Cape Charles Fishing Charters | 4-Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing adventure in Chesapeake Bay watersTarget eight species including Striped Bass and CobiaAll fishing gear and licenses included for six guests
If you're looking to get your lines wet in some of the best fishing waters on the East Coast, our Cape Charles fishing charters deliver exactly what you're after. Captain Greg knows these Chesapeake Bay waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler wanting to try something new. We keep our trips at 6 people max, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for your turn to cast. This is inshore fishing at its finest – close enough to see the shoreline but far enough out where the real action happens.
Your morning kicks off early when you meet Captain Greg at the Cape Charles marina. He'll get everyone sorted with gear and give you the rundown on what we're targeting based on the conditions that day. The beauty of fishing the Chesapeake Bay around Cape Charles is the variety – one minute you might be working structure for black sea bass, the next you're casting to breaking fish chasing bait on the surface. We fish the shoals, drop-offs, and underwater structure that hold the most fish, adjusting our approach based on tides, weather, and what's biting. The boat stays comfortable even when it gets busy, and Captain Greg makes sure everyone gets their shots at landing fish. Don't worry about bringing anything – we've got all the rods, reels, tackle, and even your fishing license covered.
Depending on what's happening that day, we'll switch between bottom fishing, casting to schools, and working the shallows. When we're after striped bass, we might troll umbrella rigs or work live bait around structure. For the bottom dwellers like black drum and sea bass, we'll anchor up and drop baits right into their feeding zones. Spanish mackerel and bluefish often show themselves chasing bait on the surface, so we'll have casting rods ready to fire into the action. Captain Greg reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip – that's the difference between just fishing and actually catching. The gear we use is top-rated stuff that can handle everything from 12-inch sea bass to 40-pound stripers, and we keep plenty of backup tackle since you never know what might grab your bait out here.
**Striped Bass** are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and Cape Charles sits right in the heart of their migration route. These fish move through our waters from April through December, with the best action typically in spring and fall. You'll find them ranging from schoolie-sized fish perfect for beginners up to trophy stripers that'll test your arms. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live bait to artificials, and they put up a fight that makes every hookup memorable.
**Redfish** have become customer favorites around Cape Charles in recent years. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and shallow structure, and they're notorious for their bulldogging fight style. Best targeted from late spring through early fall, redfish in the 20-30 inch range are common, with bigger bulls showing up when conditions align. They're sight-fishing opportunities when the water's clear, making for some exciting visual fishing.
**Black Sea Bass** are reliable producers year-round and perfect for families since they bite consistently and taste great on the dinner table. We find them around structure in 15-40 feet of water, and they're not shy about grabbing baits. Kids especially love catching sea bass because they fight hard for their size and have those distinctive big mouths that make them look tough.
**Black Drum** grow huge in the Chesapeake, and landing a big drum is something you'll remember for years. These fish can push 40-50 pounds and are found around oyster bars and deeper structure. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. They're bottom feeders that prefer crab and clam baits, and once hooked, they use their weight and power to test your drag system.
**Spadefish** show up in summer around structure and provide some of the most technical fishing we do. They're spooky and often require light tackle and finesse presentations, but they're excellent table fare and a fun challenge for experienced anglers. We typically find them in schools around wrecks and hard bottom areas.
**Cobia** are the wildcards that can show up anytime during the warmer months. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) are curious fish that often approach the boat, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. They're strong fighters that make powerful runs, and a good cobia will have everyone on the boat watching the action.
**Spanish Mackerel** provide fast action when they're around, typically from late spring through early fall. They travel in schools and feed aggressively on small baitfish, making for exciting casting when you find them working the surface. They're great for keeping kids engaged since the action can be non-stop when you're on a good school.
**Bluefish** are the cleanup crew of the Chesapeake – when they show up, they eat everything in sight. They're aggressive predators that hit hard and fight even harder. Spring and fall migrations bring the best bluefish action, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and don't mind a fish with attitude.
