Morning Charter Fishing on Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targets multiple Chesapeake Bay speciesBottom fishing technique suitable for beginners and experienced anglersSmall group experience accommodates up to six guests maximum
There's something magical about getting out on the Chesapeake Bay in the early morning hours when the water's still calm and the fish are hungry. Our 4-hour morning charter with Havoc Charters puts you right in the heart of some of the best fishing the Bay has to offer. This isn't just any fishing trip – it's your chance to target some serious species while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere that works perfectly for both seasoned anglers and kids picking up a rod for the first time. The morning timing is pure gold, especially during those brutal summer months when the afternoon heat can make fishing downright miserable. Out here, you'll feel that cool breeze off the water while you're working the bottom for everything from feisty Spadefish to hard-fighting Cobia.
When you step aboard our vessel, you're getting a top-rated fishing experience that's been fine-tuned for the Chesapeake Bay's unique conditions. We keep our groups small – just 6 anglers max – so everyone gets plenty of room to fish and personal attention from our crew. The Bay's structure is perfect for bottom fishing, and that's exactly what we'll be doing. You'll be dropping lines near underwater ledges, around bridge pilings, and over those sweet spots where the fish like to congregate. The water clarity here is usually good enough that you can sometimes spot schools of baitfish getting worked by predators below. Don't worry about experience level – our crew will get you rigged up with the right tackle and show you the techniques that work best in these waters. Kids absolutely love this style of fishing because the action can be steady, and there's always something different that might grab your bait.
Bottom fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is all about reading the structure and putting your bait where the fish are feeding. We'll be using circle hooks with fresh bait – usually cut squid, bloodworms, or fresh chunks of fish depending on what we're targeting that day. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig down to the bottom, reel up a couple cranks to get just off the structure, and wait for that telltale tap or steady pull that means fish on. The Bay's tidal flow is key to success here, and our crew knows exactly when and where to position the boat to take advantage of moving water that gets the fish active. You'll be using medium-heavy tackle that can handle anything from 2-pound Kingfish up to those bruiser Cobia that can push 30 pounds or more. We provide all the gear, but if you've got your own favorite rod and reel combo, bring it along – just make sure your drag is smooth because some of these Bay fish will test it.
The Spadefish around here are absolute customer favorites, and for good reason. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure during summer months, especially near bridge pilings and artificial reefs. What makes them so fun is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and generally give you a workout on light tackle. The best part? When you find one Spadefish, there are usually plenty more where that came from.
Redfish are the Bay's premier inshore gamefish, and hooking into one is something every angler should experience. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in our waters and are known for their bulldogging fights that'll make your arms burn. They're most active during the warmer months, feeding aggressively on crabs and baitfish along the bottom. Redfish have this habit of making long, powerful runs when hooked, and their stamina is legendary among Bay anglers.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can turn a good day into an amazing one. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks, but they sure look like them) can reach impressive sizes in the Bay – we've seen them over 40 pounds on our charters. They're curious fish that will sometimes come right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing. Cobia are seasonal visitors, typically showing up in late spring and hanging around through early fall, and they're renowned for their fighting ability and excellent table fare.
Tautog, or "tog" as the locals call them, are the Bay's bulldogs. These black and gray fish might not be much to look at, but they're prized for their incredible eating quality and their ability to break off inexperienced anglers. They hang tight to structure – rocks, pilings, and wrecks – and when hooked, they'll try to get back to that structure as fast as possible. Tog fishing requires patience and the right technique, but landing a keeper-sized fish is always worth the effort.
Spanish Mackerel bring speed and excitement to Bay fishing. These silvery speedsters are built for one thing: going fast. When schools of Spanish Mackerel move through, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups and screaming drags. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they bite aggressively and put up a fun fight without being too overwhelming. Plus, they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
This morning charter represents world-class fishing in one of the East Coast's most productive estuaries. You're getting professional guidance, quality equipment, and access to fishing spots that consistently produce results. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect – long enough to get into some serious fish but not so long that kids get restless or the summer heat becomes unbearable. Whether you're a local angler looking to explore new waters or a visitor wanting to experience what the Chesapeake Bay is famous for, this trip delivers the goods. Our crew's knowledge of these waters combined with the Bay's incredible diversity of species means you're virtually guaranteed to have bent rods and fish in the cooler.
Step aboard our beautifully restored 38-foot Post 42 Sportfish for your Chesapeake Bay fishing adventure! This classic sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2022 and runs on twin 380HP Cummins engines that'll cruise you to the best fishing spots at 29 knots. Perfect for families and beginners, she's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate those Gray Trout and Flounder hotspots, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from reeling in Kingfish and Sharks, relax in the air-conditioned cabin or grab a snack from the galley. With a comfortable bed, private head, and wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on fish quietly, this boat makes your morning on the Bay both productive and comfortable. Built for serious fishing but family-friendly enough for the kids to learn the ropes.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the Bay's brown sharks that aren't actually sharks - they're aggressive predators that average 30-50 pounds and can hit 6 feet long. These solitary hunters cruise around buoys, channel markers, and structure in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration from May through July brings the best chances, especially during spawning season. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's prized by restaurants. They'll hit bucktail jigs, topwater plugs, and live bait with authority. Since they're usually alone rather than in schools, each fish is a trophy. Here's what works: when you spot one cruising the surface, get ahead of it and drop a 4-6 oz bucktail jig right in its path.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of the Bay's most sought-after species, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 28-33 inches and can push 50 pounds in deeper water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but summer mornings are productive too. What guests love most is the explosive topwater strikes and powerful runs these fish make. They're also fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in the shallows, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle naturally.
Chaetodipterus FaberSpadefish are some of the most unique-looking fish you'll encounter in the Bay. These silver, disc-shaped beauties with dark stripes typically run 3-10 pounds and 18 inches, though we've seen some push 14 pounds. They love hanging around structures like wrecks, reefs, and pier pilings in 15-60 feet of water. What makes them special is how they school up - sometimes 500 fish in one group. They put up a solid fight for their size and are excellent eating. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're most active. Here's a local trick: cast past the school with clam bait on a small circle hook, then drag it through the group. They're curious fish and will often follow the bait before striking.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give your drag a workout. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, but they're incredibly fast swimmers. Look for schools near the surface around structure, grass beds, and channel edges in 10-30 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they're actively feeding. What makes them popular is their aggressive strikes on small lures and their excellent eating quality - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. They travel in large schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The key is using light tackle with small silver spoons or jigs. When you see birds diving, head that way - they're likely feeding on the same baitfish the mackerel want.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are the Bay's tough guys - thick, muscular fish that love rocky structure and put up a stubborn fight. Most run 1-3 pounds, but some reach 10+ pounds around the bridge pilings and rock piles. They're homebodies that rarely stray far from their chosen structure, making them predictable targets. Fall and early spring offer the best action when they're most active. What anglers love is the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. They're also excellent eating with sweet, white meat. The trick is using fresh green crab bait and feeling for that subtle tap-tap bite. Keep your rod tip high and set the hook quickly, then muscle them away from the rocks before they wrap you up.
Richmond