Pro-Level Half Day Fishing in Baltimore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Prolevel inshore fishing targeting striped bass, perch, and catfishLive lining and trolling techniques with tactical precision focusSixperson capacity with handson crew support throughout trip
Captain Gus knows these Baltimore waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard with Ditch Hag Sportfishing Charters, you're signing up for serious angling. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's built for anglers who want to dial in their technique and work quality fish with purpose. We're talking live lining for stripers, precision trolling, and targeting structure where the fish actually live. You'll spend half a day focused on striped bass, white perch, and hardhead sea catfish using proven methods that consistently produce results. Captain Gus and his crew don't mess around – they're here to put you on fish while helping you sharpen your skills along the way.
This trip runs with a maximum of six anglers, which means you get real attention from the crew and plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Captain Gus keeps things moving with tactical adjustments based on what's happening in real time – if the bite slows in one spot, we're already heading to the next productive area. The boat is rigged for efficiency with quality tackle that's maintained and ready to go. You'll work various depths and structures throughout the trip, learning to read the water and understand why fish hold in certain spots. The crew stays on top of gear setup, bait presentation, and fighting technique, so you spend maximum time with a line in the water instead of dealing with tangles or rigging issues. Expect a hands-on approach where every cast has intention behind it.
We run three core methods that consistently produce in Baltimore's inshore waters: live lining, trolling, and structure targeting. Live lining involves presenting fresh bait naturally in the current, letting it swim down to where stripers and catfish are feeding. This technique requires reading the drift and understanding how fish relate to moving water. Trolling covers water efficiently, especially when working schools of stripers that might be scattered or moving. We'll adjust speed, depth, and lure selection based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Structure targeting focuses on specific bottom features, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where perch and catfish concentrate. Captain Gus uses his electronics to locate productive areas, then positions the boat for optimal presentation. All tackle is provided and dialed in for the conditions, but feel free to bring your own gear if you have specific preferences. The crew will match techniques to current conditions and what's working best that day.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and Baltimore's inshore waters hold some quality fish year-round. These fish are smart and challenging, requiring proper bait presentation and patience. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action as stripers move through the area in good numbers. They'll test your drag system and fighting technique – a solid striper will make multiple runs and use the current to its advantage. What makes them special is their combination of size, fight, and intelligence. You'll need to stay sharp because they'll find any weakness in your setup or technique.
White perch are abundant in these waters and provide steady action throughout the trip. Don't let their size fool you – they're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight well for their size. These fish school up around structure and can provide non-stop action when you find them. They're excellent table fare and perfect for anglers looking to put some fish in the cooler. Perch fishing teaches you to feel subtle bites and work small presentations effectively. They're active most of the year but really turn on during spring and summer months when they move into shallower areas to feed.
Hardhead sea catfish might not win beauty contests, but they're tough fighters that will bend your rod and test your patience. These fish have serious attitude and will give you a real workout once hooked. They're opportunistic feeders that respond well to fresh bait presented near bottom structure. Catfish provide consistent action when other species might be finicky, and they're surprisingly strong for their size. Many anglers underestimate these fish until they hook into one – then they develop serious respect for their fighting ability. They're most active during warmer months and can be found around various bottom types throughout Baltimore's inshore areas.
This trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality fishing with proven techniques in productive waters. Captain Gus and his crew bring the experience and local knowledge to consistently put you on fish, while the hands-on approach means you'll leave with improved skills and confidence. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or a returning guest who wants to work the bite with purpose, this half-day experience maximizes your time on the water. The combination of multiple species, various techniques, and focused instruction creates real value for anglers who want more than just a boat ride. Book your spot with Ditch Hag Sportfishing Charters and experience why this top-rated Baltimore fishing charter keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Meet your floating command center for serious Chesapeake Bay fishing. This 41-foot Gene Travers Deadrise cuts through Baltimore waters with the confidence of a boat that knows these fishing grounds inside and out. Fresh from a complete 2022 restoration, she pairs classic Chesapeake design with modern reliability—her 450HP Cummins pushes you to the fish at a steady 17 knots without burning through your fuel budget. Captain Gus runs a tight ship equipped for anglers who mean business. The fish finder keeps you locked on productive structure while GPS and radar ensure you're fishing, not guessing. When the bite heats up, the spacious deck gives all six anglers room to work without stepping on lines. Between productive drifts, grab cold drinks from the icebox or catch your breath in the comfortable cabin. This isn't a sightseeing cruise—it's a focused fishing platform built for live lining rockfish, targeting perch schools, and putting the hurt on Chesapeake catfish. The restored hull handles chop like the workhorse she was designed to be, keeping you steady when precision casting counts. Whether you're working structure or following the bite, this Deadrise delivers the stability and fishability that turns good fishing days into great ones.
Ariopsis FelisHardhead catfish are tough, no-nonsense fighters that test your bottom fishing skills. These guys typically run 12 inches and 1-3 pounds, though some push 28 inches in our waters. You'll find them on muddy bottoms around river mouths and brackish areas throughout the Bay. They're year-round residents but move to deeper water when it gets cold. What makes them interesting is their unique ability to use echolocation and their habit of stealing bait with lightning speed. Handle with serious care - those dorsal and pectoral spines are razor-sharp and stay dangerous even after the fish dies. Fresh shrimp is my secret weapon for these opportunistic feeders. They hit hard and fight dirty, making them a challenging target that'll keep you sharp.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silver-sided fighters typically run 20-40 pounds here, with those distinctive dark stripes making them easy to spot. They love structure - rocks, drop-offs, and channel edges where baitfish get pushed around by current. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes stripers special is their powerful runs and dogged fight once hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. In Baltimore waters, I always tell clients to watch for diving birds - that's your sign the stripers are pushing bait to the surface. We'll position over structure and live-line spot or work the schools when they surface. These fish demand respect and reward skill.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch might be small, but they're scrappy fighters that'll surprise you. Despite the name, they're actually part of the bass family and show it with their aggressive strikes. Most run 7-10 inches around here, perfect pan-fish size. You'll find them in brackish water throughout the Bay, especially around shallow structure and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn - April through June when water hits that sweet 50-60 degree mark. What guests love is the non-stop action; where there's one, there's usually dozens more. They're great eating too, with mild white meat. My go-to trick is using small hair jigs and letting them settle, then giving a quick twitch. They can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Baltimore