12-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip in Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore trip targets Tuna, Marlin, and Wahoo speciesDeparts 5:00 AM, travels 40 miles offshore with 6-guest capacityIncludes deep sea trolling, bottom fishing, and heavy tackle techniques
Get ready for a serious day of offshore fishing that'll push you 40 miles out into the deep blue waters beyond Chesapeake Bay. This isn't your typical inshore striper trip – we're talking about a full 12-hour adventure targeting some of the most prized gamefish swimming in Atlantic waters. Starting before dawn at 5:00 AM, you'll join up to 5 other anglers aboard our well-equipped charter boat for what many consider the ultimate Virginia fishing experience. The boat ride out takes about an hour and a half, giving you time to rig up, grab some coffee, and watch the sun come up over the horizon. Once we hit the offshore grounds, it's game on for tuna, wahoo, mahi, and whatever else decides to bite.
This trip is designed for anglers who want to experience world-class offshore fishing without the hassle of organizing everything themselves. We handle all the logistics – from finding the fish to cleaning your catch at the end of the day. The 20% gratuity we mention covers your mate services, and trust me, these guys earn every penny. They'll be rigging lines, gaffing fish, keeping the deck clean, and making sure you're always ready for the next bite. We accommodate up to 6 guests, which keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded. Everyone gets plenty of rod time, and there's enough space to fight a big fish without getting tangled up with other lines. The boat is equipped with top-rated electronics, so we're not just running blind out there – we're using fish finders, GPS, and temperature gauges to put you on the most productive water possible.
Offshore fishing means we're using a variety of methods depending on what we're seeing out there. Trolling is our bread and butter – we'll have multiple lines out with different lures and baits, covering water and looking for that telltale zing of a reel screaming. When we mark fish on the bottom machine, we switch to heavy tackle and drop down with jigs or bait. Bottom fishing comes into play when we're over structure or wrecks where bigger fish like to hang out. The tackle we use isn't your typical freshwater gear – we're talking heavy action rods, high-capacity reels, and line that can handle a 200-pound tuna making a run for the horizon. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all the techniques; our crew will walk you through everything and make sure you're comfortable with the gear before the action starts. Deep sea fishing requires different skills than inshore work, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding when you connect with a big fish.
Let's talk about what's swimming out there and why each species will get your heart pumping. Yellowfin tuna are the crown jewel of our offshore trips, and for good reason. These fish are built like torpedoes and fight like they're shot out of a cannon. Most yellowfins we see range from 30 to 80 pounds, but don't let the smaller end of that range fool you – even a 30-pound yellowfin will test your endurance and technique. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, and they travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. The meat is phenomenal, and there's nothing quite like fresh yellowfin sashimi made from a fish you just caught yourself.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as some old-timers call them, are probably the most fun fish you'll encounter on this trip. They're acrobatic fighters that jump, shake their heads, and put on a real show when hooked. Mahi are also some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean – brilliant gold and green colors that seem to glow when they first come out of the water. They're typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit trolled baits and lures. Size-wise, we see everything from schoolie mahi around 10 pounds up to bull dolphins pushing 40 or 50 pounds. The bigger bulls have that distinctive square head and are real tackle-busters.
Wahoo are speed demons that can hit a trolled bait at 50 miles per hour, and when they do, you'll know it instantly. The initial run from a wahoo is unlike anything else – your reel will sound like it's going to explode, and you better have a good grip on that rod. These fish are built for speed with torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth that can cut through wire if you're not careful. Wahoo are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. They're more solitary than tuna or mahi, so hooking one is always special. We typically see wahoo in the 20 to 60-pound range, with the occasional monster pushing 80 pounds or more.
Bigeye tuna are the heavyweight champions of our offshore waters. These fish can grow massive – we're talking about fish that can exceed 200 pounds and fight for hours. Bigeyes are typically found in deeper water and are more active during low-light conditions, which is why starting early gives us the best shot at them. They're incredibly strong fish with broad shoulders and the stamina to make multiple long runs. Catching a big bigeye is a team effort – you'll need help from the crew and probably some coaching to land one successfully. The meat quality on bigeyes is outstanding, with a rich, red color that's prized by sushi chefs.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest tuna species we target, but they make up for size with attitude. These fish are scrappy fighters that are perfect for lighter tackle when conditions allow. Blackfins typically run from 5 to 25 pounds and are often found in schools, so you can have non-stop action when
This fully restored 36-foot Luhrs sportfisher is your ticket to serious offshore action in Chesapeake Bay waters. Twin Caterpillar 420HP engines push this beauty to 24 knots, getting you and 5 fellow anglers to the prime fishing grounds 40 miles out where the big pelagics roam. The 2021 restoration shows in every detail - from the reliable radar and GPS that'll navigate you through any conditions, to the fish finder that'll mark those tuna schools. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable between hookups, while the full galley and icebox handle meals and cold drinks during your 12-hour hunt for yellowfin, marlin, and wahoo. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, and there's plenty of deck space for fighting fish and working multiple lines. Whether you're trolling the temperature breaks or dropping baits deep, this Luhrs has the stability and power to handle whatever the Atlantic throws at you.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye tuna are the night shift workers of the tuna family, with those huge eyes built for hunting in deep, dim water. These powerhouse fish typically run 100-300 pounds and dive down to 800+ feet, using their unique blood chemistry to handle low-oxygen depths. We target them year-round, but dawn and dusk are prime time when they move up to feed. What sets them apart is their incredible stamina and the premium sushi-grade meat that rivals bluefin in quality. They're a serious test of angler and equipment. Best approach is trolling dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range just before sunset - that's when they start their upward migration to hunt.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you - they punch way above their weight class. Most run 15-25 pounds and rarely exceed 39 inches, but they're absolute fighters with sharp eyesight and quick reflexes. We find them in warm offshore waters over 68°F, usually spring through fall along the continental shelf. What guests love is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - darker meat than yellowfin but incredibly flavorful. They school up tight, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Scale down your tackle with fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks - these fish are smart and leader-shy in clear water.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll hook out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. We typically find them around 15-29 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. They love floating debris and weed lines in warm offshore waters, usually in the top 100 feet. Best fishing is late spring through fall when water temps rise above 68°F. What makes them special is their aggressive strike, acrobatic fight, and excellent table fare - mild, sweet meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area because they often travel in small schools.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting 60 mph and making blistering runs that'll test your drag. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet but can stretch over 8, with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern and razor-sharp teeth. We find them in open blue water around 40+ miles out, often near temperature breaks and current edges. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're feeding aggressively. Anglers love them for the lightning-fast strikes and that delicate, flaky white meat - some say it's the best eating fish in the ocean. My advice: run wire leaders and troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving lures to trigger those explosive strikes.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our tuna fishing, with those signature bright yellow fins and torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed. Most fish we see run 40-100 pounds, though 200+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise the upper water column out in blue water, often with dolphins or around floating debris. Peak season runs May through October when they're actively feeding near the surface. These fish are prized for their powerful runs, jumping ability, and that premium red meat perfect for sushi or searing. They're spawning machines that fight hard to the boat. Key tip: when the bite gets tough, try chunking with whatever baitfish are around - it'll often pull them up from the depths.
Chesapeake