider them bycatch, they're actually solid eating when prepared right - firm, white meat that takes seasoning well. What guests appreciate is their willingness to bite and strong fight for their size. Fair warning though: handle with care because those dorsal and pectoral spines pack a punch. Pro tip: use fresh shrimp on a bottom rig, and don't be surprised when these notorious bait stealers hit hard and fast.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds here, though we see some real monsters pushing 50+. They're structure-oriented fish, so we work around bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding in our waters. What makes stripers special is their powerful runs and head-shaking fights - they'll test your drag and keep you busy. The meat's excellent too, with a sweet, firm texture that's hard to beat. My local tip: watch for diving birds working baitfish schools. When you see that commotion, get your lines down fast because the stripers are usually right underneath having their own feast.
Morone AmericanaWhite Perch might be small, but they make up for size with numbers and fight. These silvery members of the bass family typically measure 7-10 inches and weigh under a pound, but what they lack in size they deliver in action. You'll find them in brackish waters throughout the Chesapeake, especially around creek mouths and shallow flats with sandy bottoms. Spring spawning runs from April through June are prime time when they school up in massive numbers. Guests love targeting white perch because they're aggressive biters and you can catch dozens in a session - perfect for keeping kids and new anglers engaged. They're also tasty table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the trick: use a multi-hook rig with small jigs or bloodworms, and once you find a school, work that area thoroughly because they travel in big groups.
Baltimore