Charter Fishing Chesapeake Beach | 6HR Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour charter targeting Striped Bass and Spanish MackerelMorning and afternoon departure times available seasonallyProfessional inshore fishing with six-guest capacity maximum
Looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of Maryland's most sought-after fish? Mary Lou Too Charters has you covered with our 6-hour charter fishing trips right out of Chesapeake Beach. We've been putting folks on fish in these productive waters for years, and there's nothing quite like watching someone's face light up when they hook into their first keeper striped bass or feel that distinctive Spanish mackerel run. Our trips launch at either 6 AM or 1 PM depending on the season and what the fish are telling us – because let's be honest, they set the schedule, not us.
Six hours gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots and really dial in what's biting. We'll start by checking tide charts and recent reports, then head to our best producing areas based on current conditions. The Chesapeake Bay system around here is legendary for good reason – you've got structure, current breaks, grass beds, and drop-offs that hold fish year-round. Our boat handles six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family, a group of buddies, or flying solo with some new fishing partners, everyone gets room to work. We keep things relaxed but focused – no pressure, just good fishing and plenty of opportunities to learn some new tricks from local waters that have been producing for decades.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what's working and what species we're targeting. Live lining spot and white perch is deadly for striped bass, especially around structure and current edges. When the Spanish mackerel are running, we'll switch to light tackle with small spoons and jigs – these fish are speed demons and put up a fantastic fight on appropriate gear. For bluefish, we might troll umbrella rigs or work schools with topwater plugs when they're busting bait on the surface. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. We keep everything maintained and ready to go, from 6-foot spinning rods for the smaller species up to medium-heavy conventional setups when we're targeting bigger stripers.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste great, and can range anywhere from schoolie size up to genuine trophies pushing 30+ pounds. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but we catch them consistently through summer in deeper water and around structure. What makes them special is their intelligence – they'll test your drag, wrap you around pilings, and keep you honest every step of the way.
White perch might not get the glory, but they're one of the most reliable and tasty fish in the bay. These guys school up tight and once you find them, you can have steady action for hours. They hit everything from bottom rigs to small jigs, and they're perfect for kids or anyone wanting to feel that constant bend in the rod. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're fantastic eating.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and excitement to any trip. These fish show up in summer and early fall, usually in schools that can provide fast action once located. They'll hit small lures, spoons, and live bait with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up in a hurry. The fight is all about speed and direction changes – they're not the biggest fish in the bay, but pound-for-pound, they're tough to beat for pure fun.
Bluefish are the bay's ultimate opportunists and one of the most exciting species to target when they're feeding. These fish travel in schools and when they're on the bite, it's game on. They'll hit almost anything that moves, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. Summer and early fall are prime time, especially when they're pushing bait schools to the surface and creating those feeding frenzies that make for legendary fishing stories.
Six hours on the Chesapeake with experienced local guides, quality gear, and proven fishing spots – this is how you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish on the table, introduce someone new to the sport, or just spend a day doing what you love, Mary Lou Too Charters delivers the kind of authentic fishing experience that keeps people coming back season after season. The bay's always changing, the fish are always moving, and there's always something new to learn out there. Ready to get your lines wet?
Step aboard our reliable 46ft Markley center console and get ready to chase stripers, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel in the productive waters around Chesapeake Beach. This spacious bay boat has been putting anglers on fish since 1999, with room for your crew of 6 to spread out and work the rods comfortably. The Cummins engine gets us to the hot spots at a steady 17 knots, while our fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hide. With GPS and radar keeping us on course, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, you've got everything needed for a productive 6-hour fishing trip. The onboard facilities include a head for convenience during those long battles with trophy stripers. Whether you choose the early morning departure or afternoon trip, this proven fishing machine will put you right where the action is in the Chesapeake's most productive fishing grounds.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of the Bay - aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Most run 3-15 pounds with muscular bodies built for chasing baitfish. They show up in summer and stick around through fall, often creating feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitzes" where the water churns like a washing machine. You'll find them in open water, around structure, and pushing bait into shallow areas. What makes them exciting is their vicious strike and bulldog fight - they don't give up easy. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, with rich, flaky meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When we see birds diving and bait scattering on the surface, that's your cue - blues are feeding below.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in warmer months, typically measuring 1-2 feet and weighing 8-11 pounds. These silver bullets with yellow spots are some of the fastest fish we target, swimming in large schools near the surface. Late spring through early fall is prime time when water temperatures climb. What guests love about them is the sudden, screaming runs when they hit - your reel will sing. They're also outstanding table fare with mild, flaky meat that grills beautifully or makes great sushi. You'll find them around structure in open water or cruising the flats. Here's the key: when we spot a school, I'll drift toward them instead of running the boat right over - these fish spook easily. Use shiny spoons or live bait and be ready for that lightning-fast strike.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds here, with those signature dark stripes running down their silvery sides. They love structure - around pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges where baitfish gather. We catch them year-round, but spring and fall are peak times when they're feeding heavily during migration. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make powerful runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky white meat. Local tip: when we're fishing around the bridge pilings, let your bait drift naturally with the current rather than fighting it. The stripers position themselves to ambush prey flowing past, and a natural presentation gets more strikes than anything fancy.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch might be smaller fish, averaging 7-10 inches, but they make up for size with numbers and taste. Despite the name, they're actually in the bass family, which explains their scrappy fight. You'll find them in the brackish waters around creek mouths and shallow flats, especially during spring spawn when they school up thick. April through June is prime time when water hits that 50-60 degree sweet spot. Guests love them because they're easy to catch, kids can handle them well, and they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry. Here's a local trick: use a multi-hook rig with bloodworms or small minnows, and let your bait settle then jig it up slightly. They like to chase, so that little movement triggers strikes.
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