Cape Charles Chesapeake Bay Redfish Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing charter targeting trophy Redfish in Chesapeake BayAll fishing gear included with capacity for up to six guestsRelease citations available for Redfish measuring 46 inches and above
Picture this: you're drifting across the productive waters of Chesapeake Bay at sunrise, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale pull of a bull redfish. Our 6-hour Cape Charles fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of Virginia's best inshore fishing grounds. We've been running these waters for years, and there's nothing quite like watching an angler's face light up when they hook into a trophy red. The Chesapeake Bay system around Cape Charles offers world-class redfish action, especially during the cooler months when these copper-colored giants cruise the shallows and drop-offs looking for an easy meal.
Your morning starts at the Cape Charles marina where you'll meet Captain and crew from Earning Stripes Sportfishing. We'll get you set up with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all included in your trip. No need to worry about what lures to bring or whether your drag is set right. We've got top-rated gear that's perfectly matched to the conditions and species we're targeting. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish. Pack your own snacks and drinks for the day - we've got coolers and ice on board to keep everything fresh. The Chesapeake Bay can change moods quickly, so dress in layers and bring a rain jacket just in case. We fish rain or shine, and some of our best redfish days have been when the weather looked questionable.
Redfish fishing in the Chesapeake Bay requires a mix of finesse and power. We'll be using medium-heavy spinning gear spooled with 20-30 pound braided line - perfect for feeling that subtle tap of a red picking up your bait while still having the backbone to turn a big fish away from structure. Our go-to techniques change with the season and conditions. During warmer months, we'll work shallow grass flats with soft plastics and topwater plugs, watching for those signature copper flashes and swirls. As the water cools, we shift to deeper channels and drop-offs, bouncing jigs and cut bait along the bottom where big schools of reds stage up before their winter migration. The beauty of Cape Charles is the variety - we've got everything from 2-foot shallow flats to 40-foot channels all within a short boat ride. We read the water, watch the electronics, and put you on the fish. Live bait works magic here too - fresh spot, croaker, and blue crabs are redfish candy when presented right.
The redfish action around Cape Charles has been phenomenal, particularly for those trophy-sized bulls that make your drag sing. We're seeing excellent numbers of fish in the 30-45 inch range, with several citation-worthy reds over 46 inches caught and released each month. The best fishing typically happens during the fall and early winter months when mature redfish school up in massive numbers. These aren't the little rat reds you might catch in the marshes - we're talking about fish that have real shoulders on them, fish that will test your tackle and your endurance. Spring fishing can be outstanding too, especially when the water starts warming and reds move shallow to feed on spawning crabs and baitfish. Summer fishing requires more patience and skill, but the payoff is worth it when you find those fish staged up in deeper water during the heat of the day.
Redfish are the undisputed kings of Chesapeake Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built like underwater bulldozers, with broad shoulders and stamina that will surprise even experienced anglers. Adult redfish, or "bull reds" as we call the big ones, can live over 40 years and grow well beyond 40 inches. The magic number here is 46 inches - any redfish measuring that length or longer qualifies for a Virginia release citation, and trust me, you'll want that certificate on your wall. These fish are incredibly smart and can be frustratingly picky some days, then absolutely savage the next. What makes redfish so special is their fighting style - they don't jump like tarpon, but they'll make long, powerful runs that peel line off your reel. When you hook a big red in shallow water, it's like being connected to a freight train. The Chesapeake Bay population is thriving thanks to conservation efforts, and while we practice catch and release for the big spawners, the fight and photo opportunities are memories that last a lifetime. Peak season runs from October through December when massive schools of mature reds gather near Cape Charles before heading to their offshore spawning grounds.
Ready to experience what Cape Charles redfish fishing is all about? This 6-hour charter gives you plenty of time to locate fish, learn new techniques, and hopefully tangle with some of the Chesapeake Bay's finest reds. We've been perfecting our approach to this fishery for years, and we love sharing that knowledge with anglers who appreciate quality fishing. The boat, gear, and expertise are all included - you just bring the enthusiasm and appetite for adventure. Fall and winter dates book up fast since that's prime time for trophy reds, but spring and summer trips offer their own rewards with better weather and different fishing scenarios. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add a Chesapeake Bay citation red to your list, or someone new to inshore fishing who wants to learn from seasoned guides, this trip delivers. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - the best fishing windows fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of the year.
This 45-foot Hatteras flybridge is your ticket to serious Chesapeake Bay fishing action. Built tough with twin Caterpillar diesels pushing 567 horses each, she'll cruise at 25 knots to get you on the fish fast. The spacious cockpit features outriggers and a fighting chair - perfect for battling those trophy redfish. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best spots, while the onboard amenities like AC, galley, and head keep everyone comfortable during long days on the water. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without crowding. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot birds and bait, putting you right where the action is hottest.
Cape Charles