Kid Friendly Bass Fishing Charter Chesapeake Bay
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sixhour afternoon bass fishing designed for families with childrenPatient captain instruction includes casting and basic fishing techniquesAll gear, licenses, and water provided for hasslefree experienceLooking for a bass fishing trip that actually works for kids? This 6-hour afternoon charter on the Chesapeake Bay is built around young anglers and first-time fishers. Starting at 2pm, you'll have plenty of time to sleep in and grab lunch before heading out on the water. The captain takes his time teaching casting, lure control, and basic fishing fundamentals without rushing anyone. With all gear, licenses, and water included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Perfect for families who want to introduce their kids to bass fishing in one of the East Coast's top fishing destinations.
This trip runs from 2pm to 8pm, which means you're fishing during prime afternoon and evening hours when bass are most active. The later start time is a game-changer for families – no more dragging sleepy kids to the dock at dawn. You'll fish the productive waters of the Chesapeake Bay, targeting structure and cover where bass like to hang out. The captain focuses on simple, effective techniques that work well for younger hands. Think Texas-rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures when conditions are right. The boat stays close to productive spots, so there's less running around and more time with lines in the water. With only 2 guests max, everyone gets personal attention and plenty of chances to practice their casting without feeling rushed.
All your fishing gear is provided, including rods sized appropriately for younger anglers. The captain sets everyone up with medium-action spinning rods that are forgiving and easy to handle. You'll primarily use artificial lures – soft plastics like worms and creature baits rigged weedless for fishing around cover, plus spinnerbaits and chatterbaits that are hard to mess up. The captain teaches proper casting form, how to work different lures, and most importantly, how to detect strikes. Kids learn to feel the difference between a bass bite and getting hung up on structure. Line management, setting the hook, and fighting fish safely are all part of the lesson. The focus stays on techniques that produce fish while building confidence. When someone hooks up, the captain talks them through the fight step by step.
Largemouth Bass are the main attraction here, and the Chesapeake Bay system holds some quality fish. These bass love the abundant cover – fallen trees, grass beds, and dock pilings throughout the bay. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from 12 inches up to 4-5 pounders that'll give kids a real fight. Largemouth hit hard and jump when hooked, which creates those memorable moments every young angler remembers. They're also forgiving – they'll often hold onto a bait long enough for kids to feel the bite and set the hook properly.
Striped Bass, or rockfish as locals call them, are year-round residents in the bay. These fish are built for fighting, with strong runs that test young anglers' skills. Stripers in the 18-28 inch range are common, and they're excellent table fare. Fall months bring some of the best striper action as baitfish schools move through the area. Kids love the way stripers pull drag and make long runs. The captain knows where to find them based on current conditions, bait movements, and seasonal patterns.
Smallmouth Bass round out the target species list, and while less common than largemouth in these waters, they're pound-for-pound the strongest fighters. Smallies prefer rocky areas and current breaks, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. They jump repeatedly and never give up, even small ones. Finding smallmouth requires more precise boat positioning and lure presentation, which gives kids a chance to learn more advanced techniques. A 2-pound smallmouth fights like a fish twice its size.
This kid-friendly bass charter fills up fast during peak season, especially weekend slots. The 2pm start time is popular with families, and the captain's reputation for patience with young anglers keeps customers coming back. All gear, licenses, and water are included, so you're getting excellent value for a 6-hour trip. The flexible pacing means if someone needs a break or wants extra time practicing a technique, that's built into the trip. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or want a relaxed bass trip without the early morning rush, this charter delivers exactly what families need for a successful day on the Chesapeake Bay.
Cast your lines from the deck of our 2024 Skeeter FXR 21, a modern bass boat built for serious fishing on Chesapeake Bay. This sleek 21-footer runs on a powerful Yamaha 250hp engine that gets you to the hotspots quickly and quietly. The open deck layout gives kids plenty of room to move around safely while learning proper casting techniques. Built for stability in bay waters, this boat handles chop with ease so young anglers can focus on landing their first bass. The spacious fishing platform and comfortable seating make it perfect for patient instruction and those exciting moments when the rod bends. With all the latest electronics onboard, we'll locate fish and teach your crew the skills that turn beginners into confident anglers.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are perfect for beginners - they're aggressive feeders with that famous oversized mouth that extends past their eyes. These green-bodied fighters typically run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds in the Bay. You'll find them around shallow structure like fallen trees, grass beds, and dock pilings where they ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are comfortable. Kids love catching them because they hit hard and put up a solid fight without being too overwhelming. They're also great eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: cast your lure past the structure and work it back slowly - largemouth prefer to strike as bait moves away from cover, not toward it.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class. Usually 12-18 inches, these bronze-colored bass with dark vertical bars prefer rocky bottoms and clearer water than their largemouth cousins. In the Bay, look for them around riprap, rock piles, and deeper structure. They're most active during spring and fall when temps are moderate - summer finds them deeper in cooler water. What kids love about smallmouths is their attitude - they fight harder than fish twice their size with acrobatic jumps and strong runs. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild fillets. Local tip: use smaller baits than you would for largemouth - a 3-inch soft plastic on a light jig head works magic around those rocky areas.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the Bay's signature species - those distinctive black stripes make them easy to identify. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, though they can get much bigger. These powerful swimmers love moving water around structure like bridge pilings, channel edges, and drop-offs. Spring and fall migration periods are prime time, but you can catch them year-round here in the Chesapeake. What makes them special is that solid pull when they hit - not too crazy for kids but enough to get the heart pumping. Plus they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving or bait flickering on the surface, get your lines out fast - stripers are likely feeding underneath.
Chesapeake Bay