Private 3 Hour Bay Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing trip targeting flounder and tautogAll equipment, bait, and tackle provided for convenienceAccommodates up to six guests in Assawoman Bay waters
Picture this: you're drifting through the calm waters of Assawoman or Sinepuxent Bay, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale tug that gets every angler's heart racing. Our 3-hour bay fishing adventure puts you right in the sweet spots where flounder, tautog, sheepshead, and croaker love to hang out. We've got everything covered—bait, tackle, ice-cold water—so all you need to worry about is setting the hook and reeling in your catch. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip works perfectly for families, buddies wanting to get away from shore, or anyone looking to experience some of the Mid-Atlantic's best inshore fishing without the commitment of a full-day charter.
When you step aboard with Running Tide Charters, you're getting more than just a boat ride—you're tapping into years of local knowledge about these productive bay systems. Captain and crew know exactly where the fish are holding based on tides, structure, and seasonal patterns. We'll anchor up on productive bottom, drift over sandy flats, or work the edges of channels depending on what's biting best that day. The beauty of bay fishing is the variety—one minute you might be pulling up a chunky tautog from the rocks, the next you could be fighting a doormat flounder that's been hugging the bottom. The protected waters mean comfortable fishing even when the ocean gets rough, making this a top-rated choice for anglers who want consistent action without the seasickness factor. Don't forget to pack your favorite drinks, some snacks, and plenty of sunscreen—trust me, three hours flies by when the fish are cooperating.
We fish these bays using a mix of bottom fishing and light tackle techniques that match what the target species prefer. For tautog and sheepshead, we'll set up with enough weight to hold bottom around structure—think bridge pilings, rock piles, and oyster bars where these fish love to feed. Green crabs and sand fleas work magic for tog, while fiddler crabs are sheepshead candy. When we're targeting flounder, it's all about working the sandy edges and drop-offs with bucktails tipped with strips of squid or live minnows. Croaker fishing is pure fun on light tackle—these guys school up and once you find them, it's often fish after fish. The gear we provide covers everything from circle hooks to sinkers, and we'll match your tackle to the conditions and target species. If you've got your own favorite rod and reel setup, feel free to bring it along—just know that we've got quality gear ready to go so you can fish hands-free if you prefer.
Tautog are the heavyweight champions of bay fishing around here. These thick-bodied fighters average 2-4 pounds but can push well over 6 pounds if you're lucky enough to hook into a true wall-hanger. They're most active during cooler months—think late fall through early spring—when they move into shallower structure to feed. What makes tog fishing so addictive is their incredible strength relative to their size and their preference for gnarly bottom where you never know what else might grab your bait. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for chowder or pan-frying.
Summer flounder, or fluke as most locals call them, are the bay's shape-shifters. These masters of camouflage can be tricky to locate, but when you dial in their pattern, they provide some of the most rewarding fishing you'll experience. Keeper-sized flounder in these bays typically run 16-20 inches, with occasional surprises pushing the 5-pound mark. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and there's something special about watching a big fluke materialize off the bottom as you work your bait just right. The fight might not be as dramatic as other species, but their size and excellent eating quality make them a customer favorite.
Sheepshead might be the most underrated fighters in the bay. These black-and-white striped beauties have human-like teeth that they use to crush crustaceans around hard structure. They're incredibly smart—some days they'll pick your bait clean without getting hooked, other days they'll attack anything you drop down. Most sheepshead in our waters run 1-3 pounds, but their scrappy nature and tendency to dive straight back into structure keeps things interesting. They're primarily warm-weather fish, showing up consistently from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 60 degrees.
This world-class bay fishing experience delivers exactly what every angler wants: consistent action, comfortable conditions, and the chance to target multiple species in one trip. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, planning a low-key day with friends, or just want to get your line wet without fighting ocean swells, this 3-hour adventure hits the sweet spot. The combination of Assawoman and Sinepuxent Bay's diverse structure and abundant bait keeps these waters productive year-round, and our local expertise puts you on fish faster than trying to figure it out on your own. Ready to feel that rod bend and hear some drag sing? Book your bay fishing trip with Running Tide Charters today—the fish are waiting, and so is your next great fishing story.
Step aboard our reliable 25-foot World Cat catamaran and get ready to fish the productive waters of Assawoman and Sinepuxent Bay. This 2001 twin-hull design handles the bay's shallow waters perfectly while providing plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines give us the speed to reach the best fishing spots quickly, while the wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure where flounder and tautog love to hang out. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of croaker and sheepshead, and when the summer sun gets intense, you can cool off with onboard air conditioning between bites. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the built-in icebox while we navigate to honey holes using GPS to hit proven productive areas. The stable catamaran platform makes it easy to fight fish and land your catch, whether you're a seasoned angler or just learning to read the water. We've got all the bait, tackle, and cold water covered – just bring your favorite beverages, snacks, and sunscreen for a great day on the bay.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese "convict fish" with their black and white stripes are some of the smartest fish in the bay, known for those human-like teeth that can crack barnacles and crabs with ease. Most range 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, living around any structure they can find - docks, pilings, and rock piles. Spring is when they really turn on, moving into shallow water to spawn. Anglers love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with incredible precision. They'll strip your hook clean if you're not paying attention. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. The secret is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and getting your bait tight against structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook immediately and aggressively. They'll try to cut your line on barnacles, so keep steady pressure and pull them away from cover fast.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying sideways on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, with females getting bigger than males. They love shallow bay waters near drop-offs and channel edges where baitfish move through. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're feeding heavily before winter. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know when that "dead" weight on your line turns into a doormat-sized fish making strong runs. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. The key is using a bucktail jig with a strip of squid or live minnow, bouncing it slowly along the bottom. Keep your rod tip sensitive - flounder have soft mouths and will drop the bait if they feel resistance. When you feel that tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook gently.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, these chunky fighters love rocky structure and are perfect for our bay waters. Most tautog run 1-3 pounds, but bigger ones lurk around jetties and boulder piles. They're equipped with crushing teeth for crabs and mussels, making them tough customers once hooked. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot, especially around dawn when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their stubborn fight - they'll try to wrap your line around every rock they can find. The meat is firm and sweet, making them great table fare. Here's the trick: use green crab bait, crush up some shells around your spot to create scent, and change your bait every 5 minutes. They're notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked, so stay alert and set that hook hard when you feel them nibbling.
Ocean City, MD