5 HR Assawoman Back Bay Fishing with Captain Dave
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 5hour back bay fishing experience with Captain DaveTarget Flounder, Bluefish, and Rockfish using varied techniquesAccommodates up to 4 guests with cooler for food and drinks
Looking to spend some serious time on the water? This extended Assawoman Bay fishing trip gives you five full hours to really get dialed in and chase whatever's biting. Captain Dave knows these back waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're slinging artificials or running live bait. With room for up to four anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough space to fish comfortably and keeping that intimate, personalized feel you want from a top-rated charter.
Captain Dave tailors every trip to what's happening that day. Spring and fall, you'll likely be working the channels and drop-offs for keeper Stripers, either trolling or setting up with live bait presentations. Summer brings Flounder action, and Dave knows exactly where to set up the drift to put you over productive bottom. When the Bluefish are around, get ready for some fast-paced casting action that'll keep everyone busy. The beauty of a five-hour window is you're not rushed – if the bite slows in one spot, there's plenty of time to relocate and try different techniques. Dave encourages you to bring your own snacks and drinks to keep in the Yeti cooler, so you can stay fueled and hydrated while you're putting fish in the boat.
This isn't a one-trick pony kind of trip. Depending on conditions and what's feeding, you might find yourself drifting with bucktails and gulp baits for Flounder, live-lining spot or bunker for Rockfish, or casting topwater plugs and spoons when the blues are busting bait on the surface. Dave's got all the gear you need, but if you've got favorite rods or lures, bring them along. The back bay environment means you're fishing in protected waters most of the time, but don't let that fool you – these fish are just as smart and challenging as their ocean cousins. Structure fishing around docks and bridge pilings often produces, and Dave knows which tide stages fish best at each spot.
Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of Assawoman Bay fishing, especially from late spring through early fall. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sandy bottom near structure and ambushing prey. What makes them so fun to target is the subtlety of the bite – you need to feel for that telltale tap-tap before setting the hook. Keeper Flounder in the bay typically run 16 to 20 inches, with some real doormat-sized fish pushing over 24 inches showing up each season. The best action usually happens on moving water, either side of high or low tide.
Striped Bass, or Rockfish as locals call them, are the crown jewel of mid-Atlantic fishing. In Assawoman Bay, you'll encounter everything from schoolie-sized fish perfect for light tackle fun to legitimate keeper bass in the 20 to 30-inch range. Spring and fall migrations bring the best numbers, but resident fish stick around all season. What anglers love about Stripers is their fight – they're strong, they jump, and they make long runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare when you decide to keep a few within the regulations.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated species in the bay. These black-and-white striped fighters hang around structure and have mouths full of human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves, so catching one feels like you've outsmarted a master pickpocket. Sheepshead are excellent eating, with firm white meat that's hard to beat. They show up best in warmer months and require some finesse – light tackle and small hooks are key to consistently hooking these crafty fish.
Five hours on Assawoman Bay with Captain Dave gives you the best shot at experiencing everything this renowned fishery has to offer. Whether you're a serious angler looking to put together a solid day of fishing or a family wanting to spend quality time on the water, this customer favorite delivers. The extended timeframe means you're not watching the clock – you can relax, enjoy the bay, and let the fishing unfold naturally. With only four spots available, this world-class charter books up fast, especially during prime fishing months. Don't wait to secure your date – some of the best fishing days of the year are already filling up on Captain Dave's calendar.
Hit the waters of Assawoman Bay aboard Captain Dave's beautifully restored 25-foot MayCraft center console. This classic fishing machine seats up to 6 anglers comfortably and packs serious power with its 350HP Suzuki engine, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the fish fast. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need – GPS navigation to mark your hotspots, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate schools of Flounder, Bluefish, and Stripers lurking below. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold throughout the 5-hour adventure. Whether you're drifting with the current, casting into breaking fish, or live lining for trophy Rockfish, this center console handles Assawoman Bay's shallow waters like a dream. Bring your tackle box, pack some snacks in the Yeti cooler, and get ready for a full day of serious fishing action.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black and white stripes are some of the craftiest thieves in the bay, known for stealing bait with those human-like teeth. They typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 10+ pounders show up around deeper structure. Look for them around any hard bottom - bridge pilings, docks, and jetties where they scrape off barnacles and crabs. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move shallow to feed and spawn. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're notorious for nibbling bait off hooks before you know they're there. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish in the bay. Pro tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight. They've got crushing power in those jaws.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese unique flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sand and mud with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They love shallow bay waters with soft bottoms where they can ambush prey like shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're fattening up before moving offshore. What makes them special is that color-changing ability - they'll perfectly match whatever bottom they're sitting on. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them one of the best eating fish in the bay. My tip: when drift fishing, use a light jig head with live minnows or shrimp, and fish it slow along the bottom. Once you feel that tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Morone SaxatilisRockfish are the backbone of our bay fishing, and these silver beauties with their distinct black stripes put up a serious fight. Most of what we catch run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, but the big girls can hit 40+ pounds. They love structure - bridge pilings, channel edges, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round in the bay. What guests love is their power - they'll make screaming runs and test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. The key is live-lining spot or white perch near structure. Keep your drag loose and let them run with the bait before setting the hook. When they're feeding on top, you'll see birds working - that's your signal to get there fast.
Easton