Cape Charles Fishing: Your 4-Hour Bay Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter in Chesapeake Bay watersTarget eight species including Striped Bass and CobiaAll fishing gear and licenses included for six guests
Want to get out on the water and actually catch some fish? Captain Greg's Cape Charles fishing charters deliver exactly what you're looking for. This 4-hour inshore trip takes you to the productive waters where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic, giving you real shots at some serious fish. We're talking about waters that consistently produce Striped Bass, Redfish, Black Sea Bass, and a whole lineup of species that'll keep your rods bent. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to fish without the fuss - all your gear and licenses are handled, so you just show up ready to fish.
Your morning starts at the Cape Charles marina, where you'll meet Captain Greg and get settled on a well-equipped fishing boat built for Chesapeake Bay conditions. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to get your bearings and soak in those early morning bay views. Four hours might not sound like much, but it's the perfect window to hit multiple spots and target different species. Captain Greg knows these waters like his backyard - he'll move you around based on what's biting, tides, and where the baitfish are showing up. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. This is relaxed fishing at its best, with enough action to keep everyone engaged but not so intense that beginners feel overwhelmed.
We fish these inshore waters using a mix of techniques that match what the fish want on any given day. Live bait fishing with spot, croaker, and bloodworms works great for Black Drum and Striped Bass. When the Spanish Mackerel are running, we'll switch to small jigs and spoons that mimic the baitfish they're chasing. Bottom fishing with cut bait produces solid results for Black Sea Bass and Spadefish around structure. Captain Greg carries all the tackle you need - medium-action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle anything from 15 to 30-pound fish. Circle hooks are standard for most setups, which makes catch and release easier and safer for the fish. The boat's equipped with a good fishfinder, so we're not just guessing where to drop lines. Live wells keep bait fresh, and there's plenty of ice if you want to keep your catch.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of Cape Charles fishing, and for good reason. These fish range from schoolie size up to 30+ pound cows, and they fight like they mean it. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migrations, but summer fishing can be fantastic too, especially early morning. Redfish have become more common in the bay over recent years, and catching one of these copper-colored bulldogs is always a highlight. They average 20-35 inches and will test your drag system for sure. Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish out there, but they're fun to catch and excellent eating when they're in season. Black Drum grow big in these waters - don't be surprised if you hook into a 40+ pounder that'll give you a real workout. Spanish Mackerel show up in summer and fall, providing fast action on light tackle. Cobia are the wild cards - when you hook one of these brown sharks, you know you're in for a fight. Bluefish travel in schools and can provide non-stop action when you find them, while Spadefish offer a different challenge with their finicky feeding habits around structure.
Striped Bass are what most people come to the Chesapeake Bay to catch, and Cape Charles sits right in their highway. These fish migrate through twice a year, creating some of the most consistent fishing on the East Coast. They're smart, strong, and when you hook a big one, you'll understand why they call them rockfish - they'll head straight for any structure to try and break you off. The best part about stripers is they hit everything from live bait to lures, so there's always something to try. Redfish bring that southern flavor to Virginia waters, and their popularity keeps growing every year. These bronze beauties love shallow water and structure, and once hooked, they make long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering if you have enough line. Black Sea Bass are the reliable producers - they live around hard bottom and structure, so when you find them, you can usually catch several. They have great personalities too, often following hooked fish right up to the boat. Black Drum are the heavyweights of the bay, with older fish pushing 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with a preference for crabs and worms, and when a big one decides to run, there's not much you can do but hold on. Spanish Mackerel bring speed and excitement to the trip - they school up and feed aggressively, often creating feeding frenzies that are amazing to witness. Cobia are the mystery fish that can show up anytime, anywhere. They're curious and will often follow the boat or other hooked fish, giving you shots at these powerful brown rockets. Bluefish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with attitude and numbers when they're around. Spadefish require some finesse - they're structure-oriented and can be picky about presentation, but that makes catching them more rewarding.
