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 (116)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
89%
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,...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Aug 13, 2025
Half Day Trip (PM)
I had my son and grandsons with me. The crew was amazing teaching and friendly. The trip was awesome we experienced different fishing methods and different weather and learned all about the boat besides catching our limit. They also were very kind to this 81 year old grannie.🩵🐬🩵
I had my son and grandsons with me. The crew was amazing teaching and friendly. The trip was awesome we experienced different...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Nov 29, 2024
Half Day Trip (AM)
Captain John and first mate Ronny had to put the work in to get on the fish today but the kept working until we found them. My whole crew got to boat their first Rockfish and we had a great time cruising the bay on a super comfortable boat. Both Capt John and Ronny shared great stories and jokes. Overall awesome experience and I will definitely use Patent Pending Charters the next time I want to get on the Bay!
Captain John and first mate Ronny had to put the work in to get on the fish today but the kept working until we found them. My...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Aug 18, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
Very knowledgeable crew and extremely approachable. The boat was absolutely immaculate. I don’t think I’ve seen a boat quite this clean. They have very nice gear and some great fishing spots
Very knowledgeable crew and extremely approachable. The boat was absolutely immaculate. I don’t think I’ve seen a boat quite this...
Mark review as helpful
Mark review as helpful
Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (116)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
99%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
89%
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...
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on August 13, 2025
I had my son and grandsons with me. The crew was amazing teaching and friendly. The trip was awesome we experienced different fishing methods and different weather and learned all about the boat besides catching our limit. They also were very kind to this 81 year old grannie.🩵🐬🩵
I had my son and grandsons with me. The crew was amazing teaching and friendly. The trip was awesome we experienced different fishing methods and different weather and learned all about the boat besides catching our limit. They also were very kind to this 81 year old grannie.🩵🐬🩵
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on November 29, 2024
Captain John and first mate Ronny had to put the work in to get on the fish today but the kept working until we found them. My whole crew got to boat their first Rockfish and we had a great time cruising the bay on a super comfortable boat. Both Capt John and Ronny shared great stories and jokes. Overall awesome experience and I will definitely use Patent Pending Charters the next time I want to get on the Bay!
Captain John and first mate Ronny had to put the work in to get on the fish today but the kept working until we found them. My whole crew got to boat their first Rockfish and we had a great time cruising the bay on a super comfortable boat. Both Capt John and Ronny shared great stories and jokes. Overall awesome experience and I will definitely use Patent Pending Charters the next time I want to get on the Bay!
Mark review as helpful
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on August 18, 2025
Very knowledgeable crew and extremely approachable. The boat was absolutely immaculate. I don’t think I’ve seen a boat quite this clean. They have very nice gear and some great fishing spots
Very knowledgeable crew and extremely approachable. The boat was absolutely immaculate. I don’t think I’ve seen a boat quite this clean. They have very nice gear and some great fishing spots
Mark review as helpful