7 Hour Trophy Striped Bass Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target trophy striped bass weighing 3560 pounds using live eelsFish in Lower Chesapeake Bay with enclosed heated cabin comfortCatch and release season with citation opportunities over 44 inches
Welcome to the big leagues of Chesapeake Bay fishing! This isn't your typical striper trip – we're talking about monster trophy rockfish that'll make your arms burn and give you bragging rights for years. Salty Hooker Charters specializes in targeting these giants in the lower Chesapeake Bay, where 35-60 pound stripers cruise the deep waters during the trophy season. You'll be fishing catch and release for these prehistoric-looking bruisers, but don't worry – any fish over 44 inches qualifies for an official Virginia Marine Resources Commission trophy citation that you can hang on your wall. Our heated cabin keeps you comfortable during those chilly mornings, and with just four anglers max, everyone gets prime fishing real estate without fighting for elbow room.
This is serious business fishing for serious fish. We launch early to get you on the productive water while these trophy stripers are actively feeding. The lower Chesapeake Bay offers some of the most consistent trophy striper fishing on the East Coast, and we know exactly where these monsters like to hang out. You'll spend seven full hours targeting fish that most anglers only dream about – we're talking stripers that measure 40 to 55+ inches and weigh as much as a medium-sized dog. The boat features an enclosed helm and heated cabin, so even on those brutal winter days when the big fish are biting best, you can warm up between fights. Just bring layers, some snacks to keep your energy up, and drinks for the day. We handle everything else, from tackle to technique. This is catch and release fishing at its finest – these breeding females are too valuable to the fishery to take home, but the photos and memories will last forever.
We use the most effective method for targeting trophy stripers – live lining eels. This technique puts a live eel in front of these massive fish exactly how they like to eat them. The eels swim naturally through the water column, driving big stripers absolutely crazy with their scent trail and erratic movement. We'll hook the eels through the lips or behind the head, depending on current and depth, then let them swim freely on circle hooks that ensure solid hookups and easy releases. The tackle is heavy enough to handle these brutes – we're talking 50-pound class gear because when a 50-pound striper decides to make a run, you need equipment that won't let you down. The technique requires patience and attention to your rod tip, watching for that telltale tick-tick-tick of a big fish mouthing the eel before committing. Once they take it and start moving off, the fight is on, and these fish will test every ounce of your strength and determination.
Striped bass, or rockfish as we call them locally, are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and the trophy-sized ones are in a league of their own. These are mature breeding females that have survived decades in these waters, growing to massive proportions by feeding on the Bay's abundant baitfish populations. Trophy stripers are incredibly strong fighters that use their bulk and the current to their advantage, often making multiple deep runs that'll have your drag screaming. The best trophy fishing typically happens during the colder months when these big fish move into the lower Bay to stage for their ocean migration. What makes catching them so special isn't just their size – it's their age and the fact that you're handling a fish that might be 20 or 30 years old. They have this prehistoric look with their distinctive stripes and massive heads, and when you see one surface next to the boat, it's honestly breathtaking. The slot limit means you can't keep these giants, but that's exactly why the fishery is so healthy and why we can consistently target fish of this caliber year after year.
Trophy striper season is prime time for serious anglers who want to tangle with some of the biggest fish swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. This world-class fishery produces consistent shots at fish most anglers will never see, and our seven-hour trips give you the best chance to connect with a true giant. The heated cabin and enclosed helm mean comfort isn't sacrificed for fishing quality, and our small group size ensures you get the personalized attention and coaching that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. Whether you're chasing your first trophy citation or trying to beat your personal best, this is the trip that delivers. These fish don't wait around, and neither should you – the trophy season is limited, and the best dates book up fast with repeat customers who know what we're capable of producing. Don't let another season pass wondering what it feels like to battle a 50-pound striper in the legendary waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Our fully-equipped charter boat is built for serious trophy striped bass fishing in the lower Chesapeake Bay. The enclosed helm and heated cabin keep you comfortable during those chilly Virginia mornings when the big rockfish are biting. We've got top-notch electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finders to locate schools and navigate safely in any conditions. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, so you can focus on landing that 50-pound monster striper. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight these powerful fish without getting tangled up. The boat handles the bay's choppy waters with ease, getting you to the prime live-lining spots where trophy rockfish patrol. Perfect setup for targeting those citation-worthy stripers that'll have you bragging for years.
Cape Charles, VA