Chesapeake Beach Charter Fishing | 8HR Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targets striped bass and bluefishMary Lou Too Charters accommodates up to six guestsChesapeake Beach waters offer Spanish mackerel and white perch
Looking for a solid day of fishing on the Chesapeake? Mary Lou Too Charters runs full-day 8-hour trips out of Chesapeake Beach that consistently put anglers on fish. We keep our groups small at just 6 guests max, so you'll get plenty of elbow room and personal attention from our experienced captain. The waters around Chesapeake Beach hold some of the best mixed-bag fishing on the mid-Atlantic coast, with four different species that'll keep your rod bent and the action steady all day long.
Your day starts early at the Chesapeake Beach marina, where you'll meet Captain and get the rundown on the day's game plan. We'll head out into the productive waters of the Chesapeake Bay, targeting structure and current breaks where the fish like to hang. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – you might start the morning working over a school of breaking stripers, then switch gears midday to pick apart some deeper structure for white perch. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on what the fish are telling us. You'll spend most of your time actively fishing, with moves between spots when the action slows. The 8-hour format gives us plenty of time to work different areas and techniques, so even if one bite is slow, we've got options.
All your fishing gear is included, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. We run a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what we're targeting. For stripers, we'll often troll umbrella rigs or work live bait around structure. When the bluefish are fired up, we might switch to casting metals or running smaller spoons. White perch fishing usually means working bottom rigs with cut bait around deeper structure, while Spanish mackerel respond well to small jigs and spoons worked through the water column. Our tackle is maintained and matched to the species we're after – medium-heavy spinning gear for most situations, with lighter setups when finesse is needed. We keep a good selection of lures and fresh bait on board, and our captain will get you rigged up and show you the techniques that work best in these waters.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish average 18-28 inches in our waters, with bigger ones always possible. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily during their migrations, but summer fish can be found around deeper structure and current lines. What makes stripers special is their aggressive strikes and strong runs – they'll test your drag and give you a real battle on the way to the boat. The meat is excellent too, making them a favorite for the dinner table.
Bluefish bring pure excitement to any fishing trip with their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive attitudes. These voracious predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They average 2-6 pounds in the Chesapeake, with larger choppers showing up in late summer and early fall. Bluefish hit hard and fight dirty, making screaming runs and trying every trick to throw the hook. They're most active during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk when they push baitfish to the surface in spectacular feeding frenzies.
White Perch might be smaller than the other species we target, but they make up for size with numbers and eating quality. These silvery fighters average 8-12 inches and are found around deeper structure throughout the warmer months. They're perfect for kids and light-tackle enthusiasts, offering steady action when other species are finicky. White perch are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry. They often school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can usually count on filling the cooler.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the Chesapeake, with lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps that'll keep you on your toes. These beautiful fish show up in summer months, typically running 12-18 inches with distinctive yellow spots along their sides. They're found in open water and around channel edges, often feeding near the surface on small baitfish. Spanish mackerel are prized for their excellent eating quality – their meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling or smoking. When they're biting, the action can be fast and furious.
An 8-hour charter with Mary Lou Too Charters gives you the full Chesapeake Bay fishing experience, with enough time to work multiple species and techniques. Our small group size means you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of chances to get on the fish. The variety of species keeps things interesting all day, whether you're after a trophy striper for the wall or a mess of white perch for the table. With all gear included and an experienced captain who knows how to find fish, you just need to show up ready to have a great day on the water. Book your trip today and see why anglers keep coming back to fish the productive waters around Chesapeake Beach.
Meet the Mary Lou Too, your ticket to prime Chesapeake Bay fishing grounds! This reliable 46ft Markley center console has been working these waters since 1999, powered by a sturdy Cummins engine that'll get you to the fish at a steady 17 knots. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails while targeting striped bass, bluefish, and spanish mackerel. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a head onboard for those long 8-hour trips. Captain and crew know exactly where to find the action in these productive bay waters, so grab your tackle and get ready for some serious rod-bending fun!
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators with an attitude - they'll hit hard and fight harder. Running up to 20 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and a blue-green back, they're built for speed and destruction. You'll find them in schools around structure, surf zones, and open water, especially during summer months. They're known for their "blitz" feeding frenzies where they'll attack baitfish like a washing machine. Guests love the brutal strikes and strong runs these fish deliver. When fresh and properly bled, they're excellent eating despite their reputation. Pro tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through mono like butter. When you hook into a school, work fast - they'll stick around if you keep the action going.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are pure speed demons - sleek, silver rockets with yellow spots that'll make your reel sing. They typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, traveling in schools near the surface. Summer and early fall bring the best action when they move through our waters chasing baitfish. What anglers love is their blazing runs and acrobatic jumps once hooked. They're also top-notch table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Here's what works: troll shiny spoons or cast small jigs around structure. When you see them busting bait on top, drift toward the school quietly - spook them and they'll disappear fast.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silver fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see plenty of smaller schoolies and the occasional 50+ pounder. They love structure - around bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky bottom near shore. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during migration. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling drag and making runs that'll test your arms. Plus they're fantastic eating with that sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working the surface, get your lines in fast - stripers are probably pushing baitfish up from below.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch might be small - usually 7-10 inches and under a pound - but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Despite the name, they're actually part of the bass family and you'll find them in the brackish waters around Chesapeake Beach year-round. Spring is when they really shine, moving into shallow areas to spawn when water hits 50-60°F. Guests love them because they're willing biters and great for kids or anyone wanting steady action. They school up tight, so when you find one, you'll likely catch several more. My trick? Use a multi-hook rig with bloodworms and let it settle before giving it a little jig - they can't resist chasing.
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