
Chesapeake Bay may be a world-famous fishery, but there’s no better way to experience it than through the eyes of a local. Whether you’re a brand new fisherman or a seasoned angler, you’ll get to know the secret hottest spots around and reel in the catch of a lifetime with Patent Pending Charters!
Captain John Whitman is a second-generation fisherman with over 45 years of angling and boating experience under his belt, making him your perfect guide to the Bay and its bountiful waters. He was born and raised here, and loves targeting anything from Redfish to Black Drum to Mackerel—but especially Striped Bass!
You’ll be heading out to the Bay in an impressive 46’ Alan Boat Builders commercial vessel. Her size makes her a true fishing machine – yourself and 5 other anglers will all be able to comfortably troll, live line, or chum these waters at the same time. She comes fully decked out with all the necessary safety and navigational equipment, including top-quality GPS and fish finder systems to get you to the hottest fishing spots.
If nothing sounds better to you than cruising around the Bay for various species of trophy Rockfish, then Capt. John has you covered. Whether you’re an experienced angler or are just discovering your love for the water, he’s happy to help you find your perfect technique. He’ll be there to guide you through everything from trolling to live lining or chumming—the last two are perfect for beginners! Available but not included is a gourmet meal prepared on board by the captain consisting of Jumbo lump crab cake, fresh garden salad with apple vinaigrette dressing, freshly baked cornbread, and homemade pasta salad. It costs 30.00 per person.
You’ll be equipped with top-quality rods and reels, live bait, and a fishing license, which are all included in your trip. Come aboard Patent Pending Charters and let Capt. John show you how the locals do it.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (119)


+116Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
89%
Nov 8, 2025
Full Day Trip
Within the first hour of the trip, we had catched four good size strippers. We hit our limit within 3 hrs of the journey. John and Rick are extremely knowledgeable about the bay, fishing techniques and provided clear guidance when we needed them. Also, They are amicable, polite and caring. One of our anglers was feeling sea sick and they made sure he was feeling OK. The vessel is in extremely good shape and very well matained. We returned to the dock early as we hit our fishing quota. Something to keep in mind, is that Maryland regulations dont allow for more than 1 legal size stripper per person. We will definetely be returning customers! Thank you Capt John and Rick for an amazing time. 🛥️🎣
Within the first hour of the trip, we had catched four good size strippers. We hit our limit within 3 hrs of the journey. John...

May 17, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
Capt. John and First Mate Ronnie gave us the best day of fishing! Capt. John knew exactly where the hot spot would be, and within minutes we were all catching Striped Bass. First Mate Ronnie was amazing at helping us get the fish in the boat, teaching us how to reel, and keeping all the lines ready. He was so funny, patient and wanted us to have a great time. Capt. John is total class. His years of experience and professionalism transcend. He has the best stories and an infectious laugh. He made our charter fun, successful and safe. He always knew where to move the boat for to catch the fish, and kept an eye on the weather. The boat was perfect - it is clean and there was plenty of room for all of us and our coolers. We made some great memories that day and plan on chartering another fishing trip in the future with Patent Pending.
Capt. John and First Mate Ronnie gave us the best day of fishing! Capt. John knew exactly where the hot spot would be, and within...
May 25, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
I didn't attend the boat outing myself, but my boyfriend and his family had an absolutely amazing time celebrating his 30th birthday, thanks to the captain. I've heard nothing but great things about the experience - from how smooth everything went to how friendly and accommodating the captain was throughout the trip. Everyone came back with big smiles, great stories, and lots of pictures, and they all said it was the perfect way to celebrate such a special occasion. Huge thanks to the captain for helping make his birthday one to remember.
I didn't attend the boat outing myself, but my boyfriend and his family had an absolutely amazing time celebrating his 30th birthday,...
Oct 19, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Capt John and first mate Phil went out of their way to make our fishing trip a good experience. We were a little bummed we only had one striper but I guess that’s fishing. Capt John and Phil are knowledgeable and funny. The boat is very nice and we were trolling all over the place looking for more fish. Would book (directly) with Capt John again.
Capt John and first mate Phil went out of their way to make our fishing trip a good experience. We were a little bummed we only...

Oct 9, 2025
Full Day Trip
Not much more you can ask for - beautiful, well equipped and maintained boat. Captain John and his Mate know what they are doing. Even with rough seas (he warned us in advance but we opted to proceed), he navigated the boat safely and as smooth as possible, got us a limit of rockfish, and kept us entertained throughout the entire experience. Hope to be out again soon!
Not much more you can ask for - beautiful, well equipped and maintained boat. Captain John and his Mate know what they are doing....

