5.0(2 Reviews)Chesapeake Bay Fishing | Shared 4 Hour Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday shared charter includes all gear and fishing licensesTrophy striped bass trolling available during spring seasonProfessional fish filleting and packaging services provided
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip without breaking the bank? This shared charter with Screaming Eagle Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a customer favorite that gets you out on the legendary Chesapeake Bay for four hours of quality fishing time. Captain Haddaway and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping the whole experience laid-back and fun. Whether you're bringing your spouse out for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler wanting to hit some productive waters, this top-rated charter delivers.
This isn't one of those bare-bones charters where you're nickel-and-dimed for every piece of gear. Everything's included – your fishing license, quality rods and reels, fresh bait, lures, and they'll even clean and package your catch so it's ready for the cooler. Just bring your snacks, drinks, and maybe a cooler with ice if you want to keep your fish cold on the ride home. The boat's comfortable and well-maintained, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about whether you're on a seaworthy vessel. With only two guests max, you're getting personalized attention from the crew without feeling crowded. Captain Haddaway's got a reputation for being patient with beginners while still delivering the action that keeps experienced anglers coming back.
The fishing approach changes with the seasons, and these guys know exactly when to switch tactics. During the world-class Spring Trophy Striped Bass season from May 1-15, you'll be trolling with 18-20 rods spread out behind the boat. It's like running a small commercial operation – rods everywhere, lures working different depths, and the anticipation of a big striper slamming one of those baits. Come summer months from July through September, the crew switches to spinning tackle with fresh cut bait or live offerings. This is when you really get to feel the fish fight, working them in on lighter gear. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts – if the fish are shallow, you're casting and retrieving. If they're holding deep, you're bottom fishing or working structure. It's real fishing, not just dropping a line and hoping for the best.
"Wonderful family time. Experienced captain and hard working first and second mates. comfortable boat and great fishing. Felt lucky that it took some two hours for fish to start biting, as we wanted to be out on the water little while then caught the limit next two hours or so and total time out on water was just right." - Elaine
"We had a really great time. We caught our limit of strippers. My wife's first time fishing and she caught more than anyone. Captain Haddaway was friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. Great trip." - Eric
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish put up a serious fight, especially the larger ones that can push 30+ inches and weigh 15-20 pounds or more during trophy season. Stripers are structure-oriented fish that love to hunt in schools, so when you find them, you often find a lot of them. Spring brings the big breeder fish up from their wintering grounds, while summer and fall offer consistent action with keeper-sized fish. What makes stripers special is their willingness to hit both artificial lures and live bait, plus they're excellent table fare. When a good striper hits your line, you'll know it – they make that initial run that gets your heart pumping and then settle into a strong, steady fight that tests your drag system.
Spanish Mackerel show up during the warmer months and provide some of the fastest action you'll find in the Bay. These silver bullets rarely exceed 2-3 pounds, but they make up for size with pure speed and aggression. Mackerel hunt in large schools and when you hit them right, it's non-stop action – sometimes multiple fish on at once. They're sight feeders that love shiny spoons and small jigs retrieved at a decent clip. The fight is short but intense, with lots of head shaking and line-stripping runs. Spanish mackerel are also fantastic eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the Chesapeake Bay – aggressive predators that will hit almost anything you throw at them when they're feeding. These fish can range from small "snapper" blues around a pound up to larger "chopper" blues that can exceed 10 pounds. Blues travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, often creating surface disturbances as they chase baitfish. When you hook into a good bluefish, expect a powerful initial run followed by a bulldogging fight near the boat. They're known for their sharp teeth and strong jaws, so the crew will handle the netting and unhooking. Blues are oily fish that are best when eaten fresh, and they're particularly good when smoked or grilled with strong seasonings.
At the end of the day, this charter delivers exactly what it promises – a quality fishing experience on one of the East Coast's best fishing waters. You're getting professional guidance, all the gear you need, and access to productive fishing spots that take local knowledge to find. The flexible departure times mean you can work this trip into your schedule, whether you're an early bird who wants to be on the water at first light or prefer a more civilized start time. With only two spots available, this trip books up fast during peak season. Don't wait until the last minute – the fish are biting, the weather's cooperating, and Captain Haddaway's calendar is filling up quickly.
Step aboard the Trojan Cruiser, a classic 32-foot fishing machine that's been working Chesapeake Bay waters since 1977. This restored beauty packs a serious 380HP Cummins engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising at 21 knots when the fish are calling your name. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with radar to cut through morning fog and a fish finder that'll help you locate those trophy stripers hiding in the depths. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to work your lines, whether you're trolling during the spring trophy season with multiple rods or casting live bait in the summer heat. Everything's included – rods, reels, bait, and even fish cleaning service. The boat handles up to six people total, but you'll be sharing this morning adventure with just one other angler, giving you space to fish without crowding. There's an onboard head for convenience during those longer battles with big fish. This charter knows Chesapeake Bay like the back of their hand, from the shallow flats where rockfish cruise to the deeper channels where the real monsters lurk.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the bay's bullies - aggressive predators with an attitude that'll give you a real scrap. Most run 2-8 pounds with razor-sharp teeth that can do serious damage if you're not careful. They travel in schools and go on feeding frenzies, especially around bait balls in open water and near channel edges. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding. What makes them fun? Pure aggression - they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up. The meat's great when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect grilled. Local secret: when you see birds diving and water churning, that's a "bluefish blitz" - get there fast and use anything shiny.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes when they hit. These sleek, spotted fish typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in open water during summer months. Look for them near the surface around structure or chasing bait in mid-Bay channels. They show up best from July through September when water temps are warm. Guests love them because they're lightning fast, pull drag, and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. The key to catching them is staying mobile - when you find a school, work it fast with small spoons or jigs before they move on. Pro tip: use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of Chesapeake Bay fishing, and for good reason. These silver bulldozers with their distinctive dark stripes run 20-40 pounds on average, though spring trophy season brings giants over 50. You'll find them around structure - bridge pilings, channel edges, and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring (May) and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migration. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and give you that deep bend in the rod that gets your heart pumping. Here's a local trick: when trolling near the Bay Bridge, watch your depth finder for bait balls and work the edges where current breaks around the pilings.
5.0 out of 5.0Wonderful family time. Experienced captain and hard working first and second mates. comfortable boat and great fishing. Felt lucky...
We had a really great time. We caught our limit of strippers. My wife’s first time fishing and she caught more than anyone. Captai...
Choptank River, Maryland, USA