5.0(2 Reviews)Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Mike leads charter trips targeting multiple fish speciesHalfday to fullday options accommodate all experience levelsApril to December availability with quick booking recommended
Captain Mike knows these Chesapeake Bay waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're looking to spend half a day testing the waters or commit to a full eight-hour battle with some of Virginia's finest game fish, this charter delivers exactly what serious anglers and families alike are searching for. The bay's rich ecosystem and Captain Mike's local knowledge create the perfect storm for productive fishing from April through December.
You'll be fishing aboard a well-maintained vessel that accommodates up to four anglers comfortably. Captain Mike runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed and educational, making this trip perfect whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Chesapeake Bay citations to your collection. The flexible scheduling options mean you can choose a four-hour morning trip to beat the heat, or go all-in with an eight-hour adventure that gives you multiple shots at different species as conditions change throughout the day. The captain provides all the essential tackle and knows exactly where to position the boat based on tides, weather, and seasonal fish movements.
Captain Mike employs a variety of proven techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. You'll likely be bottom fishing with cut bait for the bigger stripers and red drum, while also having opportunities to cast lures around structure for cobia and spadefish. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels suited for the target species, plus a good selection of terminal tackle including circle hooks, sinkers, and fresh bait. When the Spanish mackerel are running, expect some fast-paced action with smaller jigs and spoons. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on what's working, so you might find yourself drifting over oyster bars one hour and anchored up near a channel marker the next. Live bait often comes into play when targeting the bigger predators, and Captain Mike knows the best spots to load up on spot, croaker, or whatever baitfish are abundant.
"Not much caught, but what we did, oh boy! 52" red drum which Capt Mike said was worth a citation for which he is going to put in the paperwork. Capt was friendly and patient with the kids and tried hard to put us on the fish. Boat was clean and maintained well. Will fish again." - Kunal
"It was fun. The water was very choppy but we had a great time." - Darenn
Spanish Mackerel are pure adrenaline on light tackle, and the Chesapeake Bay serves up some of the East Coast's best action from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets typically run between 12 to 20 inches and hit small jigs and spoons with authority. They school up in massive numbers around structure and baitfish, creating opportunities for multiple hookups that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for rods. The best action usually happens during moving water, and Captain Mike times the trips to hit these fish when they're most aggressive.
Striped Bass remain the Chesapeake's crown jewel, and for good reason. These bruisers can range from schoolie size up to trophy-class fish pushing 40 inches or more. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, with fish feeding heavily before and after their spawning runs. Rockfish are structure-oriented and respond well to both live and cut bait presentations. The fight these fish put up in the bay's current makes every hookup memorable, and there's nothing quite like watching a big striper make its first run toward deeper water.
Spadefish provide some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing the bay has to offer. These disc-shaped fighters are notorious for their light bites and impressive stamina once hooked. They're typically found around bridge pilings, wrecks, and other hard structure during the warmer months. Landing a keeper spadefish requires finesse and patience, but their excellent table fare makes the effort worthwhile. Captain Mike knows the specific spots where these fish congregate and the subtle techniques needed to fool them.
Redfish have become increasingly popular targets in the Chesapeake system, and landing a citation red drum like the 52-incher from recent trips creates memories that last a lifetime. These copper-colored bulldogs are ambush predators that patrol shallow flats and deeper channels looking for crabs and baitfish. Red drum fight with pure power, making long runs and using their broad sides to leverage against the current. The slot-size fish provide excellent eating, while the oversized citations offer bragging rights and official state recognition.
Cobia are the bay's most exciting sight-fishing opportunity when conditions align. These brown sharks of the fishing world can exceed 40 pounds and often cruise near the surface where they can be spotted and targeted with precise casts. Cobia season peaks during the warmer months, and these fish are known for their curiosity – they'll often follow the boat or investigate other hooked fish. When a cobia eats your bait, the initial run is explosive, and the sustained fight tests both angler skill and tackle limits.
Captain Mike's calendar fills up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the Spanish mackerel are schooling thick and the rockfish are on their fall feeding spree. The April through December fishing window gives you plenty of opportunities to experience different species at their peak activity levels. Whether you choose the half-day option to sample what the bay offers or commit to a full-day charter for maximum fishing time, you're investing in quality time on the water with a captain who genuinely cares about putting his clients on fish. Remember to bring cash for the balance payment, and don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing days book up quickly, and you don't want to
Captain Mike's 25-foot C-Hawk center console is your ticket to productive fishing on Chesapeake Bay waters. This 2015 boat packs a serious 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 34 knots. The spacious layout gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation keeps you on the best spots and safely back to port. The flybridge gives Captain Mike a commanding view of the water to spot diving birds and surface activity. When nature calls, there's a head onboard so you can stay focused on fishing instead of heading back early. Built for serious fishing trips ranging from half-day quickies to full-day adventures, this C-Hawk handles Chesapeake Bay conditions with ease. The center console design means easy access to all sides of the boat when that big striper makes its run.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking bruisers that average 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. These solitary fish cruise near the surface around buoys, structures, and channel markers in 20-100 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season during their migration. What makes them special is their size, strength, and excellent eating quality - firm, white meat that's restaurant-grade. They're curious fish that will investigate boats and hit bucktail jigs, eels, and large swimbaits. Captain's tip: when you spot one cruising, cast well ahead and work your lure slowly past them - they'll follow and investigate before committing, so stay patient and ready.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most Bay reds run 20-35 inches and fight like bulldogs, making long runs in shallow water. You'll find them around grass beds, oyster bars, and marsh edges in 2-8 feet of water. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding aggressively. Anglers love them because they eat well, fight hard, and aren't too finicky about baits. They'll hit cut bait, live crabs, and topwater plugs. Local secret: look for nervous water or "waking" fish in the shallows early morning - cast ahead of their path with a soft plastic and hang on tight.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are the Bay's "pancake" fish - flat, silver, and surprisingly scrappy for their 3-8 pound average size. You'll spot these disc-shaped fighters in schools around wrecks, pilings, and deeper structure in 20-60 feet. Summer months are best when they move inshore to feed. They're popular because they fight hard for their size and make excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. These picky eaters prefer small baits like clams, cut squid, or small crabs on light tackle. Here's the trick: when you find a school, work them slowly with small circle hooks - they have tiny mouths and spook easily, so finesse beats power every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-3 pounds and put up a great fight for their size. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structures, bridge pilings, and oyster bars throughout the Bay. They love warmer water, so late spring through early fall is prime time - especially when bait fish are active. These silver speedsters with yellow spots are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or fried. They hit fast-moving lures like spoons and small jigs, but here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and reel steady - they'll jump and throw the hook if you give them slack. Light tackle makes them even more fun.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Bay's premier game fish, ranging from schoolie-sized 18-inchers to trophy bulls over 40 pounds. They're structure-oriented, hanging around bridge pilings, channel edges, and rock piles in 15-50 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes them special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll test your drag and patience. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They hit live eels, cut bait, and large swimbaits. Pro tip: fish the current breaks and tide changes - stripers position themselves to ambush prey where moving water meets slack.
5.0 out of 5.0Not much caught, but what we did, oh boy! 52” red drum which Capt Mike said was worth a citation for which he is going to put in t...
It was fun. The water was very choppy but we had a great time.
Darenn BeMiller, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Thank you all for being patient. Sure was a roll...
Chesapeake Bay