Chesapeake Bay Crabbing Plus Striped Bass Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour combo adventure targeting crabs and striped bassAll licenses, bait, and training included for groupsLearn crab trapping while casting for multiple species
When you want the best of both worlds on the Chesapeake Bay, this dual-purpose fishing adventure delivers everything that makes the Bay famous. You'll start your day dropping crab pots for those prized jumbo blue crabs that put Chesapeake on the map, then switch gears to target some of the East Coast's most sought-after gamefish. Captain and crew from Fishpit Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish while teaching you the ins and outs of Bay fishing. This isn't your typical charter – it's a hands-on education in two of the region's top-rated fishing methods rolled into one action-packed trip.
Your four-hour adventure kicks off with setting crab pots in proven honey holes where the Bay's legendary blue crabs love to hang out. You'll learn proper baiting techniques, how to read bottom structure, and the art of trap placement that separates the pros from the weekend warriors. While those traps soak, you're not sitting around – lines go in the water immediately as you cast lures for stripers, speckled trout, white perch, and redfish. The beauty of this setup is the constant action. When you're not pulling in rockfish, you're checking crab pots. When the crabbing slows, you're back to throwing lures at structure and drop-offs where the fish stack up. The crew handles all the licensing headaches and provides everything you need – tackle, bait, and expert instruction. Just bring yourself, proper clothing for the conditions, and a willingness to learn. The boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, with space for two additional guests if your group wants to bring extra hands on deck.
Crab potting on the Chesapeake requires local knowledge that takes years to develop, but you'll get a crash course from guides who've been working these waters for decades. You'll use traditional crab pots baited with chicken necks, razor clams, or whatever's running hot that day. The key is understanding tidal flow, bottom composition, and seasonal crab movements. Meanwhile, the fishing side relies heavily on casting artificial lures around structure – think soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs depending on conditions. You'll work oyster bars, channel edges, and grass lines where baitfish concentrate and predators follow. The crew switches tactics based on tide, weather, and what the fish are telling them. Some days it's all about working the shallows with speckled trout crushing topwater at first light. Other trips might focus on deeper channel edges where stripers school up during moving water. The gear is matched to the conditions – medium spinning tackle for most situations, with heavier setups available when targeting bigger stripers around structure.
Striped bass remain the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish hit hard, fight dirty, and grow to impressive sizes in the Bay's nutrient-rich waters. Rockfish, as locals call them, can range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to true cows pushing 40 inches or more. Peak action typically runs from late spring through fall, with fish moving into the shallows to feed on abundant baitfish. What makes stripers special here is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater lures in explosive fashion that gets your heart pumping every single time. Speckled trout add a different dimension to your fishing experience, preferring grass flats and deeper holes where they ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. These beautiful fish are incredibly table fare and provide consistent action when you locate a school. They're particularly active during moving water and low-light conditions, making them perfect targets during your adventure. Redfish have become increasingly common in the Bay's warmer months, bringing their bulldogging fight and copper-colored beauty to local waters. These drum species love shallow structure and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll experience – watching a red crush a topwater lure in two feet of water never gets old. Blue crabs round out your target species list and represent the Bay's most famous seafood export. These feisty crustaceans are surprisingly aggressive and provide entertainment value beyond their culinary appeal. Watching a big jimmy crab defend his territory in a pot is worth the price of admission alone.
This combination crabbing and fishing adventure represents everything that makes Chesapeake Bay fishing world-class. You're not just catching fish – you're learning techniques, understanding the ecosystem, and experiencing the Bay's legendary productivity firsthand. The hands-on approach means you leave with knowledge that'll make you a better angler, whether you're fishing the Bay or anywhere else. Fishpit Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing the kind of personalized instruction that turns good trips into customer favorites. The four-hour format gives you enough time to really dial in on what's working without wearing you out, and the included licensing and gear means you can focus on fishing instead of logistics. With action switching between crabbing and fishing throughout the trip, there's never a dull moment. Book your spot now and discover why this dual-purpose adventure has become one of the Bay's most popular charter options.
Our 1999 MayCraft 2300 Pilot House is built for serious Chesapeake Bay fishing. This 23-foot workhorse cruises comfortably at 28 mph with its well-maintained 200 HP Evinrude, getting you to the best crab and rockfish spots quickly. The enclosed pilot house keeps you comfortable while we run between trap locations, and the SIMRAD electronics with fish finder help us locate schools of stripers hiding in the bay's structure. You'll appreciate the onboard facilities during our 4-hour adventure – there's a bed for anyone who needs a break and a marine head for convenience. The NEMA2000 electronics package includes GPS navigation and VHF radio, so we stay connected and on course while hunting blue crabs and casting for rockfish. The integrated sound system keeps things lively between checking crab pots and working lures for speckled trout and redfish. This boat handles the bay's choppy waters with ease, giving you a stable platform whether you're hauling in crab traps or fighting a nice striper. Perfect for up to 4 anglers ready to experience the best of Chesapeake Bay's crab and fish action.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in the Bay during warmer months, usually running 3-15 pounds with their trademark razor-sharp teeth. These silver-blue fighters love to hunt in schools around structure and baitfish, creating feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping. You'll find them near drop-offs, channel edges, and around our crab pots where smaller fish gather. They hit hard and fight dirty - expect screaming runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when the water warms up. The meat's oily but delicious when fresh - smaller blues under 5 pounds taste best. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon because those teeth will slice through regular line like butter. Cut bait works great, but nothing beats the excitement of a topwater strike.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with that signature black spot near their tail - they're built for shallow water warfare. Most Bay reds run 20-35 inches and are absolute powerhouses once hooked. You'll spot them in super shallow flats, around oyster beds, and even cruising with their backs out of water on warm days. They prefer 1-4 feet of water where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're most active in the shallows. What makes reds special is their tenacious fight - they'll make long runs and use every bit of structure to try breaking you off. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's fantastic grilled. They're not picky eaters and will hit everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Local secret: look for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats during slack tide - that's when they're feeding hard.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of the Bay's most beautiful fish with their silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. Most run 14-24 inches and fight way above their weight class with quick runs and head shakes. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster beds, and in shallow water where they ambush shrimp and small fish. They love structure but prefer softer bottom areas compared to stripers. Late spring through early fall gives you prime action, especially on moving water during dawn and dusk. What guests love is how willing they are to hit artificial lures - they're aggressive feeders that aren't too finicky. The meat is excellent - soft and flaky with a mild flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's my local tip: work your lures slowly through the grass beds and be patient. Speckled trout will follow before they strike.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Bay's crown jewel - these silver rockets with dark horizontal stripes can run anywhere from schoolie size up to 30+ pounds. They're structure lovers, hanging around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and channel edges where baitfish get pushed around by current. Spring and fall migration periods give you the hottest action, but we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make long runs and put a serious bend in your rod. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Look for them in 10-30 feet of water around moving tide. They're smart fish that can be picky, so matching the hatch with your lure size matters. My go-to trick is working soft plastics along the bottom near structure - let the current do the work and be ready for that thump.
Chesapeake Bay