8-Hour Chesapeake Bay Inshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targeting multiple Chesapeake Bay speciesAccommodates six guests with diverse fishing techniques and stylesProfessional guidance for Cobia, Red Drum, Shark, and Seabass
When you step aboard with Havoc Charters for this full-day inshore adventure, you're signing up for one of the most diverse fishing experiences on the East Coast. The Chesapeake Bay isn't just America's largest estuary – it's a fish highway where saltwater species mix with brackish water residents, creating perfect conditions for multiple fishing styles in a single trip. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite. Pack your cooler with lunch and drinks because once we start hitting fish, eight hours flies by faster than you think.
This charter accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and room to fish without bumping elbows. We'll cover serious water throughout the day, moving between structure, dropoffs, and current breaks where different species set up shop. The beauty of Chesapeake Bay fishing is the variety – one minute you're working topwater for breaking Spanish mackerel, the next you're dropping baits for cobia cruising the shallows. The captain reads conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, so whether we're dealing with moving tides, bait schools, or seasonal patterns, you'll be fishing the most productive water available. Expect to see other charter boats, but there's plenty of room for everyone to find fish in this massive system.
This trip showcases multiple fishing approaches that keep everyone engaged regardless of experience level. We'll run everything from light spinning tackle for Spanish mackerel and smaller drum to heavier conventional setups when targeting bull reds and cobia. Bottom fishing produces black drum and other structure-oriented species, while sight fishing and casting to cruising fish adds an exciting visual element. The boat carries quality rods and reels, but feel free to bring your favorite setup if you prefer. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on conditions and target species. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to ensure proper fish handling, and the crew will show you the most effective presentations for each technique. When fish are breaking on the surface, we'll switch to topwater plugs and metal jigs that get bit fast and often.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that hit fast and fight hard for their size, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional bigger fish mixed in. They show up in spring and stick around through fall, feeding aggressively on small baitfish in open water and around structure. These fish respond well to small spoons, jigs, and cut bait, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly. The action can be non-stop when you find a school.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay, ranging from keeper-sized fish around 16 inches up to massive specimens that can top 40 pounds. They're bottom feeders with excellent hearing, so fresh cut bait like blue crab or clams works best. These fish pull steady and hard, making long runs that test your drag system. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action as drum move through the bay during seasonal migrations.
King mackerel bring serious speed and teeth to the party, typically ranging from 20-40 pounds in Chesapeake waters. These fish require wire leaders and heavy tackle since they make blistering runs and jump when hooked. Trolling live baits or large spoons near structure and drop-offs produces kings, especially during warmer months. The fight is spectacular, and kings are prized by anglers who appreciate fast, powerful fish.
Redfish, also called red drum, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. Slot-sized fish around 18-28 inches provide consistent action, while oversized bull reds over 40 inches deliver the fight of a lifetime. These copper-colored bruisers eat everything from cut bait to artificials, and they're found in shallow water, around structure, and in deeper channels. The distinctive black spots near their tail make them easy to identify, and their powerful runs test every knot.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip memorable. These brown, shark-like fish cruise shallow water and are often spotted visually before being targeted with live or cut bait. They average 20-40 pounds but can exceed 50, and their curious nature means they'll often approach the boat for a closer look. Cobia fight like freight trains, making multiple runs and testing your endurance. They're also outstanding table fare, which makes landing one even more satisfying.
Chesapeake Bay fishing delivers year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and species. This 8-hour charter gives you enough time to explore multiple fishing styles and locations, maximizing your chances at various species while enjoying a full day on the water. Havoc Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish while providing a professional, enjoyable experience that keeps anglers coming back. The bay's diverse ecosystem supports healthy fish populations, and experienced captains know how to find them regardless of conditions. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or corporate event, this charter accommodates up to six people comfortably. Don't wait for the perfect weather forecast – some of the best fishing happens when conditions aren't picture-perfect, and the crew knows how to make the most of any situation.
This 38-foot Post 42 Sportfish is your gateway to serious Chesapeake Bay fishing action. Recently restored in 2022, she's powered by twin 380HP Cummins engines that'll cruise at 29 knots to get you on the fish fast. The spacious deck gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work whether you're targeting Cobia, Red Drum, or whatever's biting that day. Modern fish finder and GPS will put you on the hotspots, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stealth matters. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin complete with kitchen, bed, and head. The onboard fridge and icebox ensure your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those long Bay battles. Perfect setup for tackling everything from Spanish Mackerel to Black Seabass across multiple fishing styles.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them on muddy flats, oyster beds, and around pier pilings in shallow to moderate depths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. After that, they scatter and become trickier to locate. What draws anglers is their bulldogging fight and distinctive drumming sounds they make underwater. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating. Best baits are fresh crab, clams, and cut bait fished right on the bottom. My go-to tip: use crab because it stays on the hook better and doesn't attract catfish like other baits do.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the Bay's premium gamefish, averaging 6 feet and 100 pounds with their distinctive dark brown color and shark-like appearance. They're mostly loners, cruising around structures like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they move into the Bay for spawning. What makes them special is their incredible fight and premium table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They're curious and will often follow the boat, making sight fishing exciting. Bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz work best, but they'll hit live eels and crankbaits too. Local secret: look for them around crab pot floats and channel markers during slack tide. They use these spots as ambush points and are less spooky when the current isn't running hard.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of the Bay, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These olive-backed predators with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish schools. Summer and fall bring the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. They're popular because of their blistering runs that rival wahoo - pure adrenaline when one hits. The meat is decent eating, though bigger fish can be a bit strong. Most anglers troll with heavy tackle, planers, and large lures or live bait. Key is using a wire leader since their teeth will cut through anything else. Local trick: rig two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often hit the back half of the bait, so that second hook saves the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the Bay's signature shallow water fighters, typically running 28-33 inches and easily recognizable by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes so shallow their backs are exposed. Spring through fall offers consistent action, especially during cooler morning and evening hours. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights in skinny water. The meat is outstanding with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They'll eat almost anything - topwater plugs, soft plastics, live shrimp, and cut bait. Best approach is sight fishing the flats quietly. Pro tip: look for nervous water or wakes in the shallows, and always approach from downwind. These fish spook easily in thin water.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, schooling fish that run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds on average. You'll spot them near the surface in large schools, especially around structures and oyster bars during warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that hit spoons, jigs, and live bait like shrimp or minnows. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes them popular is their speed - they'll peel line and make multiple runs. The meat is excellent eating too, with a mild flavor that grills beautifully. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, work fast. Use light tackle with 12-20 lb braid and keep your lures moving. If the bite goes cold, look for diving birds - that's where the Spanish are pushing bait to the surface.
Richmond