Full Day Guided Scenic Cruise And Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour guided cruise combining fishing with scenic bay viewsTarget Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Black Drum, and BluefishSmall group experience aboard fully equipped Mary Anne vessel
Captain Gary Bramble knows the Chesapeake Bay like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this legendary fishery keeps anglers coming back year after year. This isn't your typical hardcore fishing charter – it's a perfect blend of quality angling and soaking up the natural beauty that makes the Bay so special. You'll spend seven hours aboard the Mary Anne with a small group of fellow fishing enthusiasts, working the productive waters where Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Black Drum, Bluefish, and Sea Trout call home. The pace is relaxed, the scenery is top-rated, and the fishing speaks for itself.
The Mary Anne is set up for comfort and success, accommodating up to six guests who want a more intimate fishing experience. Captain Gary keeps things low-key but productive, moving between his favorite honey holes where the fish are most active. You'll cruise through some of the most scenic stretches of the Chesapeake, watching for osprey, dolphins, and other wildlife between fish. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle – everything you need to put fish in the cooler. Don't expect a rushed trip where you're constantly moving; this is about finding the right spots and working them properly. The seven-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to dial in on what's biting and really get into a groove.
Captain Gary runs a variety of techniques depending on what's happening with the tides and where the bait is showing up. Light tackle fishing is the name of the game here – think medium spinning rods with 15-20 pound test that gives you the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites but still has the backbone to handle a strong Striper run. You'll work everything from live bait presentations to casting small jigs and spoons around structure. The Bay's shallow flats and drop-offs create perfect ambush points, and Gary knows how to read the water and put you on fish. Trolling small umbrella rigs and spoons is deadly effective when the Spanish Mackerel are running, while bottom fishing with cut bait produces consistent action on Black Drum and Sea Trout. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
Spanish Mackerel are absolutely electric when they hit – these silver bullets show up in good numbers during the warmer months and provide non-stop action when you find a school. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, averaging 1-3 pounds but fighting way above their weight class. The best bite usually happens from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb into the 70s. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive nature – they'll absolutely crush small spoons and jigs, often hitting so hard they practically hook themselves. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when prepared fresh.
Bluefish are the bullies of the Chesapeake, and for good reason. These aggressive predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, making for some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. They range from small "snappers" perfect for kids to trophy-sized choppers pushing 10+ pounds. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the bigger fish often showing up during the cooler months. Bluefish are famous for their powerful runs and aerial displays, plus they're excellent smoked or grilled when fresh. Captain Gary knows the structure and current breaks where they ambush baitfish.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the Bay, offering a completely different fishing experience with their methodical, powerful fights. These bottom-dwellers can range from keeper-sized fish around 16 inches to massive bulls exceeding 40 pounds. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily on crabs and clams. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight – once hooked, they use their broad sides and sheer weight to test your tackle. They're also one of the most underrated eating fish in the Bay when prepared properly.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason – they're beautiful, powerful, and absolutely delicious. These silver-sided battlers can range from schoolie-sized fish around 18-20 inches to trophy rockfish exceeding 30 inches and 20+ pounds. The Bay serves as critical spawning habitat, so you'll encounter fish year-round with peak action typically during spring and fall migrations. Stripers are known for their explosive strikes and strong runs, often jumping when hooked. They're structure-oriented fish that love points, drop-offs, and areas with strong current flow.
Sea Trout bring a finesse element to Bay fishing that keeps things interesting throughout the trip. These spotted beauties prefer grass beds and sandy bottoms, typically running 12-18 inches with occasional fish pushing the 20-inch mark. They're most active during warmer months and provide excellent light-tackle action on small jigs and live bait. Sea Trout have a distinctive drumming sound they make underwater, and their delicate mouths require a gentle touch when fighting them. They're prized for their sweet, flaky meat and are considered one of the best eating fish in the Bay.
This trip delivers exactly what it promises – quality fishing combined with the natural beauty that makes the Chesapeake Bay a world-class destination. Captain Gary's local knowledge and relaxed approach create the perfect environment for couples, families, or small groups who want to experience the Bay's legendary fishing without the pressure of a hardcore charter. The seven-hour timeframe gives you real opportunity to get into fish while enjoying the scenic cruise between spots. With only six anglers maximum, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The Mary Anne is ready, Captain Gary knows where they're biting, and the fish are waiting – all
Step aboard the 40' Robbins "Mary Anne" for your Chesapeake Bay fishing adventure with Captain Gary Bramble. This classic pilothouse boat, originally built in 1987 and fully restored in 2019, cuts through the bay's waters with its powerful 500HP Cummins engine, reaching speeds up to 32 knots when you need to chase the fish. The spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for family trips or small groups looking to target Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Black Drum, and Bluefish. You'll appreciate the air conditioning during hot summer days, plus the icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots, while the onboard toilet adds convenience during your 7-hour journey. The Mary Anne combines old-school craftsmanship with today's technology, giving you a reliable platform for both serious angling and scenic cruising around one of America's most productive fishing waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the Bay, typically ranging 5-30 pounds with some real giants mixed in. These bottom-dwellers cruise oyster beds and muddy flats using those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. You'll find them in brackish areas where fresh water meets salt, especially around structure. Spring is prime time during spawning season when they school up and get more aggressive. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - they're not fast, but they'll test your drag with pure power. The smaller ones make great table fare, though the big boys are better released. My go-to tip: fresh blue crab on a bottom rig near oyster bars is hard to beat. Let them run with it before setting the hook - they're not going anywhere fast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that pack a serious attitude in a compact package. Most of what we catch run 2-8 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size with those razor-sharp teeth and non-stop energy. Look for them around baitfish schools in open water, especially when birds are working overhead - that's usually a dead giveaway. They're seasonal visitors here, showing up in late spring and sticking around through fall when the water's warm. What guests love is that vicious strike and the way they'll hit almost anything you throw at them - spoons, plugs, or live bait. The meat's got great flavor when fresh, though smaller ones taste better than the big bruisers. Keep your fingers clear when unhooking - those choppers don't discriminate.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout as many call them, are beautiful spotted fish that usually run 1-4 pounds in our waters. They've got that classic torpedo shape with silver sides covered in dark spots, making them easy to identify. These fish love shallow grass flats and drop-offs in brackish water, especially during warmer months when they're most active. Spring through fall provides the best action, particularly around dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit artificial lures and that decent fight they put up. The meat is delicate and flaky - perfect for a fish dinner. Pro tip: soft plastic shrimp or small jigs worked slowly over grass beds during moving water will usually produce. Don't horse them - that soft mouth tears easily.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are sleek, fast-moving fish that typically run 1-3 pounds in the Bay, though bigger ones show up. You'll spot them by their silver sides dotted with yellow spots and that classic streamlined body built for speed. They love open water and can often be found schooling near the surface, especially around structure like channel edges and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up - they're migratory and follow the baitfish. What makes them fun to target is that aggressive strike and the way they'll hit small spoons or live bait like crazy. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, white meat that's perfect for the grill. My tip: when you find one, stick around - they usually travel in groups, so there's likely more nearby.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the Bay's signature species, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds here, though smaller schoolies and bigger cows both show up. They're structure-oriented fish, so look around channel edges, points, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but residents stick around all season. What guests love is that hard initial run and the way they'll test your drag - plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They prefer moving water and will often feed near the surface at dawn and dusk. Key tip: live eels or cut bunker near bottom structure during low light periods is tough to beat.
Chesapeake Bay