Half Day Inshore Trip (4 Hours – AM or PM)
Looking for some solid fishing action without burning up your entire day? Captain Shelton's got you covered with his top-rated half-day inshore trips aboard the 32-foot Albemarle. Whether you're an early bird ready to hit the water at 7:30 AM or prefer to sleep in and start at 12:30 PM, you'll spend four quality hours working the productive waters of Chesapeake Bay and the nearshore zones within three miles of the coast. This customer favorite trip puts you right where the fish are feeding, targeting some of the Bay's most sought-after species without the commitment of a full day on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
The moment you step aboard the spacious Albemarle, you'll notice this isn't your average fishing boat. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to move around and work your lines without bumping elbows. The boat comes equipped with a private restroom – always a plus when you're four hours from the dock – and a skilled First Mate who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Your mate will be rigging lines, netting fish, and keeping you in the action from start to finish. The crew provides all the quality tackle you'll need, so you can travel light and focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler. Feel free to pack your favorite snacks and beverages to keep everyone fueled throughout the trip. The Bay's inshore waters offer protection from rough seas while still delivering world-class fishing opportunities, making this perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned anglers alike.
Techniques & Tactics
Captain Shelton runs a versatile operation, switching between trolling and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what's biting. When the Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish are running, you'll likely spend time trolling spoons and small lures through productive areas where baitfish are schooling. The crew knows exactly which depths and structures hold fish during different tides and times of year. For species like Black Drum and Redfish, expect to drop bottom rigs with fresh bait near structure, oyster bars, and channel edges where these bruisers love to feed. The Cobia action often involves sight fishing and live bait presentations when these brown sharks are cruising the shallows. Your First Mate handles all the technical stuff – reading the fish finder, adjusting drag settings, and coaching you through the fight. All you need to do is hold on and enjoy the ride. The quality gear onboard includes rods rated for everything from schoolie Stripers to heavyweight Cobia, so you're always fishing with the right equipment for the job.
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are absolute bulldogs that'll test your arms and your drag system. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18 to 30 inches in the Bay, though bigger bulls show up during certain times of the year. They're notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often heading straight for structure to try and break you off. What makes Redfish special is their willingness to eat both live and cut bait, plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling.
Cobia are the prize catch that gets every angler's heart pumping. These brown sharks, as locals call them, can stretch over 40 inches and weigh 30-plus pounds in Chesapeake Bay waters. They're curious fish that often cruise near the surface, following rays and other marine life. When a big Cobia hits your bait, expect a freight-train run followed by powerful head shakes that'll test every knot in your rig. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in June and July.
Spanish Mackerel provide non-stop action when they're in town. These speedy predators rarely weigh more than three pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and absolutely demolish small spoons and jigs trolled at moderate speeds. Spanish Mackerel also make fantastic bait for bigger species and are delicious when grilled whole or filleted for fish tacos.
Bluefish are the ultimate schooling fish, arriving in massive numbers when conditions are right. These toothy predators hit hard and fight dirty, often jumping and thrashing at the boat. Blues range from snapper-sized fish perfect for kids to catch, all the way up to 10-pound choppers that'll bend your rod in half. They're excellent smoked or prepared fresh, though you'll want to ice them down quickly to maintain quality.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 50 pounds caught regularly in Bay waters. These bottom dwellers have serious pulling power and incredible stamina, often taking 15-20 minutes to boat once hooked. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but their size and strength make them a favorite target for anglers looking for a serious fight. Smaller Black Drum under 16 inches make excellent eating, while the big breeders are typically released to keep the population strong.
Time to Book Your Spot
This renowned half-day trip delivers everything you want in a fishing charter: quality boat, experienced crew, productive waters, and fish that actually bite. At just four hours, it's perfect for testing the waters before committing to longer trips, or for squeezing in some fishing action around other vacation plans. The flexible morning and afternoon departure times mean you can fish around your schedule, whether you want to be back at the dock for lunch or prefer to start after a leisurely morning. Captain Shelton offers free cancellation with seven days' notice, so you can book with confidence knowing weather won't leave you high and dry. Remember to tip your First Mate 20% – these guys work hard to put you on fish and deserve recognition for their efforts. Don't wait too long to secure