Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters And Guides

Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing For Flounder, Striper, Cobia, And More...

A wide variety of fish can be taken while charter fishing Chesapeake Bay. Some of the most popular ones with anglers are mentioned below.

Striped Bass Fishing

The Chesapeake provides some world-class fishing for striped bass, also called "stripers" or "rockfish." The best time to catch stripers in the Bay is April through November. Methods for catching stripers usually include trolling, live lining, jigging, and fly fishing. The world record striped bass was caught in the Chesapeake Bay and tipped the scales at 67.5 pounds. Lots of Chesapeake Bay fishing charters and Chesapeake Bay fishing guides can put you on some trophy stripers.

Flounder Fishing

This flatfish is one of the ugliest in the sea yet one of the most flavorful. The flesh is white and flaky, with a mild, almost sweet, flavor. They're fun to catch, too, as they use their flat shape to its best advantage once the fish are hooked. Flounder are ambush predators - they lie in wait on the bottom, usually covering themselves with sand. When a shrimp, smaller fish, or an artificial bait comes near, the flounder engulfs the prey in its voluminous mouth. The best time to catch flounder in the Chesapeake is April-November. Smaller fish are often found in shallow water, but the doormats usually frequent deeper water, especially near structure. To catch your limit of flounder in the Bay, book a Chesapeake Bay fishing charter.

Red Drum Fishing

Redfish, red drum, reds, channel bass, spottail bass... no matter what you call them, this is one hard-fighting critter. They're aggressive predators that will bite practically anything when they're hungry. They can be caught on shrimp, cut bait, smaller fish, crabs, and a wide range of artificials. Some redfish anglers enjoy the thrill of battling a big red on a fly rod. Reds usually show up in the shallower sections of the Bay starting in May, and the action usually continues through September. Reds can be landed in the Bay during the daylight hours or at night, but you'll need to employ different strategies to be successful. Contact Chesapeake Bay fishing charters for your best options.

Speckled Trout Fishing

Sea trout, often called "specs," are beautiful fish, and they're wonderful on the table. They'll take a variety of baits - both natural and artificial. Many spec fishermen enjoy catching the fish on fly rods, while others prefer jigging. Another favorite strategy is to float a live shrimp over grass beds. Sometimes trout are hooked while anglers are bottom fishing for other species, too. The best time to fish for sea trout in the Bay is from July through November. Fishing guides in the Chesapeake Bay often target these tasty fish.

Black Drum Fishing

Black drum get huge in the Chesapeake, especially in the lower part of the Bay. In fact, black drum can grow to over 100 pounds. The best time to fish for drum is from April through November, although some are occasionally landed in the winter months. The best baits are crabs and clams, along with artificial grubs. Large black drum are exciting to haul in, but they're not good to eat. Smaller drum under 5 pounds, called "puppy drum," however, are quite tasty. If you're itching to land a giant drum, seek the help of a Chesapeake Bay fishing guide.

Croaker Fishing

Atlantic croakers are abundant in the Chesapeake Bay, especially during the summer months. Most are caught while bottom fishing with bloodworms, dead shrimp, and squid. Bay croakers can get up to eighteen inches in length, but foot-longers are more common. These scrappy fish are fun to catch on light tackle, and they also good to eat.

Spot Fishing

Spots are small fish that resemble croaker. In fact, they're often referred to as "spot croakers." The best time to catch spots in the Bay is summer through early fall, while fishing on the bottom with blood worms. Spots are fun and easy to catch and are a favorite with kids. These fish don't get very large - the biggest one on record weighed a little over two pounds - but they're pretty tasty, and they make great bait for larger predatory fish.

Bluefish Fishing

The best months to fish for blues in the Bay are July, August, and September. Fishing strategies for these feisty fish include trolling, chumming, and fly fishing. Blues are aggressive predators and usually travel in schools, so once you locate a group of blues, you'll have an excellent chance of some fast and furious angling action.

Cobia Fishing

Cobia usually show up in the Bay around the end of May, and they generally hang around until the end of September. Cobia love structure and are often found around towers and buoys. For bait, use small spots, croakers, or blues. Peeler crabs, eels, and spoons will work, too. Cobia are usually caught while bottom fishing, but you can also sight cast for those near the surface. These fast fish reach huge sizes and make excellent table fare. If you'd like to try your hand at cobia fishing, book a Chesapeake Bay fishing charter.