Half Day Catfish, Bass And Perch In Baltimore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Perfect beginner trip targeting striped bass, catfish, and white perchCaptain Gus provides all gear and teaches basic fishing techniquesComfortable 41foot vessel accommodates families and firsttime anglers
Looking to dip your toes into the Baltimore fishing scene without the pressure? Captain Gus has you covered with this laid-back 6-hour trip that's perfect for anyone wanting to learn the ropes. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you've always wanted to try casting a line but never knew where to start, this top-rated charter takes all the guesswork out of getting on the water. You'll cruise aboard a spacious 41-foot Downeast cruiser that's built for comfort, not speed, giving you plenty of room to move around and actually enjoy the experience instead of feeling cramped.
This isn't one of those intense fishing trips where you're expected to know everything from day one. Captain Gus keeps things relaxed and focuses on teaching you the fundamentals while you target some of Baltimore's most reliable species. The boat's got comfortable seating areas where you can take a breather between fish, and with a maximum of 6 anglers, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention. The waters around Baltimore offer consistent action for beginners since these fish aren't too picky about technique - perfect for building confidence. You'll spend your time in protected inshore waters where the ride stays smooth, so even folks who get a bit queasy on boats usually do just fine. The captain provides all your gear, which means you don't need to invest in a bunch of equipment before you even know if you like fishing.
Captain Gus keeps the fishing methods straightforward so you can focus on learning instead of getting overwhelmed. You'll primarily use bottom fishing setups with simple rigs that are hard to mess up - basically dropping your bait down and waiting for the fish to find it. The trolling part involves letting lines out behind the boat as you cruise slowly, which is great for covering water and finding active fish without much effort on your part. All the rods are already spooled with the right line weight, and the captain handles the tricky stuff like reading the fish finder and choosing the best spots. You'll learn how to bait your hook properly, feel for bites, and set the hook when a fish takes your offering. The tackle is sized perfectly for the species you're targeting - not too heavy that it takes the fun out of the fight, but substantial enough that you won't lose fish due to equipment failure.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Baltimore fishing and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie-sized fish around 18-20 inches up to keeper-sized bass pushing 30 inches or more. They're most active during spring and fall when they're moving through the Chesapeake Bay system, but you can find them year-round in Baltimore's waters. What makes stripers so popular with beginners is their aggressive feeding behavior - when they're on the bite, they'll hit just about anything you put in front of them. The fight is memorable too, with strong initial runs and head-shaking jumps that'll get your heart pumping.
White Perch might be smaller than striped bass, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These scrappy little fish typically run 8-12 inches and are perfect for kids or anyone wanting consistent action. They school up heavily, especially during their spring spawning runs, which means when you find one, you'll usually find a whole bunch more. White perch aren't picky eaters either - they'll take everything from bloodworms to small jigs, making them ideal for practicing your technique. Plus, they're actually pretty tasty if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Hardhead Sea Catfish are the workhorses of Baltimore fishing - they're always around, always hungry, and always willing to give beginners a good bend in the rod. These bottom-dwellers can grow surprisingly large, with some pushing 2-3 pounds, and they put up a solid fight with their bulldogging style. What's really great about targeting catfish is they're active all day long, so even if the other species shut down during the heat of the afternoon, you can count on the cats to keep your rod busy. Just watch out for their sharp spines when Captain Gus brings them aboard - they've got a defensive system that demands respect.
This customer favorite trip fills up regularly because Captain Gus has built a reputation for being patient with newcomers while still delivering on the fish. The 6-hour duration gives you enough time to really get the hang of things without wearing yourself out, and the beginner-friendly approach means you'll leave feeling confident about your next fishing adventure. With all gear included and a captain who genuinely enjoys teaching, you're getting world-class instruction at a price that won't break the bank. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so once you commit, you're locked in - but given how much fun first-timers have on this trip, that's rarely an issue. Book your spot with Ditch Hag Sportfishing Charters and see why so many Baltimore anglers got their start with Captain Gus.
Cast off aboard this classic 41-foot Gene Travers Chesapeake Deadrise, perfectly restored and ready for your Baltimore fishing adventure. This beautifully maintained 1980 vessel combines old-school charm with modern reliability, powered by a robust 450HP Cummins engine that'll get you to the fishing spots at a comfortable 17 knots. The spacious layout gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Captain Gus has equipped her with everything you need – a fish finder to locate those catfish and bass, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard multimedia system keeps things lively between bites, while the toilet and sleeping area add extra comfort for longer sessions. Whether you're bottom fishing for catfish or trolling for stripers, this Downeast-style cruiser handles Baltimore's waters like a dream, making it the ideal platform for beginners to learn proper techniques in a relaxed setting.
Ariopsis FelisHardhead catfish are tough, scrappy fighters that beginners often underestimate. These whiskered bottom-dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds and about 12 inches, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll find them on muddy and sandy bottoms throughout the bay, especially near river mouths and areas with good current flow. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. While some folks consider them rough fish, they're actually great for learning proper fish handling and building confidence. They hit hard and fight surprisingly well for their size. Fair warning: those dorsal and pectoral spines are sharp and can puncture skin, so grab them behind the head. Here's the key - use fresh shrimp on a simple bottom rig, and be patient. They're notorious bait stealers but worth the effort.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Baltimore fishing, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones show up regularly. You'll find them around structure - bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky areas where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during their migration runs. What makes stripers special? They fight hard, taste great, and give beginners a real thrill without being impossible to land. Here's a local trick: when bottom fishing near the Bay Bridge, use fresh cut bunker and fish the tide changes. Stripers love moving water, and that's when they feed most aggressively. These fish have made the Chesapeake Bay famous worldwide.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch might be small, but they're perfect for getting kids and beginners hooked on fishing. These silvery members of the bass family typically measure 7-10 inches and rarely top a pound, making them easy to handle. You'll find schools of them in brackish water throughout the Chesapeake Bay system, especially around shallow areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. Spring is prime time when they move into tributaries to spawn, but they bite year-round. What guests love about white perch is how cooperative they are - often you'll catch doubles or triples on multi-hook rigs. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use small bloodworms or grass shrimp on light tackle, and once you find one perch, stick around - they school tight and rarely travel alone.
Baltimore