Private Chesapeake Bay Sightseeing Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sixhour private sightseeing charter for up to two guestsHistorical tour with local landmarks and wildlife viewingCaptain provides area knowledge and stories throughout cruiseLooking for a different kind of day on the water? This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's something special. Wanna be Angler's 6-hour private sightseeing tour gives you and one other person the entire Chesapeake Bay as your playground. Your local captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and loves sharing stories about the landmarks, history, and wildlife that make this area so unique. You'll cruise at whatever pace feels right, taking in the scenery and soaking up local knowledge. While all the fishing gear and licenses are included if you feel like wetting a line, the real star here is the Bay itself and everything it has to offer beyond the catch.
Your day starts early at 7am when the Bay is at its most peaceful. The morning light hits the water just right, and you'll understand why watermen have been drawn to these waters for centuries. Your captain sets the pace based on what catches your interest – maybe you want to hear about the old oyster beds, or you're curious about that lighthouse in the distance. The boat moves comfortably through calm waters, hitting the spots that most people never get to see. You're not racing from fishing hole to fishing hole; instead, you're taking time to really see what makes the Chesapeake special. The wildlife viewing alone is worth the trip – ospreys diving for fish, herons working the shallows, and dolphins that sometimes decide to cruise alongside. This is perfect for couples who want something more relaxed than a hardcore fishing charter, or anyone who appreciates good stories and better views.
Even though fishing takes a backseat to sightseeing, everything's ready if the mood strikes you. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels suitable for whatever bass might be cruising these waters. Your captain has the local fishing licenses covered, so there's no paperwork headache on your end. The real skill here is in reading the Bay – knowing which coves hold the most history, where the wildlife congregates, and how the tides affect different areas throughout the day. Your guide uses depth finders and GPS to navigate, but the real navigation happens through decades of local knowledge. The Chesapeake has its own personality depending on weather, season, and time of day, and your captain knows how to work with these conditions to show you the best the Bay has to offer. Drinking water is provided, but you might want to bring snacks since meals aren't included in this 6-hour adventure.
While sightseeing is the main event, the fishing opportunities are legitimate if you decide to drop a line. Largemouth bass are the heavyweight champions of the Bay's calmer waters. These fish love structure – fallen trees, grass beds, and dock pilings where they can ambush prey. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, which works perfectly with your early morning start. A good largemouth will put up a solid fight, and anything over 4 pounds is a fish worth bragging about. They're smart, too – they've seen plenty of lures over the years, so when you do hook one, you know you've earned it. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at these bass, especially when they're feeding heavy before winter.
Striped bass, or "stripers" as locals call them, are the Bay's most famous residents. These silver rockets can range anywhere from schoolie size to genuine trophies pushing 30 inches or more. They're constantly on the move, following baitfish through the Bay's channels and tributaries. What makes stripers exciting is their unpredictability – you might find them busting baitfish on the surface one minute, then holding deep the next. They hit hard and fight harder, making long runs that test your drag system. The best times are typically spring and fall when they're migrating, but resident fish provide action throughout the warmer months. Your captain knows the seasonal patterns and can put you on fish if they're cooperative.
Smallmouth bass bring a different kind of energy to the Bay. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. They prefer rocky areas and current breaks where they can hunt crawfish and small baitfish. Smallies are aggressive and acrobatic – expect jumps, runs, and everything they can throw at you once hooked. They're typically smaller than their largemouth cousins, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Summer months offer the most consistent smallmouth action, and they're particularly active during low-light periods. A 3-pound smallmouth will give you a fight you won't forget, and the Bay holds some genuine giants for those lucky enough to find them.
This charter offers something you won't find on every boat – the chance to actually connect with the Chesapeake Bay beyond just fishing. You get a knowledgeable local guide, a private boat for just two people, and six hours to explore one of the East Coast's most historic waterways. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, want to show visiting family something special, or just need a break from the usual routine, this trip delivers. The gear and licenses are handled, the pace is relaxed, and the stories are genuine. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. The Bay is waiting, and your captain is ready to show you why locals never get tired of these waters. Book your spot with Wanna be Angler and discover what makes the Chesapeake Bay a true American treasure.
Your private Chesapeake Bay adventure awaits aboard a brand-new 2024 Skeeter FXR 21, powered by a reliable Yamaha 250hp engine. This sleek bass boat delivers the perfect combination of speed and stability for exploring the Bay's historic waterways and scenic coastlines. The spacious open deck gives you and your companion plenty of room to move around while taking in landmarks and wildlife sightings. Built for serious anglers but ideal for sightseeing, this modern craft handles Bay conditions with ease while your local captain shares stories about the area's rich maritime history. Whether you're watching osprey dive for fish or cruising past colonial-era sites, the smooth ride keeps you comfortable during your 6-hour journey. All gear and licenses are included if you decide to drop a line, plus fresh drinking water to keep you refreshed. Starting at 7am, this relaxed tour moves at your pace through some of the most beautiful and historically significant waters on the East Coast.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese chunky fighters average 12-24 inches and pack serious attitude in that oversized mouth. You'll find them tucked around structure - fallen trees, dock pilings, grass beds - anywhere they can ambush prey. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow, but summer mornings work too before they head deep to beat the heat. What makes them special? That explosive strike and the way they jump trying to throw your hook. They're solid eating if you keep a few from clean water. Here's a local trick: when fishing thick cover, rig a weightless soft plastic and let it sink slow - that hesitation drives them crazy.
Micropterus DolomieuThese bronze-backed scrappers are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting bass in the Bay. Running 12-18 inches typically, they love rocky structure and clear water where they can see what's coming. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're active in shallow water, though early mornings work all season. What sets them apart is pure fight - they'll jump, dive, and battle right to the boat. The meat's firm and tasty too. Here's what works: cast a small jig or soft plastic around rocky points and let it bounce along the bottom. When they hit, hold on tight - they don't quit.
Morone SaxatilisThe Bay's signature fish, these silver rockets with dark horizontal stripes can run anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows. They love moving water and structure - bridge pilings, channel edges, oyster bars. Spring and fall are peak times during their migration, but we catch them year-round. What guests love most is the fight - these fish make blistering runs and never give up easy. Plus they're fantastic eating with that sweet, firm meat. My go-to tip: find the birds working baitfish on the surface. Where there's action up top, there's usually bigger stripers waiting underneath to clean up the scraps.
Chesapeake Bay