Sunset Fishing Cruise on Assawoman Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Two-hour sunset cruise with optional fishing on scenic baysAll equipment and refreshments provided for up to six guestsPeaceful evening adventure through Assawoman or Sinepuxent Bay waters
Picture this: the sun's starting to dip low over the water, casting that golden glow across the bay, and you're out there with a rod in your hand and a cold drink at your side. That's what Running Tide Charters brings you with this top-rated 2-hour sunset cruise through Assawoman or Sinepuxent Bay. This isn't your typical hardcore fishing charter—it's the perfect blend of serious angling and pure relaxation that keeps our regulars coming back season after season.
These Maryland bays are absolute gems for evening fishing, and we've been working these waters long enough to know exactly where the fish like to hang out when the sun starts setting. You'll have up to 6 people in your private group, which means plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets quality time with the best spots. The "fishing optional" setup is what makes this trip special—some folks come ready to battle tautog all evening, while others just want to soak bait and watch the world slow down. We're cool with whatever vibe your group brings. The boat comes stocked with all the tackle and bait you'll need, plus cold water to keep you hydrated. Just bring your favorite snacks and beverages, and we'll handle everything else. If two hours flies by too fast, we can always extend your time out there—happens more often than you'd think when the fish are cooperating and the sunset is putting on a show.
These shallow bay waters call for a completely different approach than what you'd use offshore. We're talking structure fishing around oyster bars, drop-offs, and those sweet spots where the current creates natural feeding zones. The gear we provide is perfectly matched to these conditions—medium-weight spinning setups that can handle the rocky bottom but still give you the sensitivity to feel those light tautog bites. For the flounder, we'll be working with sinkers heavy enough to keep your bait down in the current, usually bouncing bottom with bucktails tipped with squid or minnows. The sheepshead fishing gets interesting because these guys are notorious bait stealers—we use smaller hooks and adjust our technique to match their sneaky feeding style. Evening fishing in these bays has its own rhythm. The water starts to cool as the sun drops, and that temperature change often triggers feeding activity. We'll move between different depths and structures based on what's happening, always keeping an eye on the tide flow since that's what really drives fish behavior in these back-bay systems.
Tautog are the bread and butter of this fishery, and these Maryland bays produce some chunky blackfish that'll test your drag system. These guys are structure lovers—they stick tight to oyster bars, rock piles, and any hard bottom they can find. What makes tautog fishing so addictive is their fighting style; they don't make long runs like stripers, but they use that broad body and powerful tail to dig down hard. Most of our bay tautog run between 2-4 pounds, with some real doormat fish pushing 6-7 pounds if you're lucky. Fall through early winter is prime time, when they're feeding heavy before moving to deeper water. The bite can be subtle—just a little tick on the rod tip—so staying connected to your bait is crucial.
Summer flounder, or fluke as most anglers call them, bring a completely different challenge to these bay waters. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim by. The fun part is never knowing if you're going to hook a 12-inch throwback or a 4-pound keeper. They're most active during moving water, especially that hour before and after the tide change. What gets people hooked on flounder fishing is the variety—you might catch them drifting over grass beds in 8 feet of water or anchored up on a channel edge in 20 feet. Their seasonal pattern in these bays runs from late spring through fall, with summer evenings being absolutely prime time.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps experienced anglers on their toes. These black-and-white striped fish have small mouths and are incredibly good at stealing bait without getting hooked. They're drawn to structure just like tautog, but they're pickier about presentation. The reward for mastering sheepshead fishing is a fish that tastes incredible and puts up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Most bay sheepshead run 1-3 pounds, and they're most active during warmer months when they move into shallow water to spawn around docks, bridges, and oyster bars.
This sunset cruise hits that sweet spot between serious fishing and pure enjoyment that's tough to find elsewhere. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to fishing without the pressure of a full-day trip, or you're experienced anglers who want to unwind after a long week, these evening trips deliver every time. The combination of productive fishing waters, relaxed atmosphere, and those Maryland sunsets creates something special that photos just can't capture. Running Tide Charters has dialed in this experience over years of running these waters, and it shows in everything from the gear selection to knowing exactly where to position the boat for the best action. Don't let another season slip by—book your private sunset cruise today and see why this has become our customer favorite for good reason.
Cast off aboard our 2001 25-foot World Cat catamaran for a relaxing sunset cruise around Assawoman and Sinepuxent Bay. This twin-hull beauty runs smooth with dual 150HP Yamaha engines, cruising comfortably at 30 knots with room for up to 6 anglers. The spacious deck gives everyone plenty of casting room, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold and snacks fresh. When the fish are holding tight to structure, our wireless trolling motor lets us sneak in quietly without spooking them. The GPS and fish finder help locate productive spots where redfish and flounder like to hang out during golden hour. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable between fishing sessions, and we've got all the bait and tackle covered so you can focus on watching the sunset paint the water while your lines are wet. Perfect for families or groups wanting to mix some light fishing with scenic bay cruising.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of local waters with their distinctive black stripes and, believe it or not, human-like teeth. These gray beauties typically weigh 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure in the bays. Spring months are best when they're spawning and feeding heavily on crabs, barnacles, and shrimp. What makes them special is they're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and test your offering before committing, which keeps you on your toes. The payoff is worth it though; they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Plus they fight surprisingly hard for their size. My local trick: get your fiddler crab or shrimp bait tight to the pilings and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait if you hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of our sandy bottoms - they change color to match whatever they're lying on. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach 5+ pounds, with females growing much larger. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting to grab baitfish, crabs, and shrimp. Fall months from September through November are peak season when they're most active before heading offshore. What guests love is the challenge - fluke have a unique sideways bite that can fool you, plus they put up a decent scrap for their size. The white meat is fantastic eating, mild and flaky. My go-to tip: hook your minnow through the lips and keep it moving slowly along the bottom. They'll often follow before striking, so patience pays off.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky fighters that love rocky structure and pilings around the bays. These mottled brown fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can hit 10+ pounds if you're lucky. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing crabs and mussels, which makes them surprisingly strong on the line. Spring through fall is prime time when they're active during daylight hours - they actually sleep on their sides at night. What makes them fun to target is their stubborn nature; they'll hole up in rocks and fight hard. The meat is excellent eating too, sweet and firm. Here's the trick: use green crab bait, crush up the shells and legs to create scent in the water, but change your bait every 5 minutes or it loses effectiveness.
Ocean City, MD