Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn 

5.0/5 (27 reviews)
 255 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD 20688, United States

Join Captain Damon K Williams aboard the Crack of Dawn for a fishing adventure!

Captain Damon has worked the waters of the Chesapeake Bay for 30 years making his living Fishing, Crabbing, and Hunting! A Local to these areas his expertise is unrivaled.

Captain Damon Holds a USCG 100 ton Masters License for both Inland(Chesapeake Bay) and Coastal (Ocean up to 200 miles offshore), A Maryland Unlimited Tidal Fishing License, A Maryland Outfitters License, and a NOAA Highly Migratory Species Charter Boat Permit.

As a lifelong professional outdoorsman, you are in great hands with Captain Damon!

The Crack of Dawn is a Custom 50’ Ronnie Carman Chesapeake Bay Deadrise. She, like all Chesapeake Bay Deadrises, was purposely built for fishing the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Being 50’ long and 16’ wide she guarantees a safe and stable platform for your day of enjoyment on the water.

Large Cabin with seating, 2 A/Cs, and Heat. The Crack of Dawn carries a USCG Certificate of Inspection for 42 Passengers in the Chesapeake Bay, 28 Passengers up to 20 miles out into the Ocean, and 17 Passengers up to 100 miles out into the Ocean

Thinking of bringing the whole family? Kids are absolutely welcome!

Your captain will provide all required rods & reels, tackle, and bait!

There will be a First Mate on board to help your trip run smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so an 18–20% tip is customary.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. If you don’t know what to expect, ask the captain.

You can’t go wrong when you bring sunglasses, a hat, sunblock (non-spray), and bottled water. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but try to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

If you have any questions about fishing with Chesapeake Bay Outdoors, just send Capt. Damon a message!

Make sure to read the "Trip Details" before booking!

Damon Williams

Captain

Damon Williams

28 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Highlights

 Fishing License
 Live Bait
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Air Conditioning
 Rods, reels & tackle

Plan your trip

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
3 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 3:45 PM
Seasonal trip May 16 - Oct 15
Price for up to 4 people
US $395 
4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (AM)

 In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago

FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:45 AM
Seasonal trip May 16 - Oct 15
Price for up to 4 people
US $495 
4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 11:15 AM
Seasonal trip May 16 - Oct 15
Price for up to 4 people
US $495 
4 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (AM)

 Just booked! Last booked: 5 hours ago

FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Dec 10
Price for up to 4 people
US $595 
4 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Dec 10
Price for up to 4 people
US $595 
5 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Dec 10
Price for up to 4 people
US $695 
5 Hour Trip – Striper (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jun 15
Price for up to 4 people
US $695 
5 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Dec 10
Price for up to 4 people
US $695 
5 Hour Trip – Striper (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Jun 15
Price for up to 4 people
US $695 
5 Hour Trip – Summer (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jul 1 - Sep 30
Price for up to 4 people
US $795 
5 Hour Trip – Summer (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Jul 1 - Sep 30
Price for up to 4 people
US $795 
7 Hour Trip – Summer (AM)

 In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago

FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
7 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Sep 30
Price for up to 4 people
US $895 
Winter Striper Catch and Release
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Dec 11 - Mar 31
Price for up to 4 people
US $895 
7 Hour Trip – Fall Striper AM
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
7 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Dec 10
Price for up to 4 people
US $895 
7 Hour Trip – Fall Striper PM
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
7 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 1 - Dec 10
Price for up to 4 people
US $895 
7 Hour Trip – Summer (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
7 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Sep 30
Price for up to 4 people
US $895 
9 Hour Trip – Summer Cobia (AM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
9 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Sep 30
Price for up to 4 people
US $995 
9 Hour Trip – Summer Cobia (PM)
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
9 Hour Trip, starts at 11:00 AM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Sep 30
Price for up to 4 people
US $995 
There are 35 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 27 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (31)

Fishing trip
Fishing trip
Fishing trip
+28

Angler rating

26
1
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

83%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

93%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

96%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 27 reviews
Michelle H.
Michelle H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

WHAT ARE THOSE?!?!?

