Private 3 Hour Bay Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing adventure in Assawoman or Sinepuxent BayTarget flounder, tautog, sheepshead, and croaker with provided equipmentAccommodates up to six guests with all tackle and bait included
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience that takes the hassle out of your day on the water, this private bay fishing trip hits all the right notes. Running Tide Charters has you covered with everything from fresh bait to ice-cold water, so you can focus on what really matters—putting fish in the boat. These productive waters of Assawoman Bay and Sinepuxent Bay offer some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast, and with a maximum of 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows.
Your captain knows these bays like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on the fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod. The beauty of this 3-hour trip is that it's long enough to hit multiple spots but won't wear you out if you're bringing kids or first-timers. You'll be targeting structure, drop-offs, and known holding areas where flounder, tautog, sheepshead, and croaker love to hang out. The shallow, protected waters make for comfortable fishing even when the ocean gets rough, and you'll often see osprey, herons, and other wildlife while you're working the flats. Just bring your drinks, some snacks, and sunscreen—the crew handles all the technical stuff so you can enjoy the experience.
The captain provides all the gear you'll need, from medium-action spinning rods perfect for bay fishing to a variety of terminal tackle suited for different species. You'll be using everything from bucktails and soft plastics for flounder to bottom rigs with clams and crabs for tautog and sheepshead. The key to success in these bays is reading the structure—old bridge pilings, oyster bars, and channel edges where baitfish congregate. Your guide will show you how to work jigs along the bottom, how to detect the subtle tap of a flounder, and when to set the hook on a tautog that's testing your bait. Live bait often produces the best results, especially when targeting larger fish, and the crew keeps a good selection of minnows, bloodworms, and crabs on hand.
Tautog are the heavyweight fighters of these bays, and they'll test your patience and your drag system. These chunky fish love hanging around structure like bridge pilings and rock piles, where they use their powerful jaws to crush crabs and mussels. Spring and fall are prime time for tog fishing, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to hefty 5-pounders that'll make your arms burn. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll learn to detect that subtle tap-tap before they drop your crab and swim away. When you do hook up, get ready for a bulldogging fight that'll have you working the rod.
Summer flounder are the bread and butter of bay fishing, and these flatfish are masters of camouflage that ambush prey from the sandy bottom. The best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from throwback shorts to doormat-sized keepers that'll fill your cooler. Flounder fishing requires finesse—you'll drift over likely spots, bouncing bucktails or dragging soft plastics while feeling for that telltale thump. These fish are excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families looking to bring dinner home. The bigger fish often hold in deeper channels and around structure where current brings them a steady supply of baitfish.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in the bay, but they're also some of the best fighters pound-for-pound. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and fiddler crabs around pilings and docks. They're most active during warmer months and require a delicate touch—they'll mouth your bait gently before committing, so you need to stay alert and set the hook at just the right moment. Once hooked, they'll use their deep body and strong fins to fight in short, powerful bursts. Many anglers consider them one of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
The protected nature of these bays means you can fish comfortably even when offshore conditions are rough, making this a reliable choice for your fishing plans. The variety of species keeps things interesting—you never know if your next bite will be a feisty croaker, a hefty flounder, or a stubborn tautog. The 3-hour timeframe is perfect for families with younger kids or anyone who wants to sample the fishing without committing to a full day. Plus, the intimate setting with just your group means you'll get personalized attention from the captain and plenty of room to fish without crowds. Many guests end up booking return trips because these bays fish well year-round, with different species peaking at various times.
This world-class bay fishing experience books up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect. Whether you're planning a family outing, introducing someone new to fishing, or just want a relaxing day on the water with guaranteed action, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. The crew's local knowledge and provided equipment take all the guesswork out of your day, letting you focus on having fun and making memories. Don't let another season pass without experiencing some of the best inshore fishing the mid-Atlantic has to offer—reserve your private charter today and get ready to see why these bays have such a renowned reputation among serious anglers.
Step aboard our reliable 2001 World Cat 25' catamaran for your bay fishing adventure! This stable twin-hull design cuts through the waters of Assawoman and Sinepuxent Bays with ease, powered by dual 150HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly and quietly. The spacious deck comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast lines and land fish without getting tangled up. When the sun gets intense, cool off with onboard air conditioning between fishing sessions. The wireless trolling motor lets us position perfectly over structure where flounder, tautog, and sheepshead love to hide. Our fish finder and GPS ensure we're always fishing the most productive areas of these productive bays. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and store your drinks and snacks there too. Whether you're working the shallows for croaker or targeting deeper drop-offs for bigger fish, this catamaran's shallow draft and smooth ride make it ideal for these back bay waters. The twin engines provide backup reliability, so you can focus on what matters most – getting your lines wet and filling the cooler!
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and white stripes and eerily human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around our docks and bridge pilings, where they pick barnacles and crabs off the structure. They're year-round residents but spring is prime time when they're more aggressive. What makes sheepshead fun is they're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit to the hook. They're also excellent eating with firm, sweet white meat that rivals any fish in the bay. The challenge is their light bite and tendency to steal your bait. You need to stay alert and set the hook fast when you feel weight. Pro tip: use fiddler crab or shrimp and keep your bait tight to the structure. If legal, scrape some barnacles off nearby pilings to create a chum slick - they'll come running to investigate the commotion.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise in our bay waters. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and can change color to match the sandy bottom perfectly. You'll find them lying in wait near drop-offs, channel edges, and around structure where baitfish travel. Both eyes sit on their left side, making them look pretty unique when you land one. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're feeding heavily before winter. What guests love most is the surprise factor; you never know when that "snag" is actually a nice doormat flounder. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with that sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to tip: hook your minnow or strip bait through the lips and let it drift naturally along the bottom. Flounder are ambush predators, so keep moving until you find where they're holding.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky fighters that hang around rocky structure and pilings. These wrasse typically run 1-3 pounds in our bays, with their mottled brown skin helping them blend into the rocks. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing crabs and mussels, which makes them tough to land once hooked. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at them, especially around jetties and bridge pilings. What makes tautog special is their scrappy attitude - they'll dive straight back to cover when hooked, testing your drag and skill. The meat is firm and sweet, making them great table fare. Here's the trick: use green crab bait and crush up some crab shells around your spot to get them feeding. Change your bait every 5 minutes - fresh scent is key with these picky eaters.
Ocean City, MD