5 HR Assawoman Back Bay Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour inshore fishing experience in Assawoman Bay watersTarget flounder, bluefish, and stripers using varied techniquesAccommodates up to four guests with cooler for refreshments
If you're looking to spend some serious time on the water chasing fish, this 5-hour back bay trip with Captain Dave is exactly what you need. Assawoman Bay has been my home waters for years, and I can tell you firsthand – this spot delivers consistent action for anglers who want to put in the time. Whether you're bringing the family for a relaxed day or you're dead serious about filling the cooler, we'll work multiple spots and techniques to keep your rods bent. The back bay system here is protected from ocean swells, so you get smooth fishing conditions while targeting some of Delaware's best inshore species.
Captain Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust our game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. We start early to make the most of our five hours, moving with the tide changes to stay on productive water. Spring through fall, you'll be drifting soft plastics over sandy bottoms for doormat flounder, working the grass edges for solid stripers, or casting topwater when the bluefish are busting bait on the surface. The beauty of this extended trip is we're not rushed – if the bite is hot in one spot, we can work it thoroughly. If it slows down, we've got time to relocate and try different structure. Bring whatever snacks and drinks you want for the day; the Yeti cooler keeps everything ice cold while you focus on fishing.
This trip covers the full spectrum of back bay fishing techniques, and Captain Dave will teach you what works best for each species we're targeting. For flounder, we'll be drifting with bucktails tipped with Gulp baits or live minnows, bouncing bottom in 8-15 feet of water where these flatfish ambush prey. When we're after stripers, expect to live line spot or croakers near channel edges and drop-offs – nothing beats the thrill of watching your rod tip bounce as a rockfish inhales your bait. Bluefish call for a different approach entirely; we'll cast metal lures or topwater plugs when they're feeding aggressively on the surface. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels, plus we carry a variety of terminal tackle to match whatever conditions we encounter. Don't worry if you're new to some of these techniques – part of the fun is learning what works in different situations.
Southern flounder are the bread and butter of Assawoman Bay, and these flatfish can really test your patience and skill. They typically range from 14-20 inches here, with the occasional doormat pushing 24 inches that'll make your day. Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. The best action happens during moving tides, especially the last two hours of incoming water. What makes catching flounder so satisfying is the subtlety – you feel a light tap, maybe some weight, then you set the hook and hope you timed it right. They're also excellent table fare, which is why so many anglers specifically target them.
Striped bass, or rockfish as we call them locally, are the most popular gamefish in these waters for good reason. In Assawoman Bay, you'll typically encounter schoolies in the 18-24 inch range, with larger fish moving through during spring and fall migrations. These fish are incredibly smart and can be picky about presentation, especially in the clear back bay water. They love structure like bridge pilings, channel edges, and grass lines where they can corner baitfish. When you hook into a solid striper on light tackle, they'll make long runs and jump if they get the chance. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – these fish have attitude and won't give up easily.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated fish we catch in these waters, but they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles, crabs, and oysters around structure. Most sheepshead here run 12-16 inches, but the bigger ones can reach 18-20 inches and really put a bend in your rod. They're notorious bait thieves with incredibly light bites, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first sign of movement. Once hooked, they dive straight for structure and use their broad sides to pull hard. They're also some of the best eating fish in the bay – firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or grilling whole.
This 5-hour trip gives you the best value for serious fishing in Assawoman Bay, with enough time to really work the water and try multiple techniques. Captain Dave's local knowledge combined with quality gear and a comfortable boat makes for a top-rated fishing experience that keeps customers coming back season after season. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to back bay fishing, plan a guys' trip, or just want to spend a full morning chasing fish, this charter delivers consistent action in some of Delaware's most productive inshore waters. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Assawoman Bay has such a reputation among local anglers.
Your fishing platform is a beautifully restored 25-foot MayCraft center console that cuts through Assawoman Bay's waters with authority. Powered by a 350HP Suzuki engine hitting 40 knots, this boat gets you to the fishing grounds fast and keeps you comfortable all day. The spacious layout seats up to 6 anglers with plenty of elbow room for casting and fighting fish. Captain Dave relies on top-notch electronics including GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate productive structure and baitfish. Whether you're drifting over sandy flats stalking flounder or working the channels for stripers, this rig handles it all. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and your beverages cold during those long summer days on the water. From tracking tide movements to navigating shallow back bay waters, this MayCraft delivers the perfect blend of fishing capability and comfort for your 5-hour adventure.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're tricky little thieves around any structure. These guys average 2-5 pounds but can surprise you with 10+ pounders hiding around bridge pilings and dock structures. They've got human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, which is what they're usually after. Spring through fall are best when they're actively feeding in the shallows. Guests love the challenge because they're notorious bait stealers - you really have to stay focused. The payoff is sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to the structure, and set the hook at the first sign of a nibble. Wait too long and they'll clean you out.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen them hit 20+ pounds. They love shallow sandy bottoms throughout the bay, especially around drop-offs and channel edges. Fall through early spring are prime times when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're subtle biters who'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch. My tip: use a light rod and feel for that soft "thump" rather than waiting for a hard pull. When you feel weight, set the hook quick.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our spring and fall fishing here in Assawoman Bay. These silver fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-30 pounds, but we hook into some real bulls pushing 40+. They love structure - bridge pilings, channel edges, and oyster bars where baitfish gather. Live lining with spot or bunker during moving tides is deadly, especially early morning or late evening. What guests love most is the fight - they'll make strong runs and really test your drag. They're also great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: watch for diving birds or bait flipping on the surface. When you see that commotion, get your lines in the water fast because the stripers are feeding underneath.
Easton