VERIFIED
NEW

4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (AM) on June 15, 2025

Welp...first time seeing a toadfish! I gotta give it to Dan, he caught my rod after I threw it because of that 'loch ness monster' I reeled in. Watch out, they have teeth! My family and I had a blast on the Crack of Dawn. The first mate, Dan, was right on time to meet and take us to the boat. The Captain, Damon, had us out in no time. We were over a hot spot immediately, Dan gave us a quick tutorial and we were on our way to dropping our lines. Two in our group caught Spot within the first few minutes! Dan was right there to take the fish off their lines and add more bait. This went on the entire 4 hours we booked. Every time we went to a new spot, we caught fish right away. So much that we had to start throwing them back! Add that to Dan having taught us how to catch double headers and it worked! I gotta say we had an amazing time, both Damon and Dan taught us a lot and the waters, equipment, fish, everything. I strongly recommend and would be happy to book again.

Welp...first time seeing a toadfish! I gotta give it to Dan, he caught my rod after I threw it because of that 'loch ness monster' I reeled in. Watch out, they have teeth! My family and I had a blast on the Crack of Dawn. The first mate, Dan, was right on time to meet and take us to the boat. The Captain, Damon, had us out in no time. We were over a hot spot immediately, Dan gave us a quick tutorial and we were on our way to dropping our lines. Two in our group caught Spot within the first...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Review media 4
 Michelle H. recommends Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn

Jeannette M.
Jeannette M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Outstanding 💯%

VERIFIED
NEW

7 Hour Trip – Summer (PM) on June 15, 2025

So I booked this trip for my hubby , brother inlaw & friends...for Father's Day They were thrilled and caught sooooo many fish they want to book again they loved it so much when I spoke to hubby he said that Captain Damon and the first mate were incredible and put them on fish and had them doing major arm workouts. Every guy which all 5 of them caught their maximum!!! DONT HESTSITATE TO BOOK WITH THEM, Highly recommended!!!!

So I booked this trip for my hubby , brother inlaw & friends...for Father's Day They were thrilled and caught sooooo many fish they want to book again they loved it so much when I spoke to hubby he said that Captain Damon and the first mate were incredible and put them on fish and had them doing major arm workouts. Every guy which all 5 of them caught their maximum!!! DONT HESTSITATE TO BOOK WITH THEM, Highly recommended!!!!  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
 Jeannette M. recommends Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn

ROBERT E.
ROBERT E.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

A perfect day on the water!!

VERIFIED

5 Hour Trip – Striper (PM) on October 7, 2024

Charter boat fishing has been on my wifes bucket list for years. For her 70th birthday I booked a 5 hour trip for the two of us with Damon. The weather and water were perfect. Although the Rockfish weren’t cooperating, the Captain and Mate kept us out extra time and took us to a go-to spot to insure my wife didn’t get skunked. Even catching a couple croakers was a blast on that boat. He and Bubba also pointed out lots of interesting things and places both above and below the water. We definitely had one of our most enjoyable days ever, anywhere. Our thanks to Damon and crew for going above and beyond to provide us with a beautiful memory. We highly recommend them and look forward to heading out with them again. And luckily, Crack of Dawn is just the name of the boat. We took off at the Crack of 1PM. ;-)

Charter boat fishing has been on my wifes bucket list for years. For her 70th birthday I booked a 5 hour trip for the two of us with Damon. The weather and water were perfect. Although the Rockfish weren’t cooperating, the Captain and Mate kept us out extra time and took us to a go-to spot to insure my wife didn’t get skunked. Even catching a couple croakers was a blast on that boat. He and Bubba also pointed out lots of interesting things and places both above and below the water. We definitely...  

 ROBERT E. recommends Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn
1 person finds this review helpful
Damon Williams
Damon Williams (The Captain)
Replied on October 15, 2024
Glad we got to be part of the special day… beautiful couple:-)

John P.
John P.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Definitely booking these guys again!!

VERIFIED

4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (AM) on September 22, 2024

I've been on a couple charter trips and this was hands down my best one. This trip was for my 8yr old granddaughters birthday. She's never been fishing so I thought what the heck I'll take her on a charter. The Mate was top notch and helped her way more than I could have ever expected. He was very knowledgeable and taught her a ton about fishing. She was killing it and had him on his toes the whole time. Never once did he slow down and seemed to be having just as much fun as she was. The captain put us on fish right off the bat. As soon as it slowed down he would move us and put us right back on them. Definitely worth it and highly recommend these guys! They go out of their way to make sure it's an enjoyable trip.

