Premier Chesapeake Bay Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Premier inshore fishing with expert Captain Richie as guideAll equipment and licenses provided for hasslefree experienceSeasonal species targeting with sustainable catch and release practices
Looking for top-rated inshore fishing action in the Chesapeake Bay? Captain Richie at Nauti Hooker Charters has you covered. This isn't your typical charter operation – we're talking about a seasoned captain who knows every productive drop-off, grass bed, and structure that holds fish in these waters. Your fishing adventure comes fully equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and all required licenses, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. Got a lucky rod that's been good to you? Bring it along – we love seeing anglers fish with their confidence boosters.
Captain Richie runs a tight ship that accommodates up to 4 anglers, making this perfect for small groups who want personalized attention without the crowded boat experience. The Chesapeake Bay's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent fishing on the East Coast, and Richie knows exactly where to find the action based on tides, season, and recent fish movement. You'll be targeting structure, grass lines, and channel edges where baitfish congregate and predators hunt. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring up a hard-fighting striper, while the next could have you battling a speedy Spanish mackerel. Captain Richie believes in sustainable fishing practices, encouraging catch and release to keep these fisheries healthy for future generations. Don't worry about bringing snacks or drinks – that's on you, but the captain handles everything else so you can concentrate on fishing.
The Chesapeake Bay's inshore fishing relies on reading water conditions and adapting techniques throughout the day. Captain Richie employs a mix of live bait fishing, light tackle casting, and trolling depending on what the fish are telling him. Early morning often means working the grass beds with soft plastics for speckled trout, while mid-day might have you drifting live spot or croaker for stripers holding near structure. The bay's numerous points, creek mouths, and oyster bars create perfect ambush spots for predator fish. Richie's local knowledge shines when it comes to understanding how tidal movement affects fish behavior – he'll position the boat where currents bring baitfish past hungry game fish. The tackle is matched to the species you're targeting, from light spinning gear for trout and perch to slightly heavier setups when big stripers are on the menu. Water depth typically ranges from 6 to 25 feet in the prime inshore zones, making it perfect for sight fishing when conditions allow.
Striped Bass remain the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fish range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to trophy specimens pushing 40+ inches. Spring and fall offer the best striper action as they migrate through the bay, with fish feeding aggressively on abundant baitfish. What makes stripers so special is their fight – they'll make drag-screaming runs and use their broad sides to pull hard in the current. The regulations change seasonally, but Captain Richie stays current on all size and bag limits to ensure you're fishing legally and sustainably.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, provide some of the most fun light-tackle action you'll find. These beautiful fish with distinctive spots love grass beds and shallow structure, typically running 14-20 inches with occasional specimens reaching 24+ inches. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute suckers for soft plastic baits worked slowly over their favorite haunts. Specks have a soft mouth, so the fight is more about finesse than raw power, but their willingness to bite makes them a customer favorite.
Silver Surfperch might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're scrappy fighters that bend rods consistently. These silvery beauties school up in good numbers and provide steady action when other species are being finicky. They're excellent table fare and perfect for anglers who want to take a few fish home for dinner. Most run 8-12 inches, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite.
Spanish Mackerel bring speed and excitement to every trip when they're around. These torpedo-shaped fish hit lures with explosive strikes and peel line off reels with blistering runs. Summer months see the best Spanish mackerel fishing, and they're often found in schools that provide fast-paced action. Their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are essential, and their 1-3 pound average size packs way more punch than you'd expect.
Bluefish earn respect from every angler who's tangled with them. These aggressive predators hunt in packs and attack anything that moves, making them perfect for introducing new anglers to the excitement of fishing. Blues range from small "snappers" up to hefty 10+ pounders that will test your tackle and technique. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials makes them a reliable backup when other species are tough to find.
Captain Richie's Chesapeake Bay inshore fishing charters deliver exactly what serious anglers want: quality fishing with an experienced guide who puts you on fish. The combination of his local expertise, top-notch equipment, and the bay's renowned productivity creates fishing trips that keep customers coming back season after season. Whether you're chasing trophy stripers, filling a cooler with sea trout, or just want to experience world-class inshore fishing, this charter has you covered. The 4-person capacity means you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. With all gear, tackle, and licenses included, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm for fishing and maybe that lucky ro
Meet Miss Nikki, your ticket to some serious Chesapeake Bay fishing action. This 26-foot Maycraft Pilothouse packs a punch with her 300HP Suzuki engine, cutting through the bay waters at up to 30 knots when you need to chase down the fish. Built tough in 1998, she's got plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to spread out and work their lines without getting tangled up. Captain Richie has her dialed in with all the gear that matters - GPS to hit the honey holes, radar for those foggy mornings, VHF radio to stay connected, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. There's even a head on board so you don't have to cut your fishing day short. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and licenses are all covered. Just bring yourself and maybe that lucky rod you can't fish without. Whether you're targeting stripers, blues, or whatever's biting that day, Miss Nikki puts you right where the action is in the productive inshore waters of the Chesapeake.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bay's most aggressive predators, earning their reputation as "choppers" with razor-sharp teeth and bad attitudes. They run 3-20 pounds typically, with powerful, chunky bodies built for speed. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water, around structure, and even in shallow bays during their summer feeding frenzies. Late summer brings "baby blues" perfect for kids to catch. Guests love the hard strikes and strong fights, plus they're excellent eating when prepared fresh - mild and flaky if you bleed them immediately. Watch your fingers when handling these guys; those teeth mean business. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water churning like a washing machine, you've found a "bluefish blitz" - get there fast with anything shiny.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are gorgeous fish with black spots scattered across their silver sides. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle fun. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they move up to feed. Spring through fall gives us the best action in the Chesapeake's warmer months. These fish are scrappy fighters with delicate mouths, so keep steady pressure without horsing them. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. My go-to technique: work plastic shrimp or soft baits slowly over grass beds during moving tides. They love structure but won't spook easily if you stay quiet.
Hyperprosopon EllipticumSilver surfperch aren't native to Chesapeake Bay waters - they're actually a Pacific Coast species found from British Columbia down to Baja California. These small, shiny fish typically measure 6-8 inches and love sandy surf zones and rocky areas. They're popular with pier and shore anglers on the West Coast because they're plentiful and bite readily on small hooks with shrimp or squid. The compressed, oval-shaped bodies are bright silver with dusky vertical bars. While they're great beginner fish due to their willingness to bite, you won't find them in our Chesapeake waters. If you're ever fishing California or the Pacific Northwest, try light tackle with small baits fished near the bottom around sandy areas.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes when they hit. These sleek, silver fish with yellowish spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds. They travel in large schools near the surface, especially around structure in open water during warmer months. Summer brings the best action in the Chesapeake when water temps climb. Guests love the explosive strikes and blistering runs - they're some of the fastest fish in the ocean. The meat's mild and versatile, great grilled, smoked, or even as sushi. Key tip: when you locate a school, drift to them quietly instead of motoring up - the engine noise will scatter them fast. Use shiny spoons or live bait and keep moving until you find active fish.
Morone SaxatilisThe Chesapeake Bay's most famous resident, stripers run 20-50 pounds and put up serious fights with their powerful runs. These silver beauties with dark horizontal stripes love structure - bridge pilings, oyster bars, and channel edges where they hunt baitfish. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when water temps hit 55-68°F. They're equally happy in brackish or saltwater, making them perfect for our bay fishing. Guests love the challenge since stripers are picky eaters and strong swimmers. The meat's sweet and flaky, great on the grill. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working over bait pods, get there fast - the stripers are usually right underneath feeding heavily.
Stevensville, MD