Charter Fishing In Chesapeake Bay | 2 Hour Crab Fest
Looking for a fishing charter that combines the best of both worlds? This 2-hour adventure with Elligail Charters Woodfield gives you the chance to target striped bass while enjoying Maryland's famous blue crabs fresh from the bay. Whether you're casting lines or cracking shells, you'll be right in the heart of one of the East Coast's most productive fishing waters. The Chesapeake Bay has been feeding families and fueling fishing dreams for generations, and this trip puts you right where the action happens.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical fishing charter - it's a perfect blend of angling and authentic Chesapeake Bay culture. You'll spend your time aboard a well-equipped vessel with room for up to 10 anglers, making it ideal for family groups or a crew of fishing buddies. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility. Feel like working the waters for striped bass? The captain knows exactly where these fish are holding. Want to take a break and dive into some fresh Maryland blue crabs? You've got a feast waiting right on board. If the weather gets sketchy or you just want to enjoy your crab haul in comfort, there's even the option to pull up under the tent at Watermans Crabhouse. It's the kind of laid-back approach that makes Chesapeake Bay fishing so special - no pressure, just good times on the water.
Tackle and Techniques
The Chesapeake Bay demands specific approaches depending on what you're targeting and when you're fishing. For striped bass, you'll likely be working with medium to heavy spinning gear or conventional tackle, depending on the size of fish moving through the area. Live bait like spot, croaker, or eels work wonders here, especially when the big cows are cruising the deeper channels. Trolling is another productive method, particularly with umbrella rigs or large spoons that mimic the baitfish these bass are hunting. The bay's structure - from shallow grass beds to deep channels and bridge pilings - means you might be casting, trolling, or bottom fishing all in the same trip. As for the crab component, you'll get to experience traditional crabbing methods that watermen have used for decades. The captain and crew handle all the gear, so you can focus on enjoying both the fishing action and the authentic bay experience.
Customer Stories
"The most enjoyable Crabbing experience ever! Highly Recommend." - James
"Crabbing with my kids on this day was a good time for us to take the edge off and get to understand more trips thanks to chuck for guiding us" - Miller
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped bass, locally known as rockfish, are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing and the main target on this charter. These fish are absolute fighters, known for their powerful runs and stubborn battles that can test your drag system. In the bay, you'll find everything from schoolie stripers in the 18-22 inch range to trophy fish pushing 40+ inches and weighing 30 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime times when these fish are most active and feeding heavily, but the Chesapeake produces solid striper action throughout much of the year. What makes targeting them here so exciting is their behavior - they school up to feed on the bay's abundant baitfish, creating fast and furious action when you find them. The bigger fish often patrol deeper waters and structure, requiring more patience but delivering the kind of fights that create lasting fishing memories. Striped bass are also excellent table fare when kept within regulations, with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making into fish cakes - a local favorite. The variety in size means everyone from kids to experienced anglers can get in on the action, and there's nothing quite like watching your drag scream as a big rockfish makes its first run toward the bridge pilings.
Time to Book Your Spot
The Chesapeake Bay doesn't wait around, and neither should you when it comes to booking this top-rated charter experience. With space for just 10 anglers, these trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the striped bass are schooling and the weather's perfect for a day on the water. Elligail Charters Woodfield has built a reputation for delivering authentic bay experiences that combine serious fishing with the kind of local flavor you can't get anywhere else. Whether you're planning a family outing, a group of friends looking to get on some fish, or just want to experience what makes Chesapeake Bay fishing legendary, this 2-hour adventure gives you the best bang for your buck. The combination of world-class striped bass fishing and fresh Maryland blue crabs creates memories that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what local anglers have known for years - the Chesapeake Bay delivers, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it all.