Premium Private Charter Fishing on Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore fishing charter accommodates up to 4 guestsFlexible 48 hour schedules starting at 6:30 AM dailyAll fishing gear and licenses included with expert guidance
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds? Captain Benjamin Lane's got you covered with private inshore charters that put you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about some of the most productive waters on the East Coast, where seasoned anglers and first-timers alike walk away with stories worth telling. The Bay's got character – and so do the fish that call it home. Whether you're after that trophy rock bass or just want to feel the tug of a hungry bluefish, this is where it happens.
Your day kicks off at 6:30 AM – and trust me, those early morning hours are pure gold on the Chesapeake. You've got three scheduling options to work with: a quick 4-hour morning session ending at 10:30, a solid 6.5-hour trip wrapping up at 1:00 PM, or the full 8-hour experience that takes you to 3:00 PM. Captain Lane knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not the type to waste time in dead zones. We're hitting structure, drop-offs, and grass beds where the action stays consistent. The vibe stays relaxed – no pressure, just good fishing and straight talk about what's working. All your gear and licenses are handled, so you can focus on reading the water and setting hooks. Groups are capped at four anglers, which means plenty of room to work and personalized attention from someone who's been guiding these waters for years.
The Chesapeake Bay demands versatility, and that's exactly how we fish it. Light tackle rules the day here – we're talking spinning reels spooled with 10-15 pound test that gives you the sensitivity to feel every bump and the backbone to muscle fish away from structure. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll work everything from soft plastics around grass edges to topwater plugs over shallow flats. Live bait gets serious consideration too – spot, bloodworms, and grass shrimp can turn a slow bite into a bent rod real quick. The Bay's unique mix of fresh and saltwater creates diverse habitat, so we adjust tactics as we move between areas. Jigging works great around deeper channels, while casting to visible structure keeps things exciting in the shallows. Captain Lane reads conditions on the fly and adjusts accordingly – wind direction, tide phase, and water clarity all factor into where we fish and how we approach each spot.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but don't let their size fool you – they fight hard and taste even better. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with the best bite happening during moving tides around grass beds and channel edges. They're aggressive feeders that'll hammer soft plastics, making them perfect for anglers still working on their technique. Redfish bring the power game to the Bay, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized juveniles to bull reds pushing 30+ inches. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water structure and put up fights that'll test your drag system. Fall months see the biggest fish moving through, but keeper-sized reds show up consistently from late spring onward.
Rock bass – what most folks call striped bass – are the Bay's signature species and the fish that built this fishery's reputation. These silver-sided fighters range from schoolie size up to true cows exceeding 40 inches. They're structure-oriented fish that patrol drop-offs, bridge pilings, and channel mouths. Peak season runs from April through June and again in fall, but resident fish provide action year-round. Spanish mackerel add speed and flash to the mix, showing up in summer months with their distinctive yellow spots and razor-sharp teeth. They're fast, aggressive, and absolutely devastating on light tackle. Bluefish round out the target list with their aggressive feeding and hard-fighting nature. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action gets fast and furious. They're excellent table fare when handled properly and provide consistent action throughout the warmer months.
The Chesapeake Bay delivers world-class inshore fishing just a short ride from major population centers, but the best dates fill up fast. Captain Lane's approach combines local knowledge with a genuine love for putting clients on fish, and that reputation keeps his calendar busy. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, celebrating a special occasion, or just need to get back on the water, this charter delivers the goods. The flexible scheduling works for different comfort levels and attention spans, while the private boat setup means your group sets the pace. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but also know you're booking with a captain who takes pride in customer satisfaction. The Bay's waiting, the fish are biting, and your next great fishing story starts with that first cast of the morning.
Meet the River Wing, your ticket to some serious Chesapeake Bay fishing action. This 2018 18-foot Parker packs a reliable Yamaha 115 engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, then dial it back for precision work around structure and drop-offs. The trolling motor keeps you positioned perfectly over productive water, while the power pole locks you down when you're onto fish. GPS navigation cuts through the guesswork of finding those honey holes, and the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. Built for up to 4 anglers, she's got the stability and space you need whether you're working topwater at dawn or bottom fishing the deeper channels. Captain Benjamin knows these waters inside and out, and the River Wing gives him the tools to put you on fish from the shallows to the main stem. Perfect for families, buddies, or anyone looking to experience what makes Chesapeake Bay fishing legendary.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the Bay's most aggressive predators - think of them as underwater pit bulls with razor teeth. These blue-green bruisers typically run 2-10 pounds and travel in feeding schools that can create absolute mayhem on the surface. They're here from late spring through fall, with peak action during summer when they chase baitfish into shallow water. What gets guests excited is their vicious strikes and hard fights - when blues are feeding, it's pure chaos with fish jumping and water churning everywhere. They're good eating when prepared fresh, though smaller ones under 5 pounds taste better. Essential gear includes wire leaders since their teeth will slice through mono instantly. Pro tip: when you see diving birds and surface commotion, get there fast. Blues often feed in frenzies that don't last long, but when you hit it right, every cast connects.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze bulldogs of the Bay, easily spotted by their copper-colored backs and distinctive black eyespots near the tail. Most of what we catch run 20-35 inches and pack serious muscle. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall are prime time, especially on moving tides. What guests love about reds is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild meat. Here's a local trick: if you see nervous baitfish dimpling the surface over shallow flats, there's usually a red nearby. Cast past the disturbance and work your bait back through it.
Ambloplites RupestrisRock bass might be small, but they're scrappy little fighters that keep things fun, especially for beginners and kids. These goggle-eyed fish typically run 6-10 inches and love rocky structure, fallen trees, and dock pilings throughout the Bay's tributaries. They're aggressive year-round but really turn on during spring and summer in shallow, clear water. What makes them great targets is their willingness to hit almost anything - live worms, small jigs, even tiny topwater baits. They're not picky eaters and fight harder than their size suggests. The meat is surprisingly good - white and flaky like their bigger sunfish cousins. Best part about rock bass is they're perfect for getting newcomers hooked on fishing. My go-to trick is using a small jig tipped with a piece of nightcrawler around any structure in 3-8 feet of water. They'll usually hit it before it reaches bottom.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, also called speckled trout, are some of the Bay's most reliable fighters. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and love our grass flats and shallow waters. They're most active during spring and fall when water temps are cooler, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they'll smash a topwater plug or slurp down a live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The meat is white, flaky, and mild-tasting, making them great table fare. Pro tip: when you're working the grass beds, keep your bait just above the vegetation. They like to ambush prey from below, so a shrimp or soft plastic suspended about a foot off the bottom will often trigger strikes when nothing else works.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver bullets that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These streamlined speedsters typically run 1-2 feet long and travel in schools near the surface, especially around structure and baitfish. They show up in the Bay from late spring through early fall, with peak action during summer months. What makes them exciting is their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - they'll strip line and jump like mini-tarpon. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key to success is light tackle and fast-moving lures. They have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are essential. Local tip: when you hook one, keep reeling fast. Spanish mackerel often hunt in packs, and if you can keep that first fish moving, others will follow and you might double or triple up before the school moves on.
Chesapeake Bay