I've been on a couple charter trips and this was hands down my best one. This trip was for my 8yr old granddaughters birthday. She's never been fishing so I thought what the heck I'll take her on a charter. The Mate was top notch and helped her way more than I could have ever expected. He was very knowledgeable and taught her a ton about fishing. She was killing it and had him on his toes the whole time. Never once did he slow down and seemed to be having just as much fun as she was. The captain...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 John P. recommends Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn
1 person finds this review helpful
Damon Williams
Damon Williams (The Captain)
Replied on September 23, 2024
Nothing we enjoy more than fishing with generational families… we all remember those days and is the reason most of us fish ourselves… hope to see y’all again!

Edwin G.
Edwin G.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great Time with the Family

VERIFIED

4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (AM) on August 31, 2024

We paid for a four hour bottom fishing trip. Three adults and four kids. Captain William’s and the First Mate Dan were great and took time with the kids and were so happy to help the kids learn the rules and how to become comfortable on the water and fishing. We had one mishap and somehow a kid took another kids shoe off when they were napping, don’t ask me why, and the shoe went overboard. The captain put the boat in reverse and the first mate fished it out the water. We learned that day that Nike’s float on water. I just thought that was super kind and considerate and they did not have to do that, but they did. We will book future trips with them.

We paid for a four hour bottom fishing trip. Three adults and four kids. Captain William’s and the First Mate Dan were great and took time with the kids and were so happy to help the kids learn the rules and how to become comfortable on the water and fishing. We had one mishap and somehow a kid took another kids shoe off when they were napping, don’t ask me why, and the shoe went overboard. The captain put the boat in reverse and the first mate fished it out the water. We learned that day that...  

 Edwin G. recommends Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn
1 person finds this review helpful
Damon Williams
Damon Williams (The Captain)
Replied on September 2, 2024
We had a great time fishing with you , your family and friends… we’ve fished out many hats but that was our first shoe..lol

FAQs about Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn

What are the trip rates for Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn?

Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $395 per group, additional US $45 per person after 4 guests - 3 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (PM) (3 hours)
  • US $495 per group, additional US $55 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $495 per group, additional US $55 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Bottom Fishing (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $595 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $595 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $695 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $695 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $695 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Striper (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $695 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Striper (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $795 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Summer (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $795 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Summer (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $895 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Fall Striper AM (7 hours)
  • US $895 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Fall Striper PM (7 hours)
  • US $895 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Summer (AM) (7 hours)
  • US $895 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Summer (PM) (7 hours)
  • US $895 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - Winter Striper Catch and Release (8 hours)
  • US $995 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 9 Hour Trip – Summer Cobia (AM) (9 hours)
  • US $995 per group, additional US $95 per person after 4 guests - 9 Hour Trip – Summer Cobia (PM) (9 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn?

When you book a trip with Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet
  • Air Conditioning
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Outriggers
  • Radar
What's included in the trip price with Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn?

Trips booked with Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License
What types of fishing does Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn offer?

Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn offers the following types of fishing:

  • River Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
What fishing techniques does Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn offer?

Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn?

Top targeted fish species with Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC – Crack of Dawn include:

  • Bass (Striped)
  • Bluefish
  • Cobia
  • Perch (White)
  • Redfish
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Weakfish
  • Whiting

Meet your captain

Damon Williams

Solomons, Maryland, United States

ID & license verified
27 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since May 2024
angler's choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Capt. Damon K Williams is a lifelong local professional outdoorsman with 30 years of commercial experience! With a multitude of Tournament Championships and the Finest equipment on the Bay. You are in great hands with Capt. Damon!

Fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Bluefish
Bluefish
Cobia
Cobia
White Perch
White Perch
Redfish
Redfish
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Weakfish
Weakfish
Whiting
Whiting

Your boat

Boat Image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
42 persons
Boat length
50 ft
Year built
1998
Restored in
2022
Boat manufacturer
Ronnie Carman
Boat type
Downeast

Engine model
John Deere
Powered by
2 x 330HP
Max cruising speed
20 knots

Where you can fish

River Fishing

Inshore Fishing

Nearshore Fishing

Offshore Fishing

How you can fish

Light Tackle

Heavy Tackle

Bottom Fishing

Trolling

Jigging

Deep Sea Fishing

What's on board

Toilet

Air Conditioning

GPS

Fishfinder

Live Bait Well

Outriggers

Radar

Included in the price

Rods, reels & tackle

Live Bait

First Mate

Fishing License

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child Friendly

Catch and Release Allowed

How to pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 PayPal

What’s biting in Solomons right now

Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
BluefishBluefish
CobiaCobia
Perch (White)Perch (White)
RedfishRedfish
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
WeakfishWeakfish
WhitingWhiting
35 people are looking at this charter.
4 Hour Trip – Fall Striper (AM) booked 5 hours ago