5.0(7 Reviews)Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing | Half Day Trip
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
5hour morning or afternoon charter fishing tripsProfessional guides target Chesapeake Bay inshore speciesSmall groups of 6 guests maximum per trip
Looking for some serious rockfish action? Our 5-hour half-day charters on the Chesapeake Bay put you right where the striped bass are biting. Whether you're an early bird who loves the morning bite or prefer afternoon fishing when the crowds thin out, we've got you covered. Captain Muscles, Captain Dan, Captain Chuck, and the whole Elligail crew know these waters like the back of their hand – and they're not satisfied until your cooler is full and you're grinning ear to ear.
This isn't your typical "hope for the best" fishing trip. Our captains use decades of Bay knowledge to put you on fish, even when conditions get tough. We'll start by reading the water – checking temperature breaks, watching for bird activity, and using our electronics to locate baitfish schools. The Bay can be moody, but that's where experience pays off. Our crew knows the honey holes, backup spots, and seasonal patterns that separate a good day from a great one. You'll fish with up to 5 other anglers, creating a fun group dynamic without feeling crowded. When the stripers aren't cooperating in one area, we're already plotting our next move to find where they're feeding.
We primarily troll for striped bass using a combination of umbrella rigs, spoons, and bucktails that mimic the Bay's abundant forage. Our mate will get you set up with the right rod and explain how to work the fish once you hook up – these rockfish can put up a serious fight, especially the bigger ones. When trolling slows down, we often switch to live-lining spot or throwing soft plastics around structure. The crew handles all the technical stuff like adjusting boat speed, monitoring the spread, and reading the fish finder. Your job is simple: hang on when that rod doubles over and enjoy the battle. We also spend time catching bait fish, which many guests find just as entertaining as the main event. First Mate Cory, Scott, and the rest of the crew will clean and fillet your catch, so you go home with restaurant-quality fillets ready for the dinner table.
"This was our family's first charter fishing trip. We were in excellent hands with Capt Muscles and First Mate Cory. Their years of experience and wealth of knowledge allowed us to have an amazing experience on the water. They provided expert advice and valuable techniques allowing us to catch our share of Rockfish (2 per person). We also had time to do more fishing for bait fish which was a blast. First Mate Cory cleaned and filleted our catch which we took home and made some for dinner… just amazing! Thank you for a great time!" - Omar
"This was a trip over a year in the making. After COVID and hundreds of miles between us and our family, we were finally able to reunite and have some fun together. This was our first charter with Elligail. Our day started slow with only a few pulls, followed by a fairly long dry spell and the fish just weren't cooperating. That did not deter Captain Dan and Mate Scott. Together, they put their decades of experience and deep knowledge of the Chesapeake to navigate us to find the honey pot area, and believe me they did not disappoint. Once we got there, it was all lines in and we started getting hits like popcorn; one right after the other, we started reeling in some hard fighting and large striped bass. We got our limit before we knew it! An amazing trip, an amazing crew made for a trip where we made lasting memories with our family. It was so good, we plan to make it an annual family tradition from now on. Thank you again Captain Dan, First Mate Scott and Sawyer. 10/10 Amazing trip and can't wait to do it again!" - Jerry
"Captain Chuck led us to some great morning fishing off Tolchester. Size of striped bass wasn't what he was hoping for but we had a fantastic time. Stayed out an extra hour and guided us to a super catfish hole to fill the cooler. Mate is a rockstar and went above and beyond to make it a great day on the bay." - Josh
Striped bass – or rockfish as we call them locally – are the undisputed king of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silver-sided fighters typically range from schoolie size up to trophy fish pushing 30+ inches and 15+ pounds. Spring and fall offer the best action when big schools move through the Bay following massive baitfish migrations. During summer months, you'll find them holding around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks where they ambush unsuspecting prey. What makes rockfish so special is their aggressive strike and bulldog fight – they'll make multiple runs and use their body weight to try shaking the hook. The Bay's population has rebounded nicely thanks to conservation efforts, meaning you've got a real shot at limiting out on keeper-size fish. Plus, rockfish are absolutely delicious – firm, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled, blackened, or fried. When you hook into a good one, you'll understand why anglers travel from hundreds of miles away just to fish the Chesapeake.
Don't wait until peak season to lock in your dates – our top-rated captains book up fast, especially during prime spring and fall fishing. Whether you're planning a family reunion, bachelor party, or just want to get out with your fishing buddies, this 5-hour charter gives you serious fishing time without burning the whole day. We accommodate up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention from the crew. Morning trips often produce better action, but afternoon charters can be just as productive and less crowded on the water. Either way, you're getting world-class fishing with captains
Meet the Elligail, your 52-foot custom deadrise built specifically for Chesapeake Bay fishing adventures. This spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target stripers, blues, and whatever's biting in the bay's productive waters. The boat's traditional deadrise design cuts through choppy conditions with ease, keeping you steady while working your lines. Inside, you'll find everything needed for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from the action, relax in the air-conditioned cabin or grab a snack from the galley. The onboard head and sleeping quarters mean longer trips stay comfortable. Whether you're casting topwater lures at dawn or bottom fishing during the afternoon bite, the Elligail puts you in prime position to hook into Chesapeake Bay's legendary fishing. Her experienced crew knows the bay's structure, seasonal patterns, and productive spots that consistently produce quality fish.
5.0 out of 5.0This was our family’s first charter fishing trip. We were in excellent hands with Capt Muscles and First Mate Cory. Their years of...
This was a trip over a year in the making. After COVID and hundreds of miles between us and our family, we were finally able to re...
Second time on fishing boat as a family venture and second time we chose Alligail. The captain Chuck and Scottie are so awesome an...
Both gentlemen were very respectful, funny, & very cool. I definitely will be coming back and we’ll be recommending to my friends/...
Our trip was great. Scott and the captain worked hard to make sure we were finding the fish. We couldn’t have asked for a better e...
We had an absolutely fantastic day, the fish weren’t biting and they went out of their way trying to find fish. Did catch two 21+ ...
Captain Chuck led us to some great morning fishing off Tolchester. Size of striped bass wasn’t what he was hoping for but we had a...
Rock Hall, MD 