Chesapeake Bay Afternoon Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter perfect for families and beginnersBottom fishing and trolling for trout, flounder, mackerel, and sharksSixguest capacity with flexible lateday start times
Not everyone's cut out for those crack-of-dawn fishing trips, and honestly, that's perfectly fine by us. Our afternoon charter on the Chesapeake Bay gives you the best of both worlds – sleeping in and still getting your line wet in some of the East Coast's most productive fishing waters. This four-hour adventure starts when you're actually awake and ready to fish, making it a customer favorite for families, weekend warriors, and anyone who values their morning coffee more than a 5 AM alarm.
The Chesapeake Bay in the afternoon has its own rhythm, and frankly, it's pretty sweet. The morning boat traffic has settled down, the fish have had time to get active, and the bay's legendary productivity really starts to show. We'll be working both bottom fishing and trolling techniques, which means you're covering all your bases for the diverse mix of species that call these waters home. The bay's structure is perfect for this approach – we've got deep channels, oyster bars, grass beds, and bridge pilings that hold different fish at different times. Your captain knows these spots like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a complete beginner or someone who's been fishing these waters for years. With space for up to six anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably without feeling crowded.
We run a mixed bag approach that keeps things interesting and your chances high. Bottom fishing here means dropping rigs down to where the flounder, tautog, and other structure-loving fish hang out. We're talking about using circle hooks with fresh bait – usually squid, bloodworms, or cut bait depending on what's working that day. The bottom structure in the Chesapeake is legendary, with underwater humps, drop-offs, and hard bottom areas that concentrate fish like magnets. When we're trolling, we'll pull umbrella rigs, spoons, and bucktails to cover water and target the pelagic species like Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and bluefish that cruise the open bay. The beauty of this setup is that you're always fishing – when we're moving between bottom spots, those trolling lines are working. All tackle and bait are provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The crew will handle the rigging and re-baiting, which means more time with your line in the water and less time fumbling with tackle.
The Chesapeake Bay is world-class fishing, and our target species list reads like a who's who of East Coast favorites. Tautog, or "blackfish" as the locals call them, are absolute bulldogs that live around hard structure like bridge pilings and rock piles. These fish average 2-4 pounds but can push into double digits, and they fight way above their weight class. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, but we get them year-round in deeper water. What makes them special is their unique taste – sweet, firm white meat that's considered a delicacy by anyone who knows fish. Spanish mackerel show up in big numbers during summer and fall, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional larger fish. They hit trolled baits hard and fast, making for exciting action that keeps kids and beginners engaged. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find many. Spadefish are the bay's best-kept secret, running 2-4 pounds on average with some real monsters pushing 6-8 pounds. They're primarily a summer species that feeds around structure, and they're absolutely delicious table fare. King mackerel, or "kings," are the bay's premier gamefish when they're around. These fish can range from 10-30 pounds or more, and they provide the kind of screaming runs that make your drag sing. Peak season is summer through early fall, and they typically hit trolled baits in deeper water. Redfish, or red drum, are making a strong comeback in bay waters. These copper-colored fighters can range from schoolie fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that can exceed 40 inches. They're strong, stubborn fighters that use the current to their advantage, and they're beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their flanks.
Look, the Chesapeake Bay doesn't disappoint, and afternoon trips offer some real advantages that morning anglers miss out on. The fish are active, the weather's usually more settled, and you get to fish without sacrificing your entire morning routine. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, planning a family outing, or just want to get on the water without the early wake-up call, this trip delivers. Havoc Charters has the local knowledge, quality equipment, and commitment to putting you on fish that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. The bay's year-round fishery means there's always something biting, and our mixed approach of bottom fishing and trolling gives you the best shot at a diverse catch. Book your afternoon charter and see why the Chesapeake Bay has earned its reputation as one of the East Coast's top fishing destinations.
Step aboard our beautifully restored 38-foot Post 42 Sportfish for an afternoon of prime Chesapeake Bay fishing. This classic sportfisher was given new life in 2022 and packs twin 380HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising comfortably at 29 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers who prefer beating the heat with a later start. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - advanced fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish are finicky. Stay cool in the air-conditioned cabin between bites, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and use the onboard facilities including kitchen, head, and even a bed for anyone who needs a break. Whether you're bottom fishing for flounder and trout or trolling for Spanish mackerel, cobia, and bluefish, this charter puts you right where the action is. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight their fish, and there's plenty of storage for tackle and your catch. Great setup for families and beginners looking to experience the Bay's legendary fishing without the early morning rush.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese are the speed demons that'll test your drag and your nerves. Kings average around 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, and when they hit, they take off like a rocket. We find them in 40-150 feet trolling around structure and temperature breaks, especially during warmer months when they migrate through. They're pure adrenaline - long screaming runs that'll empty your reel if you're not careful. The fight alone is worth it, but the meat's also good eating if you bleed them right away. Trolling with live bait or big spoons works best. Here's what most folks don't know: rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings often attack from the rear, so that back hook saves a lot of missed fish. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the perfect fish for our shallow bay waters - bronze-colored with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most of ours run 18-28 inches, though we get some bigger bull reds that'll really bend the rod. They love grass beds, oyster bars, and shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall they're active, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is how they fight - strong, bulldogging runs that feel twice their weight. Plus they're beautiful fish and excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Live shrimp or cut bait works great, but topwater plugs in the shallows provide explosive strikes. Here's the key: look for nervous water or "tailing" fish in the shallows, then make long, quiet casts ahead of them. They spook easily in skinny water.
Chaetodipterus FaberThese disk-shaped silver fish with black stripes are real crowd-pleasers, especially for families. They typically run 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, traveling in huge schools that can number in the hundreds. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and pilings in 20-60 feet of water during warmer months. They put up a solid fight for their size and have that unique angelfish look that gets everyone excited. Fresh clam on a small circle hook is the ticket - they can be picky eaters. The meat's decent table fare, white and mild. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your bait in the water because where there's one spadefish, there's usually a whole bunch more. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll come right up to the boat to check out the commotion.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese silver speedsters with yellow spots are pure fun on light tackle. They average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, but their blazing runs make them feel bigger. Look for schools breaking the surface chasing bait, especially around structure and drop-offs. They show up in warmer months and love our afternoon trips when the water's active. Spanish mackerel hit fast-moving lures like spoons and small jigs, plus live shrimp or cut bait. They're one of the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky, and perfect on the grill. Here's a tip: when you see birds working over breaking fish, get there quick but stay upwind and cast into the school rather than motoring right through it. Their sharp teeth will cut light leaders, so use a short wire trace.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, these chunky fighters love hanging around rocks, pilings, and structure where they crush crabs and mussels with powerful jaws. Most run 1-3 pounds, but bigger ones push 8-10 pounds. They're territorial and stick close to their rocky homes, which makes them tricky since you'll lose tackle to the bottom. Spring through fall they're active during daylight, but here's the thing - they get sluggish at night and actually lie on their sides. Green crabs work best as bait, but crush up some crab shells and let the scent drift down to get them fired up. The meat's excellent eating, firm and sweet. Use heavy tackle with a sensitive tip - you need to feel that subtle bite and horse them away from the rocks fast before they dive back into their hideout.
Richmond