OUR FISHING TRIPS
Casting and Jigging
Casting and Jigging trips are done without bait, using artificial lures. Anglers should be proficient in casting and retrieving lures using light spinning tackle. We welcome anglers of all skill levels. Beginning anglers should discuss their skill level with the captain before booking so that your trip can be planned for maximum enjoyment. We are patient teachers. Intermediate to advance anglers may bring their own tackle after discussing and gaining prior approval from the captain. When casting and jigging, we generally target striped bass, bluefish, mackerel, speckled trout and redfish. We support and encourage safe catch and release practices during casting and jigging trips. However, anglers are also welcomed to keep fish that meet the regulations set forth by MD DNR / VA DWR.
Fly Fishing
Fly fisherman are warmly welcomed, and the Chesapeake offers endless scenic back country and open water opportunities for fly anglers. Our shallow draft Parker excels at shoreline fishing, but also has plenty of muscle for the bay's main stem. Talk to the captain prior to booking to discuss your party number, boat layout and the type of fishing experience that you value most.
Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing trips involve a mix of bait fishing and lure fishing and demand less technical skill on the part of the angler. Anglers should still have basic proficiency in using light spinning tackle. When bottom fishing, we generally target white perch, croaker, spot, seabass, catfish and flounder. It should be noted that we do not target striped bass with bait ever. Also, we generally do not advocate catch and release during bottom fishing with bait, since fish are often deep hooked and damaged when caught. When bait fishing, it's best to wrap up fishing after you have put the fish you want for the table in the cooler. However, if you reach your limit quickly and have your table fare, we can always blend trips and toss lures or drop jigs for some catch and release action! All fish kept must meet the regulations set forth by MD DNR / VA DWR.
Launch Locations
Launch locations will vary based on the season and your angling goals. Contact the captain to plan your trip and communicate your goals, so the captain can suggest a plan that works best. Depending on the plan, the captain will suggest Kent Narrows, Sandy Point, Chesapeake Beach, Bellevue Landing, Solomons Island, Point Lookout, Nanticoke Harbor, Crisfield, or other launch location. Wind and weather can also dictate a change in location, so check in with the captain a couple of days prior to your trip to discuss how weather might change the launch point.
What's Provided
We will provide all needed fishing gear. The captain will also have water onboard, but on hot days you might want to pack a few extra. As passengers on a Licensed Charter Vessel, you do not need individual fishing licenses; anglers are covered under the boat fishing license. Our gear includes:
- Custom fishing rods by "Backyard Custom Rods"
- Shimano, Pflueger, Penn fishing reels
- PowerPro Spectra, SuperSlick fishing line
What to Bring
Bring lunch, snacks, and any beverages desired in addition to the water provided by the captain. A lunch cooler will be provided onboard, but anglers are also welcomed to bring compact lunchbox coolers. Sunglasses (polarized recommended), sun hat, sunblock lotion (no spray sunblock may be used on the boat), motion sickness or headache medicine (if needed), small hand sanitizer, adequate footwear. Open toed footwear is discouraged, but rugged outdoor sandals such as “Keens” will work. During warm months the captain will keep some fly spray onboard, however, anglers are strongly encouraged to wear SPF pants and long sleeve shirts during biting fly season. Sea spray and rain are common occurrences, so anglers are strongly advised to pack top and bottom water resistant or water proof outerwear. Obviously, outerwear that will keep you dry is critical during cool temperatures, but most are surprised at how cold they feel when soaked during a summer rain shower. During cool months, pack fleece hats, gloves, and plenty of layers to keep warm. Storage on the boat is limited, so pack efficiently.
Keeping Fish
If you plan to keep fish, let the captain know in advance so he can make sure the onboard fish cooler is stocked with ice. Make sure that you bring a transfer cooler to leave in your vehicle so that the fish (and ice if needed) can be transferred to your cooler upon returning to the dock. If you forget your transfer cooler, let the captain know before embarking on the water so that no fish are kept. It is against regulations for the captain to keep your party’s fish, so putting fish onboard that you will not be taking home needs to be avoided. Some launching locations offer fishing cleaning stations, and in these cases the captain will be happy to clean/filet your fish if time permits. However, most launching locations do not provide these facilities, and you should know how to clean your own fish before making the decision to take fish home.
Weather
Wind and weather are major components of every trip out on the water. As much as we all hope for those perfect days with flat seas, the Chesapeake Bay is notorious for changing its personality quickly when the wind and tides do not play nicely together. Every good captain keeps a close watchful eye on the environmental factors that impact weather, wind, and sea state. Check with your captain a couple of days before your trip to see if your plans might be affected by the weather. Some useful links are included below:
Amenities
Though the inside of our vessel’s center console is a relatively cramped storage space, upon request a small porta potty may be provided inside for the sake of privacy. Most anglers are comfortable with less modest means, but if you have privacy concerns, let the captain know in advance so that your needs can be taken care of.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Drinking is discourage, however anglers are permitted to bring small amounts of beer or wine onboard to have with lunch. Hard liquor is not permitted onboard. Recreational drugs, in any form, are also prohibited. Intoxication and impairment will result in immediate termination of the trip without refund.