All-Ages Chesapeake Bay Fishing Adventure with Maryanne
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour family fishing trip targeting Striped Bass and BluefishAll fishing gear included with friendly crew guidance providedPerfect for beginners and kids with calm bay waters
Looking for the perfect way to introduce the kids to fishing? Captain Gary Bramble and the crew aboard the Mary Anne have been making family fishing dreams come true on the Chesapeake Bay for years. This top-rated 7-hour adventure is designed specifically with families and first-timers in mind – calm waters, patient instruction, and fish that actually bite. With a maximum of 6 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention while the kids learn to cast, reel, and hopefully land their first keeper. The bay's protected waters mean less seasickness and more time with lines in the water, making this the best trip for families who want to create lasting memories without the drama of rough seas.
The Mary Anne launches early to take advantage of prime fishing hours when the bay comes alive. Captain Gary knows these waters like the back of his hand – every structure, every drop-off, and every spot where the fish like to hang out. The boat is set up perfectly for families, with plenty of room to move around and easy-access fishing spots for anglers of all sizes. Your crew handles all the heavy lifting – rigging lines, baiting hooks, and netting fish – so parents can focus on helping their kids and everyone can focus on having fun. The protected inshore waters of the Chesapeake provide a stable platform that keeps everyone comfortable, even kids who might be nervous about their first boat ride. Along the way, you'll cruise past historic lighthouses, spot ospreys diving for fish, and maybe even catch sight of dolphins playing in the distance.
Everything you need is provided – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – all sized appropriately for different skill levels. The crew starts beginners with simple bottom rigs using circle hooks, which are forgiving and help prevent deep hooking of fish. Kids learn the basics of casting and reeling while the boat drifts over productive bottom structure where Black Drum and Sea Trout like to feed. As the day progresses and comfort levels increase, you might try trolling for Spanish Mackerel or casting to breaking schools of Bluefish. The key is variety – if one technique isn't producing, Captain Gary quickly adapts to keep the action going. Light tackle makes the fight more exciting for smaller hands, and the crew is always ready with a net when someone hooks into a good fish. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen, drinks, and snacks – the boat is fully equipped with everything needed for a successful day.
The Striped Bass, Maryland's state fish and the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, provides the backbone of this fishery. These silver-sided fighters are available year-round, though they really turn on during spring and fall migrations. Rockfish, as locals call them, can range from schoolie-size 15-inchers that are perfect for kids to hefty 30-inch keepers that will test your drag system. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live bait to artificial lures, making them ideal for novice anglers. The thrill of watching a kid's rod bend double when a striper takes the bait never gets old.
Spanish Mackerel arrive in the bay during summer months, bringing fast action and acrobatic fights. These torpedo-shaped speedsters rarely exceed 20 inches but make up for size with pure attitude. They hit small spoons and jigs with authority, often jumping clear of the water multiple times during the fight. Kids love the steady action these fish provide – when you find a school, everyone on the boat can be hooked up simultaneously. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the bay, offering a different kind of excitement. These bottom-dwellers can grow quite large and provide a steady, powerful fight that teaches young anglers patience and proper fish-fighting techniques. They're not flashy fighters, but their size and strength create memories. Drum are also very forgiving – they tend to hold onto baits longer than other species, giving beginners extra time to set the hook properly.
Bluefish bring the action when they're around, traveling in aggressive schools that attack baitfish near the surface. These toothy predators hit hard and fight dirty, making them exciting for experienced kids but requiring careful handling. When blues are feeding, the water boils with activity and the fishing can be non-stop. Captain Gary always has wire leaders ready when these choppers show up, and he'll teach everyone the proper way to handle them safely.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as they're known locally, are prized for their beautiful golden coloration with distinctive black spots. These fish prefer grass flats and channel edges, providing opportunities to fish different types of structure throughout the day. Trout are excellent eating and provide a nice variety from the other target species. They respond well to both live bait and artificial lures, giving everyone a chance to try different techniques.
The Chesapeake Bay offers world-class fishing in a family-friendly environment, and Captain Gary's reputation for putting families on fish speaks for itself. With gear included, patient instruction, and a boat designed for comfort, this customer favorite trip removes all the barriers that keep families from experiencing the joy of fishing together. The 7-hour format provides enough time to try different spots and techniques without wearing out smaller crew members. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The bay's protected waters mean this trip runs in conditions that would cancel ocean charters, giving you more flexibility in scheduling. Book early, especially during peak season, because word of mouth keeps Captain Gary's calendar full with repeat families who know a good thing when they find it.
The Mary Anne is your ticket to some serious family fishing fun on Chesapeake Bay. This restored 40-footer from 1987 got a complete makeover in 2019 and now runs like a dream with her 500HP Cummins engine. She'll cruise at 32 knots to get you to the fish fast, then provide a stable platform for hauling in stripers, bluefish, and whatever else is biting. The pilothouse design keeps everyone comfortable with A/C when it's hot, plus there's a fridge and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Captain Gary has all the gear you need, so just bring the family – up to 6 anglers fit perfectly. The fish finder and GPS mean you'll spend more time with lines in the water than searching around. Perfect for kids learning the ropes or parents wanting a relaxed day on the bay without the hassle.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These dark, bronze-colored fish have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster bars, channel edges, and muddy flats, especially in spring during spawning season when they school up. They're bottom feeders that love structure in 5-25 feet of water. Families enjoy targeting them because they're steady fighters and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Bigger fish get tough and are better released. My go-to tip: use fresh crab or clam on a sliding sinker rig, and be patient - drums take their time inspecting bait before committing.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that kids and adults love to catch. They typically run 2-8 pounds in the bay with powerful jaws full of sharp teeth - always use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon. You'll find them in schools around structure like channel edges, drop-offs, and over grass beds. Summer and fall are best, especially when baitfish are thick. They're known for their "bluefish blitz" - feeding frenzies that churn the water white. These fish fight hard and are great table fare when they're under 5 pounds. The meat gets stronger as they get bigger. Pro tip: look for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding blues. Use spoons, bucktails, or live bait, but keep your fingers clear when unhooking them.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are beautiful silver fish with dark spots covering their bodies. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, though some reach 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, channel edges, and shallow structure in 3-15 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime, with cooler morning and evening hours producing best results. Families enjoy these fish because they bite readily and have tender, sweet meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're ambush feeders that hold around structure waiting for baitfish. The fight is steady but not overwhelming, making them great for kids. Local tip: use light tackle with soft plastics or live shrimp, and work the edges where grass meets sand - that's where they set up to feed.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, sleek fish that average 1-2 feet and weigh 2-3 pounds in the bay. You'll spot them by their silver bodies with yellowish oval spots scattered along the sides. They're schooling fish that love structure - we find them around bridge pilings, channel edges, and over grass beds in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times when they migrate through Chesapeake Bay. Kids love catching these because they're aggressive biters and put up a solid fight for their size. The meat is excellent - mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling. Here's a tip: when you see one, there's usually a whole school nearby, so keep your lines in the same spot and work fast.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the king of Chesapeake Bay fishing, ranging from schoolie-size at 18 inches up to trophy fish over 30 pounds. These silver beauties with distinctive black stripes love structure - channel edges, bridge pilings, rock piles, and grass bed edges in 8-40 feet. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round. Families love stripers because they're strong fighters and make fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. They're smart fish that feed actively at dawn and dusk. The bay's cooler water keeps them comfortable all season. Here's my best tip: when using live bait like menhaden or spot, let them swim naturally near structure instead of anchoring them tight - stripers prefer a moving target.
Chesapeake Bay