5.0(7 Reviews)3 HR Assawoman Back Bay Fishing Trip
5.0(7 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Threehour inshore fishing adventure in calm Assawoman Bay watersTarget multiple species including Striped Bass, Flounder, and BluefishFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to four guests with Captain Dave
Looking for a perfect family fishing trip without the rough waters of the Atlantic? Captain Dave's got you covered with this top-rated 3-hour adventure in the calm, productive waters of Assawoman Bay. This isn't your typical offshore grind – we're talking about relaxed bay fishing where everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers can drop lines and actually catch fish. You'll spend your morning or afternoon drifting with the current, casting to structure, and live-lining baits while soaking up the sunshine and enjoying whatever cold beverages you've packed in our Yeti cooler. With four trips running daily, there's always a slot that works for your schedule.
Captain Dave keeps things simple but effective on these bay runs. Depending on what's biting and the season, you'll be drifting for doormat flounder, casting plugs and spoons for aggressive bluefish, or live-lining spot and minnows for striped bass. The beauty of Assawoman Bay is the variety – one drift might produce a nice flounder, while the next spot could fire up with hungry blues or a solid rockfish. We're running light tackle and spinning gear, so even smaller fish put up a good fight. The boat holds up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to work their rods without tangling lines. Between the protected waters and Captain Dave's local knowledge of tides and structure, you'll spend more time with bent rods than fighting seasickness.
This trip covers the essential bay fishing methods that produce fish year-round. Bottom fishing with bucktails and squid strips is the go-to for flounder – you'll learn to feel that subtle tap and set the hook before they spit the bait. When bluefish are schooled up, we switch to casting metal spoons and soft plastics, covering water until we find the feeding fish. Live-lining is where things get exciting for stripers – watching your rod tip dance as a live spot swims around, then suddenly double over when a rockfish crushes it. Captain Dave provides all the tackle, from 7-foot spinning rods spooled with 15-20 pound braid to a full selection of jigs, rigs, and terminal tackle. He'll show you how to read your rod tip, when to set the hook on different species, and how to play fish properly in the current.
"Captain Dave was fantastic. He thoroughly explained everything before we headed out. We drifted and caught a variety of fish, including flounder, croaker, sea bass, and my daughter even caught a sea robin (flying fish). Everyone had success. Captain Dave knew exactly where to position us, managing the tide and wind perfectly. Even my wife, who typically struggles to catch anything, managed to land two fish." - David
"Captain Dave and his crew were fantastic! From the beginning, they outlined the plan for the day and asked what our goals were. We moved to a few different spots, each holding fish. Captain Dave took the time to explain the technique for hooking flounder and even showed us, using the first flounder we landed, how they camouflage themselves on the bottom while feeding." - Jason
"We are a family of 5 with kids ages 14, 12, and 7, and we had the most amazing experience with Captain Dave! Our son caught a flounder, which we were able to keep and bring home to cook. I highly recommend booking the 4:30pm trip, as you'll also get to enjoy beautiful views of the sunset over the bay." - Robin
Southern Flounder are the crown jewel of Assawoman Bay fishing. These flatfish masters of camouflage lie buried in sand and mud, waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. Summer through early fall produces the best action, with keeper-sized fish ranging from 16 to 20+ inches. What makes flounder so addictive is their subtle bite – you'll feel a gentle tapping, then steady pressure as they swim off with your bait. The key is patience and a good hook set. Once hooked, they put up a bulldogging fight that's surprisingly strong for a flatfish.
Bluefish turn the bay into an angler's playground when they're feeding. These aggressive predators travel in schools and attack anything that moves, making them perfect targets for casting lures. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, with fish ranging from snapper blues perfect for kids to chopper blues that'll test your drag. When you find a school, the action is fast and furious – every cast can result in a hookup. They fight hard with powerful runs and aerial jumps that'll get your heart pumping.
Striped Bass, locally called rockfish, are the bay's premier gamefish. These silver-sided battlers cruise the channels and drop-offs, feeding on schools of baitfish. Live-lining spot or small white perch is deadly effective, especially during spring and fall runs. Stripers in the bay typically range from schoolie size to solid keepers in the 20-30 inch range. They're smart fish that require finesse – light leaders, natural presentations, and patience. When a striper takes your live bait, the rod doubles over and the fight is on.
