5.0(2 Reviews)Chesapeake Bay Charter with Captain Mike
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional charter fishing with experienced Captain MikeFlexible trip options from half-day to full-day adventuresInshore fishing targeting multiple Chesapeake Bay species
Captain Mike's been working these Chesapeake Bay waters for years, and he knows exactly where to put you on the fish. Running out of Virginia, this top-rated charter gives you flexibility with half-day, three-quarter day, or full-day trips from April through December. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your personal best or a family wanting to get the kids hooked on fishing, Mike's boat is set up for success. The bay's famous for its diversity, and you'll be targeting everything from schooling Spanish mackerel to trophy-sized striped bass. With only four anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows.
You'll meet Captain Mike at the marina, and he'll get you squared away with a quick safety briefing before heading out. The boat's clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything you need for a productive day. Mike's the kind of captain who adjusts the plan based on conditions and what's biting. Some days that means working the shallows for redfish, other days you might find yourself over structure targeting cobia or spadefish. He's patient with beginners and will show you proper techniques, but he's also happy to let experienced anglers do their thing. The Chesapeake can serve up anything from glass-calm mornings to choppy afternoons, but Mike knows how to read the water and keep you comfortable while chasing fish. Don't worry about bringing tackle - he's got you covered with quality gear that can handle whatever you hook into.
Captain Mike runs a variety of techniques depending on what's happening that day. You might find yourself live-lining spot for big stripers around the bridge pilings, or casting bucktails and soft plastics along the grass lines for redfish. When the Spanish mackerel are running thick, he'll set you up with small spoons or Gotcha plugs that'll have you doubling up regularly. For cobia, it's all about sight fishing - Mike's got sharp eyes and will spot these bronze torpedoes cruising the surface before putting you in position for the perfect cast. The spadefish bite usually calls for small hooks and pieces of clam or squid around the structure. Mike provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to show up ready to fish. He keeps multiple setups rigged and ready, so there's no downtime when the action picks up. The boat's equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus he's got the local knowledge that only comes from running these waters day in and day out.
"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 some of the most fun fish you'll catch in the Chesapeake Bay. These silver bullets show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, often feeding in massive schools that'll keep your arms tired from reeling. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they fight hard and taste even better. Mike knows the points, drop-offs, and current breaks where they stack up, and when you find them, it's game on. They're perfect for kids and beginners since they bite aggressively and aren't too big to handle.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These chrome-sided battlers can range from schoolie size up to trophy fish pushing 40+ inches. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before spawning or winter migration. Mike targets them around structure, current breaks, and over grass beds using live bait, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. There's nothing quite like watching a big striper blow up on a surface lure at first light.
Spadefish might be the most underrated catch in the bay. These deep-bodied, silvery fish hang around structure and pilings, often in big schools. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprising fight for their size. The bite is usually best in summer and early fall, and Mike knows the specific spots where they congregate. They can be finicky, but when you dial in the technique, you can fill the cooler quickly.
Redfish, or red drum, are the ultimate inshore prize. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-sized fish perfect for dinner to massive citation fish like the 52-incher mentioned in the reviews. They're found in shallow water around grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths. Redfish are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often heading straight for structure to try and break you off. The Chesapeake's red drum fishing has really improved over the years, and Mike knows the prime spots to target them.
Cobia are the wildcard that can make any trip memorable. These brown sharks-lookalikes are sight-fished in summer, often found following rays or cruising near the surface. They're curious fish that'll often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. When hooked, cobia make blistering runs and are notorious for their acrobatic jumps. They're also outstanding on the dinner table. Mike's got the patience and positioning skills needed to put you on these fish when they're around.
Captain Mike's calendar fills up fast, especially during prime fishing season. With trips running from April through December, you've got plenty of
The 25-foot C-Hawk center console is your ticket to productive fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Built in 2015 with a reliable 250HP Yamaha outboard, this boat cruises at 34 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast and back to the dock with your catch. The spacious layout gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Captain Mike keeps this boat well-equipped for serious fishing. The GPS navigation system pinpoints productive spots while the fish finder helps locate schools of stripers, blues, and other Bay favorites hiding below. When nature calls, there's an onboard toilet so you don't have to cut the fishing short. The flybridge gives you an elevated view of the water to spot diving birds, bait schools, and other signs that point to hungry fish. This setup handles everything from half-day trips targeting school stripers to full-day adventures chasing trophy rockfish in deeper waters. The boat's shallow draft lets you work the Bay's productive grass beds and structure while still having the power to run out to the shipping channels when conditions allow.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the Bay's brown sharks - except they're not sharks at all. These chocolate-brown fish average 30-60 pounds and are mostly loners, cruising near the surface around structure. You'll spot them near channel buoys, bridge pilings, and crab pot lines from May through September. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, giving you shot after shot if you stay calm. What makes them special is that powerful fight and premium table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Bay. They're sight-fishing at its finest since you can usually see them coming from 100 yards away. Here's the secret: when you spot one, get a bucktail jig or live eel in front of it quickly but don't splash the bait down. Cobia spook easily from commotion but they'll usually circle back if you wait patiently.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing gold in our shallow Bay waters. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails average 18-30 inches and love super shallow flats where you can see their backs breaking water. Look for them around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water during warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that'll crush topwater lures, creating heart-stopping surface explosions. What guests love is watching them hunt in skinny water - it's like sight-fishing for freshwater bass but bigger and stronger. They're also great eating with sweet, firm meat. The key to success is staying quiet and making accurate casts. When you spot tailing reds, cast your lure 3-4 feet ahead of where they're moving and work it slowly. Spook one and the whole group usually bolts, so make that first cast count.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are one of those species that'll surprise you with their fight. These disc-shaped silver fish with black stripes typically weigh 3-8 pounds and school in large numbers around structure. You'll find them near wrecks, reefs, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water, especially during summer months when water temps are warm. They're spooky fish that require a light touch - heavy footsteps on deck will send the whole school running. What makes them fun is they fight way above their weight class, making strong runs and using that flat body to their advantage. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's the trick: use small hooks and fresh clam or jellyfish for bait. Cast past the school and let your rig drift through naturally. Don't try to horse them up - light drag and patience will put more fish in the boat.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that'll test your reflexes. These silvery speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds in the Bay, though bigger ones show up offshore. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structure - bridge pilings, channel edges, and drop-offs from spring through fall. They're some of the first fish to arrive when water warms in April and stick around until November. What makes them special is that explosive strike and blistering run - they'll scream line off your reel. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Here's a tip: when you see birds working, get there fast. Spanish mac schools move quickly, so once you find them, work the area hard with small spoons or jigs. They're notorious for cutting lines with those razor teeth, so use a wire leader.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Bay's signature fish and for good reason. These silvery bruisers with distinct black stripes average 20-35 pounds here, but we regularly see fish pushing 40-50 pounds. They're structure-oriented, hanging around channel edges, rock piles, and bridge pilings in 15-40 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during migration, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is that bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but they'll pull steady and hard. The meat's excellent too, with firm white fillets that taste great fresh or frozen. Stripers can be picky, so here's what I've learned: match your bait to what they're eating. If you see small baitfish on the surface, throw smaller lures. When they're on the bottom feeding on crabs, live eels or big soft plastics work best.
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