Full Day Chesapeake Bay Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targets Bull Red Drum, Cobia, and Striped BassAccommodates up to 4 guests with flexible inshore fishing approachCaptain Ron provides booking confirmation at 7174464218
When you're serious about landing trophy fish in the Chesapeake Bay, you need a full day on the water to make it happen. JLS Light Tackle Guide Service LLC knows that the biggest fish don't always bite on a schedule, and that's exactly why their full-day charters give you the time and flexibility to chase whatever's running hot. Whether you're after monster Bull Red Drum, hefty Cobia, or scrappy Striped Bass, Captain Ron will put you on the fish when they're feeding. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – it's a proper fishing trip where you can settle in, learn the water, and really dial in on what's working.
Your full-day charter kicks off early, giving you prime time to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. Captain Ron's approach is all about reading the water and the fish – if the Striped Bass are schooling up in one area, you'll work them hard. If the Cobia start showing up around structure later in the day, that's where you'll be. The beauty of a full-day trip is having enough time to really explore what the Chesapeake has to offer without feeling rushed. You'll cover serious ground, from shallow flats where Red Drum cruise to deeper channels where the big Stripers hang out. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, so you've got plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Ron will have you dialed in on the right techniques for whatever species you're targeting, and he's not shy about switching things up if the bite slows down.
JLS Light Tackle Guide Service lives up to its name by focusing on light tackle fishing that puts you directly in touch with every head shake and run. You'll be working everything from soft plastics on jig heads for Red Drum to live bait rigs for Cobia, depending on what's producing. The Chesapeake Bay's structure-rich environment means you'll be fishing around oyster bars, channel edges, and grass beds where predator fish set up to ambush baitfish. Captain Ron will have you casting to visible fish when possible, or working the electronics to stay on top of schools when they're holding deeper. The light tackle approach means even a 20-inch Striper feels like a real fight, and when you hook into a 40-pound Bull Red or a boat-side Cobia, you'll understand why serious Bay anglers prefer this style of fishing. Live spot, blue crabs, and various artificial lures all have their place in the arsenal, and you'll learn when and where each one shines.
Striped Bass remain the Chesapeake Bay's most famous residents, and for good reason. These silvery fighters range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for action to trophy specimens pushing 30-plus inches. Spring and fall offer the best chances at big Stripers as they migrate through the Bay, though resident fish provide steady action throughout the warmer months. Stripers are aggressive feeders that will hit everything from topwater plugs to deep-running soft plastics, and their powerful runs make them a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts.
Red Drum, locally known as "Bull Reds," are the Bay's heavyweight champions when they show up in size. These copper-colored bruisers can exceed 40 inches and will test your drag system to its limits. Summer and early fall bring the best Red Drum fishing, especially around structure and in the shallows where they root for crabs and baitfish. Their initial run when hooked is legendary, and their stamina means you'll be fighting them for several minutes on light tackle.
Cobia are the Bay's most exciting seasonal visitors, showing up in late spring and summer when the water warms up. These chocolate-brown fish are curious by nature and will often follow the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart pumping. Cobia are strong fighters that dive deep and don't give up easily, plus they're excellent table fare. They typically range from 20 to 40 pounds in the Bay, making them a true trophy catch.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around, usually from late spring through early fall. These speedy fish school up and feed aggressively on small baitfish, creating fantastic light tackle opportunities. While they might not be the biggest fish in the Bay, their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights make them incredibly fun to catch, especially for anglers who love constant action.
Bluefish are the Bay's most aggressive predators, known for their razor-sharp teeth and voracious appetites. When Blues are feeding, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them, making for fast-paced fishing that's perfect when you want to bend rods all day. They're strong fighters that make long runs, and their aggressive nature means you're always in for some excitement when they're around.
A full-day charter with JLS Light Tackle Guide Service gives you the best shot at landing the fish you're really after in the Chesapeake Bay. Captain Ron's flexible approach means you're not locked into one technique or one species – you'll adapt and overcome whatever the Bay throws at you. The extended time on the water lets you really get into a rhythm and maximize your chances at trophy fish. Don't forget to call Captain Ron directly at 717-446-4218 to confirm your booking and discuss what species you're most interested in targeting. The Bay's fishing changes with the seasons and conditions, so talking with the captain beforehand ensures your trip is perfectly timed for what's biting best. Whether you're a seasoned Bay angler or new to these waters, this full-day adventure will show you why the Chesapeake consistently ranks as one of the East Coast's top fishing destinations.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the Bay's aggressive bullies that'll hit anything that moves. These hard-fighting fish run 2-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They roam open water and structure, often pushing baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies. Summer brings the best action, especially when you see birds diving and water churning. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and strong fights for their size. Fresh blues are actually great eating - mild and flaky when prepared right. Word of caution: use wire leaders and handle with care - those teeth will slice right through mono and your fingers. Watch for the telltale bird activity to find the feeding schools.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the Bay's big brown mystery fish that often get mistaken for sharks at first glance. These solitary hunters average 30-50 pounds and can stretch 4-5 feet long. Find them around buoys, channel markers, and deeper structure in 15-50 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move into the Bay to spawn. What makes them special is their curiosity - they'll actually follow your boat and investigate lures. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that grills perfectly. Here's the trick: when you spot one, don't spook it. Quietly drop a bucktail jig or crab right in front of them and be ready for a strong fight.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds are the bruisers of the Bay's shallow waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 28-45 inches and can push 50 pounds. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They love structure but aren't picky - mud bottoms, old pilings, anywhere baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights. They're also great table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: watch for their backs and tails breaking the surface in skinny water - they're easier to spot than you'd think.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These sleek silver rockets typically run 1-3 pounds and stretch 12-20 inches, covered in distinctive yellow spots. They travel in schools near the surface, often around structure and drop-offs. Summer and early fall bring the best action when water warms up. What guests love is the non-stop action - when you find a school, you'll catch fish on every cast. They're also surprisingly good eating despite being oily, especially when grilled or smoked fresh. Local trick: use small, fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs. Keep your retrieve quick and steady - these fish won't chase a slow-moving bait.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Bay's most famous fish, and for good reason. These powerful fighters average 20-40 pounds but can hit 50+ in our waters. You'll find them around structure - bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges - especially during their spring and fall migrations. They feed heavily at dawn and dusk when baitfish are active. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make strong runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working the surface, stripers are usually underneath feeding on the same baitfish. Cast right into the action.
Chesapeake Bay