Captain Greg's Cape Charles fishing charters fill up quick, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. This 4-hour trip gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and target different species without burning your whole day. Whether you're planning a family outing, introducing someone new to saltwater fishing, or just want to get on some quality Chesapeake Bay fish, this charter delivers the goods. The all-inclusive approach means you just show up ready to fish – we handle everything
Meet the Hateras, your floating fishing headquarters for exploring Chesapeake Bay's productive waters around Cape Charles. This classic 45-foot flybridge sportfisher has been working these waters since 1986, giving Captain Greg and his guests plenty of room to chase down Black Drum, Cobia, and Striped Bass across the bay's prime fishing grounds. Twin Caterpillar diesels push this beauty at a comfortable 25 knots, getting you to the hot spots quickly while the radar and GPS keep you on track. The elevated flybridge gives you commanding views of the water, perfect for spotting baitfish and bird activity that signals feeding gamefish below. Outriggers spread your lines wide for trolling, while the fighting chair gives you leverage when battling larger fish. Between fishing action, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator or take a break in the air-conditioned cabin. The fish finder shows what's swimming beneath you, and the live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh and lively. With a full galley, head, and sleeping quarters, this boat handles longer fishing sessions comfortably while accommodating up to 6 anglers with room to move around and work multiple lines without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the Bay, and they're perfect for anglers who want to feel some real power on the end of their line. These gray-black bruisers typically run 10-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws designed for crushing oysters and crabs, so you'll find them around oyster bars, shallow flats, and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater with their swim bladders. What guests love is the strong, steady pull they give - it's like hooking into a truck. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big breeders get tough and stringy. The secret is using fresh crab - blue crab, peeler crab, or even crushed mussels on a strong bottom rig. Fish right on the structure where they're feeding, and be patient. When a big drum picks up your bait, you'll know it.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect starter fish for anyone new to bottom fishing. These chunky, dark-colored fish usually weigh 1-4 pounds and put up a scrappy fight until they break the surface. You'll find them around any hard structure - old pilings, rock piles, and artificial reefs in 15-60 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What makes them popular is they're aggressive biters that aren't too picky about bait, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Bay with sweet, firm white meat. The males turn bright blue during spawning season and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. My go-to technique is dropping a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips right on structure. The key is keeping your bait on the bottom where they feed - if you're not getting hung up occasionally, you're not fishing the right spots.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the ultimate action fish - aggressive predators that hit hard and fight like they're twice their size. These blue-green torpedoes typically run 2-8 pounds and travel in schools that can create feeding frenzies. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water, around structure, and even in the surf during summer and fall. What makes them exciting is their voracious appetite - when they're feeding, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. They're also good eating when fresh, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect smoked. The smaller "snappers" are great for kids to catch. Watch for diving birds and churning water - that's bluefish tearing into baitfish. We use medium tackle with cut bait, spoons, or bucktails. Be careful handling them - those teeth are razor sharp and they'll bite anything, including fingers. A good pair of pliers is essential when unhooking these guys.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - these brown, powerful fish with their shark-like appearance are some of the most prized catches in the Bay. They typically run 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds, and they're mostly loners except during spawning season. You'll find them around buoys, channel markers, and crab pot floats in 15-40 feet of water, especially during their spring migration into the Bay. What makes them special is their incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's like a cross between grouper and mahi - plus they put up a strong, determined fight. Spring and early summer are prime when they're moving in to spawn. The key is sight fishing - we look for them cruising near the surface around structure. When we spot one, we pitch a bucktail jig or live eel right in front of their nose. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, so patience pays off.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of the most exciting species we target in the shallows around Cape Charles. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 3-8 pounds with that telltale black spot near their tail, though we catch some slot fish pushing 20+ pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Spring through fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in the warmer shallows. What guests love about redfish is their powerful, bulldogging fight and the fact that you can often see them before you cast. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. The key here is stealth - these fish spook easily in shallow water, so we keep the boat quiet and make long casts ahead of where we see them cruising. Fresh shrimp on a light jighead works magic.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are some of the most unique-looking fish we catch - they're shaped like silver dinner plates with distinctive black stripes and can really surprise you with their fight. Most run 3-8 pounds but can reach 14 pounds, and they school up in huge numbers around structure. You'll find them around bridge pilings, wrecks, and reef structure in 20-50 feet of water, especially during summer months. What makes them fun is they're sight feeders that can be finicky, but when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to their cousin, the angelfish. These fish are spooky, so we approach schools quietly and use small hooks. The magic bait is fresh clam on a small circle hook - they absolutely love it. Drop your bait past the school and drag it back through them. When they're feeding, you'll see them stacked up like pancakes around the pilings.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you some of the fastest action on light tackle. These silvery rockets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structure and drop-offs in 10-30 feet of water, especially during summer and early fall when they're chasing baitfish. What guests love is the non-stop action when you find a school - they hit fast and fight hard for their size. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The key is speed - use light tackle with small spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast. When we find a school feeding on the surface, we'll see diving birds marking the spot. Cast small silver spoons and retrieve them as fast as you can reel. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so we use a short wire leader to prevent bite-offs.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see some real bulls pushing 50+. They're strong fighters but not lightning fast, which makes them perfect for families and beginners. You'll find them around structure - bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges - especially during their spring and fall migrations through the Bay. They love moving water and often feed near the surface at dawn and dusk. What makes them so popular is the combination of a solid fight and excellent eating - their firm, sweet meat is hard to beat. Here's a local tip: when the water's moving good on an outgoing tide around the Bay Bridge, cast live eels or cut bait right along those concrete pilings. The current pushes baitfish right to them.
Cape Charles