Deale MD Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour afternoon Chesapeake Bay fishing adventure with dinner timingTarget Striped Bass, Croaker, Bluefish, and Black Drum speciesAll equipment provided by Captain Shawn for 6 guests
Captain Shawn runs one of the top-rated afternoon fishing charters out of Deale, Maryland, and there's a good reason anglers keep coming back season after season. This 6-hour PM trip takes you into the heart of Chesapeake Bay's most productive inshore and nearshore waters, where the fishing stays hot well into the evening hours. You'll be targeting some of the bay's most sought-after species while enjoying the cooler temperatures and calmer conditions that make afternoon fishing so appealing. With all tackle and equipment provided, you just need to show up with your drinks and snacks ready for a memorable day on the water.
This isn't your typical morning grind – we're talking about a customer favorite afternoon departure that lets you sleep in and still get your fishing fix. Captain Shawn knows these Chesapeake Bay waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different spots, try various techniques, and really dial in what the fish are wanting that day. The boat holds up to 6 guests, so you've got room for the crew without feeling crowded when everyone's fighting fish at the same time. Best part? You'll be back at the dock just in time for dinner, hopefully with enough fresh fillets to make it a feast.
Captain Shawn comes prepared with everything you need to put fish in the cooler. We're talking about a mix of bottom fishing, trolling, and casting depending on what's biting and where we find the schools. The inshore waters around Deale offer perfect structure for bottom rigs when we're after croaker and black drum, while the nearshore areas open up trolling opportunities for stripers and blues. Light tackle spinning gear handles most situations, but don't be surprised if we break out the heavier rods when the big striped bass are prowling. All bait, tackle, and equipment are included in your trip, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or figuring out what the fish want – just focus on setting the hook and reeling them in.
White perch might not be the biggest fighters in the bay, but they're absolute table fare champions and perfect for getting everyone on the boat into fish. These scrappy little guys school up tight and once you find them, it's often non-stop action with multiple hookups. They're most active during the warmer months and love hanging around structure in 10-20 feet of water. Spanish mackerel bring speed and flash to your fishing day – these torpedo-shaped predators hit fast and fight hard for their size. They typically show up in late spring through early fall, and when they're around, you'll know it by the explosive strikes and screaming drags. Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the Chesapeake, known for their razor-sharp teeth and no-quit attitude. These fish travel in schools and when you find them feeding, it's game on with bent rods and smoking reels. Black drum are the heavyweights that test your tackle and your back – these bottom dwellers can push 20-30 pounds and provide a serious tug-of-war that gets everyone's attention. Striped bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided rockets can range from schoolie size up to trophy proportions, and they're always ready to put up a world-class fight whether you hook them on the surface or down deep.
If you're looking for a renowned afternoon fishing experience that combines productive waters, expert guidance, and the perfect timing to end your day with fresh fish on the table, this Deale charter delivers exactly that. Captain Shawn's local knowledge and fully equipped boat take the guesswork out of your fishing trip, while the 6-hour format gives you the best of both worlds – serious fishing time without burning your entire day. The Chesapeake Bay's diverse fishery means there's always something biting, and with species ranging from fast-hitting spanish mackerel to heavyweight black drum, every cast holds potential. Don't wait until the prime dates fill up – this trending afternoon departure is becoming the go-to choice for anglers who want their fishing and their evening plans too.
Step aboard the 46' Markley pilothouse and head out into the rich waters of Chesapeake Bay for some serious fishing action. This solid 2007-built vessel packs a 490HP Cummins engine that'll cruise at 23 knots, getting you to the productive fishing grounds quickly. Captain Shawn knows exactly where to find the stripers, croaker, bluefish, and black drum that call these waters home. The boat's fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. When the wind picks up or visibility drops, the onboard radar ensures safe navigation back to port. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking the fish. Between catching dinner, you can enjoy the multimedia system and appreciate the spacious pilothouse design that keeps everyone comfortable during the 6-hour afternoon trip. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, so you can maximize your time with lines in the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some real monsters pushing 50+. They're bottom feeders that love oyster beds, muddy flats, and around pier pilings where they crunch crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up, though the bigger ones eat better as chicken than fish. The sweet spot for eating is under 15 pounds. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so you need to get your bait right on the bottom. Best advice: use fresh crab bait on a fish-finder rig and be patient - when they pick it up, they'll usually run with it.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are some of the most aggressive predators in the bay, running anywhere from small "snappers" to 15+ pounders. They travel in schools and go into feeding frenzies that'll churn the water white. You'll find them around bait schools, structure, and moving water throughout our inshore areas. Summer into fall is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is the hard fight - they'll make screaming runs and never give up easy. The smaller ones are great eating with flaky white meat. Be careful handling them though - those teeth are like razors and they'll bite anything near their mouth. My go-to trick is using wire leaders with cut bait or spoons, and always have pliers handy when unhooking.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that show up in our waters during the warmer months. They typically run 1-2 feet long and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structure and bait pods - look for birds diving. They're incredibly fast swimmers that love to chase bait, making for exciting top-water action. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that grills up perfect. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit their sweet spot. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Best tip I can give: when you see them busting bait on the surface, get a spoon or small jig in there fast - they'll hit it hard but won't stick around long.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, running from schoolies around 18 inches up to real cows pushing 40+ pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love drop-offs, points, and areas with good current flow. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active, though we catch them year-round. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make long runs and use their weight against you. The meat is outstanding with sweet, flaky white flesh that's perfect for the dinner table. These fish are smart and can be picky about bait presentation. My best tip: focus on dawn and dusk around moving water, use live bait when possible, and don't rush the hookset - let them take it and run before you swing.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are a reliable catch here in the bay, usually running 7-10 inches and under a pound. Despite the name, they're actually part of the bass family. You'll find them in our brackish waters around structure and drop-offs, especially during spring when they school up to spawn. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit bloodworms, small jigs, and minnows pretty readily. What makes them fun is they often come in doubles - once you find one, there's usually more around. The meat's decent eating on the smaller ones. Pro tip: when you locate a school, work the area thoroughly with multiple hooks since they tend to stick together. They're perfect for getting kids into fishing since they bite consistently and aren't too picky about technique.
Chesapeake Bay