Private 4 Hour Bay Fishing in Atlantic Ocean
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour Atlantic Ocean fishing targeting multiple speciesAll equipment, bait, and tackle provided onboardChoose between reef fishing or trolling techniques
Get ready to drop lines in some of the most productive fishing waters along the Atlantic coast. Running Tide Charters has been putting anglers on fish for years, and this private 4-hour bay fishing trip is your ticket to experiencing what locals know best. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this trip gives you the flexibility to target exactly what you want to catch. We'll handle all the details while you focus on what matters most - getting your line wet and bringing fish to the boat.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With just your group of up to 6 anglers aboard, you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably and get personalized attention from your captain. The beauty of this trip lies in the choice - you decide whether we're hitting the reefs and wrecks for bottom dwellers or trolling the open water for fast-moving pelagics. The Atlantic Ocean off our coast serves up both options in spades, and your captain knows exactly where the fish are holding based on current conditions. We supply everything you need to be successful: fresh bait, quality tackle, and ice-cold water to keep you hydrated. All you need to bring is your favorite drink, some snacks, sunscreen, and that fishing spirit. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to really get into the groove without wearing yourself out, making it perfect for families, friends celebrating special occasions, or anyone wanting a solid half-day on the water. Your captain will adjust techniques and locations throughout the trip to maximize your success, whether that means switching from bottom fishing to trolling or moving from reef to wreck based on what's biting.
When it comes to reef and wreck fishing, we're talking about getting down to where the structure-loving fish like to hang out. These underwater features act like fish magnets, attracting everything from flounder to sea bass to tautog. Your captain will position the boat over productive spots using GPS and fish finder technology, then it's time to drop down with heavy sinkers and circle hooks baited with fresh squid, clams, or whatever the fish are preferring that day. The key is staying tight to the bottom and feeling for those subtle taps and pulls that signal a fish is investigating your offering. Wreck fishing adds another dimension - these artificial reefs created by sunken vessels become home to incredible numbers of fish over time. When trolling becomes the game plan, we switch gears completely. Lines go out the back with various lures and baits designed to mimic the baitfish that Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and bonito can't resist. We'll cover water at different speeds, adjusting lure colors and depths until we find the magic combination. Trolling lets you cover more territory and often results in more consistent action, especially when the pelagic species are scattered and feeding actively. The decision between bottom fishing and trolling often comes down to conditions, season, and what your group is most excited about targeting.
Summer flounder, also known as fluke, are the crown jewel of our nearshore waters and one of the most sought-after targets for good reason. These flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy bottoms near structure where they ambush unsuspecting baitfish. What makes flounder so exciting is their size potential - while you might catch plenty of keeper-sized fish in the 18-22 inch range, there's always the possibility of hooking into a genuine doormat pushing 5-10 pounds or more. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish are pushed around, making them easier targets. Flounder are also fantastic table fare, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for everything from simple pan-frying to elaborate dinner preparations. The fight might not be spectacular, but that heavy head-shaking resistance and the anticipation of seeing what size fish you've hooked keeps every drop interesting.
Tautog, or blackfish as many locals call them, represent a completely different challenge and reward. These stocky, powerful fish live around hard structure like wrecks, rocks, and reefs, where they use their strong jaws to crush crabs, mussels, and other shellfish. What makes tautog fishing so addictive is the technique required - you need to present your bait right in their living room and be ready for their subtle, often barely detectable bite. Once hooked, they immediately head for cover, using their broad body and powerful tail to test your drag and your patience. Tautog are exceptional eating, with firm, white meat that many consider superior to striped bass or flounder. They're most active in cooler water, making spring and fall prime time, though summer fishing can still be productive around deeper structures. A good day of tautog fishing often means bringing home some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean.
Black sea bass might be smaller than flounder or tautog, but they make up for size with pure attitude and numbers. These aggressive bottom dwellers are always ready to eat, making them perfect for keeping the action steady throughout your trip. They typically travel in schools around structure, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Sea bass have beautiful coloration with mottled browns and whites, and despite their modest size - most keepers run 12-16 inches - they're scrappy fighters that will bend your rod tip. They're also among the most cooperative fish when it comes to taking a variety of baits, from squid strips to sea worms to small jigs. Black sea bass season typically runs from late spring through early fall, and they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat similar to grouper. Many anglers consider them the perfect "kids' fish" because they bite readily and fight hard enough to be exciting without being overwhelming.
This top-rated private fishing experience combines the best of Atlantic Ocean fishing with the personal touch that only comes from a dedicated charter operation. Running Tide Charters has built their
Get ready to fish the Atlantic waters aboard our reliable 25' World Cat catamaran! This 2001 twin-hull beauty runs on powerful twin 150HP Yamaha engines, cruising smoothly at 30 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. With room for up to 6 anglers, the spacious deck gives everyone plenty of casting room whether you're dropping lines on productive reefs and wrecks or trolling for pelagic species. The boat comes equipped with everything serious fishermen need - GPS to find the hottest spots, fish finder to locate schools, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches. Stay cool with onboard AC between fishing sessions, and keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox. We provide all bait, tackle, and cold water, so just bring your drinks, snacks, and sunscreen. Target bottom dwellers like Flounder, Sea Bass, and Tautog around structure, or switch to trolling for hard-fighting Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Bonito in open water. Just let us know your preference when booking this 4-hour Atlantic fishing adventure!
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, scrappy fighters that live around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom structure. Most run 1-4 pounds, but they pack a punch for their size and make great table fare. You'll find them in 30-120 feet of water around any hard structure - artificial reefs, shipwrecks, and rock piles are prime spots. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Guests love these fish because they're willing biters that fight hard all the way to the boat, plus they're some of the best eating you'll find. They have an interesting life cycle too - they start as females and change to males as they grow larger. Here's a tip that works well: use a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid strips or clam, but add a small bucktail jig on the top hook. The movement often triggers strikes when straight bait won't.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are fascinating flatfish that live on the sandy bottom with both eyes on their left side - they literally lie sideways watching for prey above. These "doormat" fish average 15-20 inches but can grow much larger, with females reaching impressive sizes. You'll find them on sandy bottoms near structure in 20-80 feet of water. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. What makes them special is their incredible camouflage ability - they're called "chameleons of the sea" for good reason. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: use a bucktail jig with a strip of squid or sea worm, and work it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap, give them a few seconds before setting the hook - flounders like to grab bait sideways first.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, also called blackfish, are the bulldogs of the wreck and reef world. These thick-bodied fish with powerful jaws and crusher teeth average 1-3 pounds, though they can reach over 20 pounds and live 30+ years. They love rocky structure - wrecks, jetties, and boulder fields where they hunt crabs and shellfish. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're most active, especially April through June. What guests love about tog fishing is the challenge - they're smart, structure-hugging fighters that test your skill. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. These fish are territorial and can be finicky, but that makes landing one more rewarding. Here's my go-to trick: use green crabs with the legs and claws removed, and create a chum slick by crushing some crab pieces near your fishing spot. The scent drives them crazy, but change your bait every 5 minutes or it loses effectiveness.
Ocean City, MD