Cape Charles fishing charters offer some of the most consistent and enjoyable fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, and Captain Greg's local knowledge makes all the difference. This 4-hour trip gives you a real taste of what bay fishing is all about without committing to a full day on the water. The variety of species keeps things interesting, and with all gear and licenses included, it's hassle-free fishing at its finest. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, planning a family outing, or just want to get away from
Step aboard the Hatteras, a classic 45-foot flybridge sportfisher that's been working the Chesapeake Bay waters since 1986. Twin Caterpillar diesels push this reliable fishing machine at a comfortable 25 knots, getting your crew of up to 6 anglers to the prime fishing grounds quickly. The elevated flybridge gives Captain Greg excellent visibility to spot feeding birds and fish activity while navigating with GPS and radar. Down below, you'll find air conditioning to beat the Virginia heat, a full galley with refrigerator for cold drinks, and a head for convenience during those 4-hour trips. The cockpit features outriggers for trolling, a fighting chair for battling bigger fish like cobia and striped bass, and a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. The fish finder helps locate schools of black drum and sea bass in the bay's deeper channels. Whether you're targeting Spanish mackerel near the bridge pilings or working the grass beds for redfish, this well-equipped charter boat has everything needed for a productive day on the Chesapeake.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the Bay's heavy hitters - thick-bodied, gray-black fish with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. They typically run 5-30 pounds but can reach 90+ pounds. These bottom-dwellers love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they root around for food. Spring is best when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. They're known for their drumming sounds and bulldogging fights. Keep fish under 15 pounds for eating - the meat gets tough on bigger ones. Local tip: use fresh blue crab or clam on the bottom near oyster bars during moving water. The smaller "puppy drum" are often mixed in with the big boys.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, dark fish with white-spotted fins that put up a scrappy fight until they break the surface. Most run 1-4 pounds, though bigger males can hit 8+ pounds in deeper water. They love structure - wrecks, jetties, rock piles, and old pilings in 20-120 feet. Spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. They're perfect for beginners since they bite readily and fight hard on light tackle. The meat is firm, white, and sweet - some of the best eating in the Bay. My go-to method is dropping squid or clam strips on small circle hooks right to the bottom near any structure you can find.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and a reputation for feeding frenzies. They average up to 20 pounds with blue-green backs fading to white bellies. These voracious feeders travel in schools, attacking baitfish in shallow bays, around structure, and in open water. Summer brings the best action, especially when "baby blues" fill the shallows. They're exciting because they hit hard, fight strong, and you can often catch multiple fish from a school. The oily meat is great smoked or grilled fresh. Watch for diving birds and churning water - that's a bluefish blitz. Use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through regular line. Cut bait or small lures work best.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are shark look-alikes with dark brown bodies and single dorsal fins - they're the Bay's premium trophy fish. Adults average 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious adversaries. These loners prefer depths of 30-70 feet around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers. Spring through summer during their spawning migration is peak season. They're prized because they fight like freight trains and the firm, white meat rivals any fish in the ocean. You often see them cruising just under the surface. Best approach is sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you spot one, get your bait in front of them quickly - they're curious but won't wait around long.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are easy to spot with that signature black eyespot near their tail and copper-bronze coloring. They average 28-33 inches but can push 45+ inches. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but fish best in warmer months when they're more active. Reds fight like bulldogs, making long runs and staying deep. The smaller ones are fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in the shallows, cast past them and slowly work your bait back through their path.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish look like big silver angelfish with bold black stripes and a disk-shaped body that makes them stand out. They usually run 3-10 pounds and about 18 inches, though some reach 14 pounds. These schooling fish love structure - you'll find massive schools of 500+ fish around wrecks, reefs, and bridge pilings. Summer is prime time when they gather near shore. They're popular because they put up a solid scrap and their unique look always gets guests excited. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating. Here's the trick: when you find a school, cast clam strips on small circle hooks past them and drag your bait right through the middle of the school.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are sleek speed demons with silvery sides covered in yellow spots. They're built for speed and usually run 1-2 feet long, weighing 8-11 pounds. These schooling fish cruise near the surface in open water, moving fast and feeding aggressively. Summer months bring the best action when they're thick in the Bay. Anglers love them because they hit hard, jump, and make screaming runs. The mild, flaky meat is perfect for grilling or smoking. Key to success is speed - troll small spoons or cast jigs to feeding schools. When you find birds diving on baitfish, get there fast. Use light tackle and keep your lures moving - these fish won't chase slow baits.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Bay's crown jewel - those distinctive black stripes make them unmistakable. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, though they can hit 70+. These powerful swimmers love structure like bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky bottoms in 10-50 feet of water. Best action happens during their spring and fall migrations when they're actively feeding. They hit hard and fight all the way to the boat, making them perfect for families. The meat is sweet and flaky - excellent eating. Pro tip: fish the tide changes around dawn or dusk near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel. Use live bait or bucktails bounced along the bottom where the current breaks.
Cape Charles