Full Day Advanced Fishing Trip - Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour advanced charter targets four premier Chesapeake speciesExpert captain provides seasonal tactics and local hotspot knowledgeSmall group experience with professional tackle and crew support
If you're looking to step up your game and test your skills against some of Chesapeake Bay's most challenging species, Captain Gary Bramble's full-day charter is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical casual fishing trip – it's a focused 7-hour experience built for serious anglers who want to push their limits. You'll be targeting Spanish Mackerel, Black Drum, Bluefish, and the legendary Striped Bass that make these waters famous. The Mary Anne comes loaded with top-shelf tackle, so you can concentrate on reading the water and perfecting your technique instead of worrying about gear.
Captain Gary knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. This charter is designed for small groups – just 6 anglers max – which means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The crew stays dialed in to seasonal patterns and keeps tabs on the hot spots that are producing. You'll spend your day moving between different areas of the bay, adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you. Some days that means working the channel edges for stripers, other times you'll be chasing schools of breaking fish in the shallows. Gary's approach is all about adapting to conditions and using his years of experience to put you where the action is happening.
The beauty of fishing Chesapeake Bay is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the day. You might start by trolling umbrella rigs for stripers in deeper water, then switch to light tackle when you find Spanish Mackerel busting bait near the surface. Black Drum fishing often means bottom fishing with crab or clams around structure, while Bluefish can be caught on everything from topwater plugs to bucktails. Captain Gary and his crew will walk you through the nuances of each technique, from proper trolling speeds to reading your fishfinder for bottom structure. The Mary Anne is set up with quality rods and reels matched to each fishing style, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. You're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer, but the boat's equipment is designed specifically for Bay fishing and will handle anything you hook into.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit, and Chesapeake Bay's population has been strong in recent years. These fish typically run 1-3 pounds and are most active from late spring through early fall. They love fast-moving lures and will often hit trolled spoons or small jigs with authority. What makes them so fun is their speed – they'll strip line off your reel before you know what hit you. Black Drum are the powerhouses of the bay, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to true bulls pushing 40+ pounds. These fish are bottom dwellers that love structure, and once you hook one, you'll understand why they're called drum – they'll thump your rod tip and test your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring into summer when they move into shallower water to spawn.
Bluefish earn their reputation as some of the most aggressive predators in the bay. They'll attack lures with a ferocity that can catch even experienced anglers off guard. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're excellent table fare when handled properly and iced immediately. Striped Bass – the iconic striper – are what most serious Bay anglers dream about. These fish can range from schoolies in the 18-28 inch range up to trophy-class fish over 30 inches. They're smart, strong, and will test every aspect of your angling skills. The best part about striper fishing is the variety – you might catch them trolling deep structure one hour and casting topwater plugs to surface feeds the next.
Sea Trout round out the target species list and are often overlooked gems. These beautiful fish are excellent fighters on light tackle and have some of the best eating quality you'll find in the bay. They prefer grassy flats and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. Spring and fall are prime times when they move into the shallows to feed heavily.
This advanced charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when all these species are active in the bay. Captain Gary's reputation for putting serious anglers on quality fish speaks for itself, and the small group size means spots are limited. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, target a new species, or just spend a day fishing with someone who truly knows these waters, this trip delivers. The 7-hour format gives you time to try multiple techniques and locations without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your schedule is locked in before booking. If you're ready to fish with a captain who takes the sport as seriously as you do, this is the charter you've been looking for.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the Bay, with adults commonly hitting 20-50 pounds and some monsters topping 80. These bottom-dwellers cruise oyster bars, muddy flats, and deeper channels looking for crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season from April through June gives you the best shot when they school up in shallow water. What makes them special is the powerful, sustained fight - they use their bulk and stay deep, making you work for every inch. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the key: fish right on the bottom with fresh crab or clam, and when you feel that slow, heavy pull, don't rush the hookset. Let them take it and run.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish earn their reputation as aggressive fighters with razor-sharp teeth that can shred anything in their path. These muscular fish typically run 2-10 pounds in the Bay, though bigger ones push 15-20 pounds. Look for them around structure, channel edges, and wherever bait is thick - they love to ambush schools in 10-40 feet of water. Prime time is late spring through fall when they're feeding heavily before winter migration. What guests love is the vicious strike and bulldogging fight - these fish don't give up easy. They're excellent table fare when fresh, with flaky white meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and keep your fingers away from their mouth. When you find one bluefish, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call them here, are beautiful fish with spotted sides that typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds in the Bay. They love grass flats, shallow edges, and creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water, especially where there's some current flow. Best action happens in warmer months from late spring through early fall, with great night fishing when they move shallow to feed. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table fare - soft, white meat that's perfect pan-fried. They're also great for lighter tackle fun. Key tip: work soft plastics or live shrimp slowly along grass edges during moving water, and don't horse them - their mouths are soft.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are built for speed - these silvery rockets with yellow spots can hit 18 mph and travel in massive schools. Most run 1-2 feet and 2-8 pounds in the Bay. You'll find them near the surface around structure, channel edges, and drop-offs from late spring through early fall when water temps hit the 70s. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam spoons, small jigs, and live bait. What makes them fun is the screaming runs and acrobatic jumps - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds or bait getting pushed to the surface, get there fast and cast small silver spoons into the chaos.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the Bay's signature fish - those distinctive dark stripes make them unmistakable. Most fish run 20-40 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up regularly. They're structure-oriented, hanging around channel edges, bridge pilings, and drop-offs in 15-50 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily, though you can catch them year-round. What anglers love is the combination of power and endurance - they'll make long runs and fight all the way to the boat. Plus, they're top-shelf eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Local tip: focus on moving water during tide changes, especially around dawn and dusk. Live eels or large swimbaits worked near structure are deadly.
Chesapeake Bay