Crabs And Striped Bass Fishing Adventure In Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour combo trip targeting crabs and striped bassAll licenses, bait, and expert training included onboardAccommodates four guests with optional additional capacity
Looking for a fishing trip that combines the best of both worlds? This dual-action adventure puts you right in the heart of Chesapeake Bay's most productive waters, where you'll learn the art of crabbing while keeping your rod bent with some of the East Coast's finest gamefish. We're talking about a hands-on experience that teaches you the ins and outs of working crab pots while targeting the bay's legendary stripers, speckled trout, and redfish. Four hours of nonstop action with everything included – licenses, bait, gear, and expert instruction. Just show up ready to fish and learn from one of the bay's most knowledgeable captains.
Your day starts with setting crab pots and traps in some of the bay's most productive crabbing grounds. You'll learn how to properly bait these traps, understand tidal movements, and get a real education on the Chesapeake's ecosystem from someone who's worked these waters for years. Between checking and resetting pots, we keep the fishing rods busy targeting rockfish, speckled trout, white perch, and redfish using proven lures and techniques. This isn't your typical sit-and-wait fishing trip – we're constantly moving, checking traps, and casting to structure where these fish love to hang out. The bay's shallow flats and drop-offs create perfect ambush points for predators, and we know exactly where to find them based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns.
We'll be running light to medium tackle perfect for the bay's inshore species, using everything from soft plastics to topwater lures depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The crabbing side involves traditional pots and chicken necks or fish heads – time-tested methods that still outproduce fancy gadgets. You'll learn proper trap placement, how to read bottom structure, and why certain areas hold more crabs than others. For the fishing portion, expect to throw casting lures around grass beds, channel edges, and structure where stripers and trout ambush baitfish. We adjust techniques based on what's working – if the fish want a slow retrieve along the bottom, that's what we do. If they're smashing topwater baits, we'll keep you hooked up on surface action until your arms get tired.
Striped Bass, locally called rockfish, are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to trophy fish pushing 40+ pounds, with the average catch falling between 20-28 inches. Spring and fall produce the best action when they're feeding heavily on bay anchovies and menhaden. What makes stripers special is their fight – they'll make strong runs, jump, and test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Speckled Trout are another bay favorite that provide consistent action throughout the warmer months. These beautiful fish typically run 14-20 inches with occasional specimens hitting 24+ inches. They're structure-oriented, loving grass beds, oyster bars, and channel drop-offs where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Specks have a distinctive spotted pattern and a soft mouth, so you need to play them carefully. They're fantastic eating and relatively easy to clean, making them popular with families.
Redfish have been making a strong comeback in the bay over recent years, and catching one is always a highlight. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18-35 inches and are known for their powerful runs and stamina. They love shallow water around structure and grass beds, often feeding in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Reds are perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right, and their distinctive black spots near the tail make them easy to identify.
Bluefish round out our target species list and provide some of the most aggressive strikes you'll experience. These voracious predators travel in schools and will hit almost any lure or bait you put in front of them. Blues typically run 2-8 pounds in the bay, with occasional larger specimens showing up during migration periods. They're known for their sharp teeth and aggressive nature – once you hook into a school, you can often catch them on consecutive casts until they move on.
This top-rated combination trip offers something you won't find with other charters – real education about the bay's ecosystem while keeping you busy catching fish and crabs. The four-person capacity means personalized attention and plenty of room to work without getting in each other's way. Everything's included except your enthusiasm and proper clothing, so you can focus on learning and having fun instead of worrying about licenses or bait. The bay's incredible diversity means every trip produces different action, but you're guaranteed to learn techniques you can use for years to come. Book now and discover why Chesapeake Bay remains one of the East Coast's premier fishing destinations.
Our 1999 MayCraft 2300 Pilot House is your perfect fishing platform for chasing Chesapeake Bay's famous blue crabs and striped bass. This reliable 23-footer runs smooth with a well-maintained 200 HP Evinrude that cruises at 28 mph, getting you to the hot spots fast. The enclosed pilot house keeps you comfortable while working crab pots and casting lines, with SIMRAD navigation and fish finder helping locate the best fishing grounds. You'll appreciate the onboard head and sleeping berth during longer trips, plus VHF radio for safety. NEMA2000 electronics and integrated sound system add modern convenience to this proven fishing machine. Built tough for Chesapeake waters, she handles everything from shallow crab flats to deeper rockfish structure with ease. Whether you're pulling pots loaded with jumbos or fighting hard-pulling stripers, this boat gives you the stability and features needed for serious Bay fishing.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that'll give you a real workout on the rod. These silver-green predators with razor-sharp teeth usually run 2-8 pounds in the Bay, though bigger ones show up in fall. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water and around structure during summer and early fall. They're voracious feeders that travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Blues make great table fare when bled and iced immediately - the meat's flaky and mild. Here's a local tip: when they're feeding on the surface, look for diving birds and churning water. Cast beyond the school and retrieve fast through it. Wire leaders are a must since those teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are copper-colored bruisers with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Bay fish typically run 20-32 inches and put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. They love shallow oyster bars, grass flats, and marshy creeks - sometimes in water so skinny their backs show. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before winter. What makes them special is their power and the sight-fishing opportunities in clear, shallow water. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild flesh. Here's my local trick: look for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats during high slack tide. Approach quietly and cast crab or shrimp imitations just ahead of cruising fish. Let it sink and twitch it gently.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of the Bay's most beautiful fish with their spotted silver sides and delicate build. Most run 12-18 inches and about 1-3 pounds. They prefer grass beds and shallow flats, especially around creek mouths and oyster bars. Spring through fall are best, with early morning and evening producing the most action. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures and light tackle - they're great for kids and beginners. The meat is white, flaky, and sweet when cooked right. Local secret: fish the grass edges on moving water with soft plastics like paddle tails. Work them slow and steady about a foot off bottom. They're soft-mouthed, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them in.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Bay's most famous fish for good reason. These silver beauties with distinct black stripes typically run 18-28 inches here, but 40-pounders aren't uncommon. They love structure - bridge pilings, oyster bars, channel edges, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding on menhaden and other baitfish. What makes them special is their strong, determined fight and excellent eating quality. They're smart fish that require patience and the right presentation. My go-to local trick: focus on moving water during tide changes, especially around dawn and dusk. Use live eels or cut bait near bottom structure, and don't set the hook too quick - let them run with it first.
Chesapeake Bay