Half-Day Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting six popular Chesapeake speciesAll equipment and fishing license included on 27foot boatAccommodates up to five guests of any experience level
There's something special about getting out on the Chesapeake Bay at first light, watching the sun hit the water while you're already setting up for what could be your best fishing day of the year. This half-day charter with Fish Taxi puts you right in the heart of Maryland's most productive inshore waters, where the variety of fish and consistent action keep both rookie anglers and seasoned veterans coming back season after season. You'll spend four solid hours working the shallows and structure that make this bay famous, targeting everything from hard-fighting cobia to schooling bluefish that'll bend your rod double.
Your morning starts aboard Fish Taxi's 27-foot center console, a boat built for exactly this kind of fishing. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every oyster bar, grass bed, and channel edge where fish like to hang out. You'll cover different types of structure throughout the trip, from shallow flats where redfish cruise looking for crabs, to deeper channel edges where black drum stack up during tide changes. The boat's setup gives everyone plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up, and with a maximum of five anglers, you're not fighting for space or the captain's attention. Everything you need is already on board – rods matched to the fish you're targeting, tackle boxes full of the right baits, and your fishing license is covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and get ready to fish.
The beauty of Chesapeake Bay fishing is the variety of techniques you'll use in a single trip. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might start the morning drifting live spot over oyster bars for black drum, then switch to casting soft plastics along grass edges for spotted seatrout. When the captain marks schools of bait on the fish finder, you'll likely switch to heavier tackle and work jigs or cut bait for cobia and big redfish. The shallow nature of much of the bay means you'll see a lot of the action – redfish tailing in two feet of water, cobia following rays along the surface, or bluefish blowing up on schools of menhaden. Live bait is king here, and the boat keeps a good selection of spot, croaker, and bloodworms. Artificial lures work great too, especially paddle tails and topwater plugs when conditions are right. The captain adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing, so every trip feels different even when you're fishing the same general areas.
Bluefish are the bay's most reliable fighters, especially from late spring through fall. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them – spoons, jigs, cut bait – and they fight hard from the moment they feel the hook. Blues in the 2-8 pound range are perfect on medium tackle, and they're excellent eating when handled properly. Look for diving birds or surface activity to locate schools, and don't be surprised if everyone on the boat hooks up at once.
Black drum are the bay's heavyweights, with fish over 40 pounds caught regularly in deeper channels and around structure. These bottom-dwellers love blue crabs and clams, making them perfect targets when you're fishing near oyster bars. They're not fast fighters, but their size and stubborn nature make them a real challenge on medium tackle. The best black drum fishing happens during tide changes when these fish move up to feed in shallower water.
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as locals call them, are beautiful fish that love grass beds and shallow structure. They're excellent on light tackle and make delicious table fare. Spring and fall produce the biggest trout, with fish over 20 inches not uncommon during peak times. They're sight feeders, so clearer water and good light conditions make for the best action. Soft plastics worked slowly along grass edges are deadly on specks.
Redfish have made a strong comeback in the Chesapeake and are now one of the most sought-after species. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water and are often caught in less than three feet. They're year-round residents but are most active from spring through late fall. Reds will eat live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm, and their powerful runs make them a favorite among light tackle anglers.
Cobia are the bay's premier trophy fish, with specimens over 40 inches caught every season. These curious fish often swim near the surface and will follow rays and other large objects. They're sight-fishing opportunities at their best – when you see one, you cast to it and watch the eat happen. Cobia season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up during the warmest months. They're strong fighters and excellent table fare, making them every angler's dream catch.
The Chesapeake Bay offers some of the East Coast's most consistent inshore fishing, and this half-day charter gives you a perfect taste of what makes this fishery so special. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been at it for years, the variety of species and techniques keeps things interesting from start to finish. The boat's setup, included gear, and the captain's local knowledge mean you can focus on what matters most – catching fish and having a great time on the water. Four hours goes by faster than you think when the fish are biting, so don't wait too long to get your name on the schedule. Fish Taxi's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and with only five spots available per trip, the best dates fill up quickly during peak season.
Hit the waters of Chesapeake Bay aboard this freshly restored 27' Judge center console that's built for serious fishing. With a powerful 250HP Honda engine pushing you up to 35 knots, you'll reach the prime fishing spots quickly and cruise smoothly through bay conditions. The spacious center console design gives all 5 anglers plenty of room to work their lines while targeting everything from feisty Cobia and hard-fighting Redfish to schooling Bluefish and trophy Rockfish. The onboard fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish where the big ones hide, while GPS navigation ensures efficient runs to productive waters. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot summer days on the bay. Whether you're casting light tackle near grass beds or working deeper channels, this boat handles like a dream and gets you on fish fast.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the Bay, commonly running 15-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 60+. These bottom-dwellers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in 5-25 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're famous for that deep, powerful fight that'll test your drag and patience. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater, especially during spawning season. What guests love is the strong, steady pull - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or clam on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. These fish are picky eaters, so be patient and let them take the bait before setting the hook.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in the Bay from late spring through fall, typically running 2-8 pounds with some bigger ones mixed in. These silver-blue predators have razor-sharp teeth and feed in schools, making for fast action when you find them. They'll hit just about anything - spoons, bucktails, or live bait like menhaden work great. Look for them around structure, drop-offs, and schools of baitfish in 10-40 feet of water. What makes them special is their hard strike and strong fight - they don't give up easy. The smaller "snapper" blues are perfect for kids and beginners. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. Fresh bluefish is excellent table fare when bled and iced immediately.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the Bay's brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, solitary fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 60+. These curious fish cruise around buoys, channel markers, and structure in 15-40 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they migrate through. What makes cobia special is their size, fight, and incredible table quality - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Bay. They're often found just under the surface, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. These fish will follow the boat and investigate almost anything. Bucktail jigs work great, but they'll also hit live eels or large soft plastics. Pro tip: when you see one, don't get too excited and rush the presentation. They're curious but spook easily, so make a long, accurate cast ahead of them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze bulldogs of shallow water, typically 18-32 inches and built for power. These copper-colored fighters with distinctive black spots love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-6 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they school up. What makes them special is that heart-stopping strike in skinny water and that bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and make long runs. The meat is fantastic too - firm and mild with a slightly sweet flavor. Look for tailing fish or nervous water on the flats. Spoons, topwater plugs, and live shrimp all work well. Local tip: when you spot one redfish, slow down and look carefully - they often travel in small groups, and spooking the water will shut down the whole school.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are one of the Bay's most popular targets, typically running 12-20 inches with some keepers pushing 24-28 inches. These speckled beauties love grass beds, channel edges, and shallow flats in 3-12 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, with early morning and evening being prime time. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Look for them around structure during moving water. Soft plastics on light jigheads work great, especially in pink or chartreuse. Here's a local trick: when you catch one, stick around and work the area thoroughly. Trout often travel in small groups, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
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