5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Fishing Trip - Chesapeake Bay
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour inshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesAll fishing gear and equipment provided by experienced crewCaptain Gary Bramble guides groups up to six guests
Looking for a serious day of fishing that actually delivers? Captain Gary Bramble and the crew at Maryanne Fishing Charters know exactly where to find the fish in Chesapeake Bay. This isn't your typical tourist trip – it's a legitimate 7-hour fishing adventure that gives you real time to work the water and fill the cooler. The Bay's got a reputation for a reason, and with all your tackle and gear included, you can focus on what matters most: getting your line tight and landing some quality fish.
Seven hours on the Chesapeake gives you plenty of opportunity to hit multiple spots and adapt to what's biting. Captain Gary knows these waters like the back of his hand – every structure, every current break, every honey hole that produces fish season after season. You'll be fishing for some of the Bay's most sought-after species: Spanish Mackerel, Black Drum, Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Sea Trout. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets space to work without getting in each other's way. No need to stress about bringing rods, reels, or tackle – everything's provided and ready to go. Just show up with your fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and be ready to put in some real fishing time.
The beauty of fishing the Chesapeake is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the day. Depending on conditions and what's showing up on the fish finder, you might be working live bait around structure for Striped Bass, trolling for Spanish Mackerel when they're running, or bottom fishing for Black Drum around oyster bars. Captain Gary reads the water constantly – watching for bird activity, bait schools, and tide changes that signal where the fish are feeding. The crew will get you set up with the right rig for each situation, whether that's a simple bottom rig with circle hooks, a trolling spread, or casting gear for when the fish are busting on top. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish bite and just dragging bottom, how to work a fish without losing it at the boat, and why timing your hook set makes all the difference.
"We've fished with Captain Gary several times, and each trip he goes above and beyond to find us the fish. Fantastic catches and an amazing day on the water every time. We're already looking forward to our next adventure!" - Kevin. "Incredibly friendly team who worked tirelessly to get us on the fish. It was a fantastic day on the water!" - Sterns
Spanish Mackerel are pure fun on light tackle – these silver bullets hit hard and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They typically show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, feeding aggressively on small baitfish. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but their speed and fight make them feel much bigger. They're also excellent table fare, and Captain Gary can point you toward the best preparation methods. Look for them around structure and temperature breaks, especially when the water's in the 70s.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range from schoolie size up to true cows pushing 30+ pounds. They're structure-oriented and follow the bait, so you'll often find them around bridge pilings, channel edges, and rocky areas. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer fishing can be outstanding early and late in the day. There's nothing quite like watching your rod double over when a big Striper decides your bait looks like dinner.
Black Drum are the Bay's bulldogs – not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon. They love oyster bars, mud flats, and areas with current flow. Best fishing is typically spring through fall, and they respond well to fresh bait like blue crab or clams. The fight is all power – no jumping or fancy moves, just steady, determined pulls that test your gear.
Bluefish earn their reputation as some of the most aggressive feeders in the Bay. When they're in feeding mode, they'll hit almost anything that moves. These toothy predators travel in schools and can provide non-stop action when you locate them. They're excellent fighters that will jump, run, and generally make your day more exciting. Size varies from snapper blues perfect for kids to larger fish that can reach 10+ pounds. Just watch those teeth when handling them.
Sea Trout add finesse fishing to your day – these fish require a bit more subtlety than some of the other species. They're typically found in grass beds and shallow areas, feeding on small baitfish and shrimp. The strikes can be subtle, so you'll need to pay attention to your rod tip. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spotted patterns and provide excellent light-tackle action. Best fishing is usually during warmer months in areas with good grass cover and moving water.
Captain Gary and Maryanne Fishing Charters have built their reputation on consistently putting clients on fish. Seven hours gives you real fishing time – not just a quick trip around the harbor. With all gear provided and a captain who knows where to find the fish, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. The Chesapeake Bay offers some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast, and this trip gives you access to all of it. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to fish new waters, this is the kind of trip that creates lasting memories and keeps you coming back for more.
Step aboard the 40' Robbins Pilothouse, a classic 1987 vessel that's been completely restored and ready to take you into Chesapeake Bay's best fishing waters. This proven fishing machine runs on a powerful 500HP Cummins engine that'll cruise at 32 knots, getting your group of up to 6 anglers to the hotspots fast. The pilothouse design keeps you protected from the elements while still giving you easy access to the action when fish start biting. Captain Gary's got this boat dialed in for serious fishing with GPS and fish finder technology to locate those Spanish Mackerel, Black Drum, Stripers, and Blues. The onboard refrigerator and icebox keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 7-hour trip. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin or use the onboard facilities. With radar for safe navigation and all fishing gear provided, you can focus on what matters most – getting your lines wet and filling the cooler in one of the East Coast's most productive fishing grounds.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavy hitters of the Bay, with fish ranging from schoolie-size 5-pounders to real bulls over 30 pounds. These gray-black bottom dwellers have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. Look for them around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and shallow muddy flats, usually in 5-20 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. They're bulldogs on the rod - not fast but incredibly strong with that head-shaking power. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Here's what works: use fresh blue crab or clam on a fish-finder rig, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, wait a second before setting the hook.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that average 3-10 pounds in the Bay, though we catch some pushing 15. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in schools from shallow flats to 30-foot channels, especially around baitfish concentrations. Summer and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. Blues fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that keep things exciting. The smaller "snappers" are fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat, while larger fish have stronger flavor. My tip: watch for bird activity and surface disturbances - when blues are feeding, they churn the water white. Use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout as most folks know them, are beautiful spotted fish that typically run 12-18 inches in the Bay. These silvery fighters with black spots love grass beds and shallow flats, especially in 3-8 feet of water around creek mouths and drop-offs. They're most active during warmer months from May through October, feeding best at dawn and dusk. Sea Trout have a soft mouth so they fight with quick darts rather than long runs, but they're scrappy and fun on light tackle. The meat is delicate and delicious - white, flaky, and mild-flavored. Here's a local secret: fish the grass edges at first light with a popping cork and live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it slow with gentle twitches.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are sleek silver fish with yellowish spots that typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 2-8 pounds in the Bay. These speed demons love warm water and show up best from late spring through early fall when water temps climb above 70°F. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structure - bridge pilings, channel edges, and drop-offs. They're absolute rockets when hooked, making blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent eating with a mild flavor that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds working baitfish, get there fast. Spanish Mackerel often feed just below the commotion, and a small spoon or jig cast into the frenzy usually gets hammered immediately.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass, or "Rockfish" as we call them locally, are the Bay's premier gamefish. These silver beauties with distinctive black stripes typically run 18-28 inches here, though we see plenty of bigger fish in spring and fall. They love structure - channel edges, underwater points, and around bridge pilings in 10-40 feet of water. Peak season runs April through June and September through November when they're migrating. Stripers are fantastic fighters with strong runs and head shakes, plus they're prime eating with sweet, flaky white meat. The Chesapeake is their nursery, so we see great numbers year-round. Pro tip: fish the tide changes around structure with live spot or cut bait on the bottom - that's when they really turn on.
5.0 out of 5.0We've fished with Captain Gary several times, and each trip he goes above and beyond to find us the fish. Fantastic catches and an...
Incredibly friendly team who worked tirelessly to get us on the fish. It was a fantastic day on the water!
Chesapeake Bay