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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (119)


+116Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
89%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on November 8, 2025
Within the first hour of the trip, we had catched four good size strippers. We hit our limit within 3 hrs of the journey. John and Rick are extremely knowledgeable about the bay, fishing techniques and provided clear guidance when we needed them. Also, They are amicable, polite and caring. One of our anglers was feeling sea sick and they made sure he was feeling OK. The vessel is in extremely good shape and very well matained. We returned to the dock early as we hit our fishing quota. Something to keep in mind, is that Maryland regulations dont allow for more than 1 legal size stripper per person. We will definetely be returning customers! Thank you Capt John and Rick for an amazing time. 🛥️🎣
Within the first hour of the trip, we had catched four good size strippers. We hit our limit within 3 hrs of the journey. John and Rick are extremely knowledgeable about the bay, fishing techniques and provided clear guidance when we needed them. Also, They are amicable, polite and caring. One of our anglers was feeling sea sick and they made sure he was feeling OK. The vessel is in extremely good shape and very well matained. We returned to the dock early as we hit our fishing quota. Something...

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on May 17, 2025
Capt. John and First Mate Ronnie gave us the best day of fishing! Capt. John knew exactly where the hot spot would be, and within minutes we were all catching Striped Bass. First Mate Ronnie was amazing at helping us get the fish in the boat, teaching us how to reel, and keeping all the lines ready. He was so funny, patient and wanted us to have a great time. Capt. John is total class. His years of experience and professionalism transcend. He has the best stories and an infectious laugh. He made our charter fun, successful and safe. He always knew where to move the boat for to catch the fish, and kept an eye on the weather. The boat was perfect - it is clean and there was plenty of room for all of us and our coolers. We made some great memories that day and plan on chartering another fishing trip in the future with Patent Pending.
Capt. John and First Mate Ronnie gave us the best day of fishing! Capt. John knew exactly where the hot spot would be, and within minutes we were all catching Striped Bass. First Mate Ronnie was amazing at helping us get the fish in the boat, teaching us how to reel, and keeping all the lines ready. He was so funny, patient and wanted us to have a great time. Capt. John is total class. His years of experience and professionalism transcend. He has the best stories and an infectious laugh....
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on May 25, 2025
I didn't attend the boat outing myself, but my boyfriend and his family had an absolutely amazing time celebrating his 30th birthday, thanks to the captain. I've heard nothing but great things about the experience - from how smooth everything went to how friendly and accommodating the captain was throughout the trip. Everyone came back with big smiles, great stories, and lots of pictures, and they all said it was the perfect way to celebrate such a special occasion. Huge thanks to the captain for helping make his birthday one to remember.
I didn't attend the boat outing myself, but my boyfriend and his family had an absolutely amazing time celebrating his 30th birthday, thanks to the captain. I've heard nothing but great things about the experience - from how smooth everything went to how friendly and accommodating the captain was throughout the trip. Everyone came back with big smiles, great stories, and lots of pictures, and they all said it was the perfect way to celebrate such a special occasion. Huge thanks to the captain...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on October 19, 2025
Capt John and first mate Phil went out of their way to make our fishing trip a good experience. We were a little bummed we only had one striper but I guess that’s fishing. Capt John and Phil are knowledgeable and funny. The boat is very nice and we were trolling all over the place looking for more fish. Would book (directly) with Capt John again.
Capt John and first mate Phil went out of their way to make our fishing trip a good experience. We were a little bummed we only had one striper but I guess that’s fishing. Capt John and Phil are knowledgeable and funny. The boat is very nice and we were trolling all over the place looking for more fish. Would book (directly) with Capt John again.


Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on October 9, 2025
Not much more you can ask for - beautiful, well equipped and maintained boat. Captain John and his Mate know what they are doing. Even with rough seas (he warned us in advance but we opted to proceed), he navigated the boat safely and as smooth as possible, got us a limit of rockfish, and kept us entertained throughout the entire experience. Hope to be out again soon!
Not much more you can ask for - beautiful, well equipped and maintained boat. Captain John and his Mate know what they are doing. Even with rough seas (he warned us in advance but we opted to proceed), he navigated the boat safely and as smooth as possible, got us a limit of rockfish, and kept us entertained throughout the entire experience. Hope to be out again soon!