Sheepshead might be the bay's most underrated catch. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles around structure. They're notorious bait stealers with a light, pecking bite that requires quick reflexes and sharp hooks. Summer months offer the best action around docks, pilings, and bridge abutments. Once hooked, they use their deep bodies and surprising strength to bulldoze toward cover.
White Weakfish, also called gray trout, are beautiful silvery fish with
Get ready to fish the calm waters of Assawoman Bay aboard Captain Dave's beautifully restored 25-foot MayCraft center console. This classic boat seats up to 4 anglers comfortably and packs serious power with a 350HP Suzuki outboard that'll get you to the fishing spots quickly at speeds up to 40 knots. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll stay cool with the icebox for drinks and snacks, while the GPS keeps us on course to the best fishing grounds. When the weather gets murky, the radar ensures safe navigation, and the fish finder helps locate schools of Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Flounder hiding in the bay's structure. Whether you're bottom fishing for Sheepshead, spinning for Bluefish, or live lining for trophy Rockfish, this boat handles it all with ease in the protected bay waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are some of the most aggressive fighters you'll encounter in Assawoman Bay. These blue-green predators typically run 3-10 pounds and are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and a serious attitude. They travel in schools, feeding on menhaden, anchovies, and anything else that moves. Summer through fall is prime time when they're actively chasing bait in the shallows. What guests love about blues is their ferocious strikes and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. Plus, smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to cut their teeth on. The meat is great when fresh, with a rich flavor that's fantastic grilled. One local trick: when you find one bluefish, there's usually more around, so keep casting in the same area. And watch those teeth when handling them!
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Assawoman Bay with their distinctive black and gray stripes and human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders. These crafty fish love structure - dock pilings, bridge supports, anywhere barnacles and crabs hang out. Spring through fall is best when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes sheepshead fun is they're notorious bait thieves with a delicate bite, so they'll test your skills. But the payoff is worth it - their white, flaky meat rivals any restaurant fish. They're also surprisingly strong fighters for their size. My secret: use small hooks with fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp, and keep your bait tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook immediately!
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the classic flatfish we target in Assawoman Bay - easily recognized by their flat, oval bodies with both eyes on the left side. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we occasionally see them up to 30+ inches. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What makes them special is their ability to change color to match the bottom - pretty wild to watch. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: when drift fishing, keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient. Flounder will mouth the bait before committing, so give them a second before setting the hook.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass, or "Rockfish" as we call them locally, are the crown jewel of Assawoman Bay fishing. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds and are known for their powerful fights. They love structure - bridge pilings, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're moving through our waters during their migration. What makes stripers special is their intelligence and the challenge they present - they can be picky about baits and conditions. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet. They're also catch-and-release in many areas, making each one special. My go-to technique here is live-lining spot or bloodworms near structure. Key tip: fish the moving water during tide changes - that's when they feed most actively.
Atractoscion NobilisWeakfish are beautiful silver fish with a delicate mouth that gives them their name, but don't let that fool you - they're solid fighters. Most run 1-4 pounds with an elongated body and big soft mouth. They prefer deeper channels and drop-offs in the bay, usually suspending mid-water rather than hugging bottom. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're most active in our waters. What guests enjoy is their willingness to bite and the challenge of landing them without tearing the hook out of their soft mouth. They're also excellent eating with sweet, tender meat. They make that distinctive "croaking" sound when you bring them in, which always gets a laugh. Pro tip: use lighter tackle and keep steady pressure - no jerky movements. A slow, steady retrieve with soft plastics or bucktails works best.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Dave was fantastic. He thoroughly explained everything before we headed out. We drifted and caught a variety of fish, incl...
Captain Dave was amazing. He provided all the necessary equipment and took us to some great spots he believed would be productive....
Captain Dave and his crew were fantastic! From the beginning, they outlined the plan for the day and asked what our goals were. We...
We had a party of three on a Thursday from 9:45 AM to 12:45 PM, and it was a fantastic trip! We caught a ray, some flounder, and a...
We are a family of 5 with kids ages 14, 12, and 7, and we had the most amazing experience with Captain Dave! Our son caught a flou...
Captain Dave and Mr. Frank were professional, accommodating, and made our experience unforgettable. Their expertise and hospitalit...
I can't say enough good things about our recent fishing trip. The captain and first mate were fantastic, making the whole experien...
Easton