Scenic Boat Tour In Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour guided tour exploring Chesapeake Bay's diverse ecosystemsCaptain Todd provides expert knowledge of local wildlife and plantsIntimate experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
Captain Todd Bellamy knows every nook and cranny of Chesapeake Bay like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this massive estuary is considered one of the East Coast's premier fishing destinations. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – it's a genuine fishing guide's perspective on one of America's most productive waters. Over two hours, you'll cruise through the bay's diverse habitats while Todd shares the kind of local knowledge that only comes from decades spent reading these waters. With space for just four guests, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference when you're learning about what makes this fishery so special.
The bay's got personality, and Todd knows how to read every mood swing. You'll start by exploring the shallower grass beds where stripers love to ambush baitfish, then cruise deeper channels where the big blues patrol. The tour covers different zones – from the marshy tributaries where largemouth bass hide out, to the main stem where everything from cobia to red drum cruise through depending on the season. Todd's been guiding these waters for years, so he'll point out the subtle signs that separate good fishing spots from great ones. You'll learn to spot bird activity, read water color changes, and understand how structure creates the perfect ambush points that consistently hold fish. The boat's equipped with everything needed for a comfortable ride, and Todd keeps the pace relaxed while packing in plenty of insider knowledge about what makes each area productive.
This is where Todd's expertise really shines – he'll teach you to see the bay through an angler's eyes. You'll learn how tidal movement affects fish behavior, why certain grass beds produce better than others, and how weather patterns influence where species congregate. The tour covers different fishing techniques that work best in various parts of the bay, from light tackle casting in the shallows to trolling the deeper channels. Todd explains how he uses his electronics to locate structure and baitfish, and why understanding bottom composition is crucial for consistent success. You'll see firsthand how he reads current breaks, identifies feeding zones, and spots the kind of productive water that most anglers cruise right past. The hands-on approach means you're not just seeing the sights – you're building the foundation for future fishing success on your own.
Striped bass are the undisputed kings of Chesapeake Bay, and for good reason. These silver bulldogs can range anywhere from schoolie size up to true trophy fish pushing 40-plus inches. Spring and fall are prime time when massive schools move through the bay, but summer fishing around structure and deeper channels can produce some real giants. What makes stripers so exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater lures at dawn, ambush live bait around pilings, and put up fights that'll test your drag system. Todd knows exactly where these fish stage during different tidal phases and seasons, making every trip a learning experience about reading striper behavior.
Blue catfish have become the bay's sleeper species, with these whiskered bruisers growing to enormous sizes in the nutrient-rich waters. These aren't your typical pond cats – Chesapeake blues can easily hit 20-30 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active during summer months and can be caught year-round using cut bait or live offerings. What's really exciting is how these fish have adapted to the bay's brackish water, creating opportunities for multi-species trips where you might land a 25-pound blue cat followed by a keeper striper on the same spot.
Red drum, locally called redfish, patrol the bay's grass beds and channel edges, especially during late summer and early fall. These copper-colored fighters are pure muscle, known for their blistering runs and stubborn fights in shallow water. Chesapeake reds typically range from slot-size fish around 20-26 inches up to oversized bulls that can stretch past 40 inches. They're sight-fishing targets in skinny water, where you can watch them cruise the flats and present baits or lures with precision. The visual aspect of redfish angling, combined with their explosive strikes, makes them a favorite among serious bay anglers.
Captain Todd's scenic tour gives you the insider's view of Chesapeake Bay that you simply can't get anywhere else. This is your chance to learn from a seasoned guide who's made his living reading these waters, understanding fish behavior, and consistently putting clients on productive spots. Whether you're planning your own fishing adventures or just want to appreciate the bay through an angler's perspective, Todd's knowledge and local expertise make this tour a top-rated choice for anyone serious about understanding this world-class fishery. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and Todd's passion for these waters comes through in every story and tip he shares. Don't miss out on this customer favorite – book your spot today and discover why Chesapeake Bay has earned its reputation as one of the East Coast's premier fishing destinations.
Get ready to fish Chesapeake Bay's productive waters aboard Captain Todd's well-equipped 1999 MayCraft 2300 Pilot House. This reliable 23-footer comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - SIMRAD navigation to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate schools below, and NEMA2000 electronics for precise positioning. The 200 HP Evinrude pushes us to fishing grounds at a comfortable 28 mph, getting you more time with lines in the water. With a spacious pilot house for weather protection, onboard head, and sleeping berth for longer trips, you'll stay comfortable while targeting rockfish, blues, and whatever's biting. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on where fish are hitting. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want to experience some of the East Coast's best inshore fishing without the crowds.
Chesapeake Bay