Once one of the most popular vacation spots in the state, Chesapeake Beach has that classic “beach break” vibe that you can’t help but fall in love with. From its historic railway station to its great water park and, yes, beautiful beaches, the town has everything you need for a fun seaside vacation. Chesapeake Beach fishing charters are no exception. Step aboard one of the town’s many charter boats, and you could be hitting oyster bars, shoals, shallow bays, and deep holes within a few minutes of leaving town.
Chesapeake Beach Fishing Spots
Chesapeake Beach fishing has a lot to offer all year round, but the local fisheries really come into their own in the summer. During the tourist high season, the warm waters of the Middle Bay draw in a huge range of species, and you’re spoiled for choice of where to fish. There a few spots you have to try if you want to get the most out of the area, though.
Fishing Creek
With a name like “Fishing Creek”, it would be rude not to wet your lines here. The waterway has certainly earned its name, with big Spanish Mackerel and Stripers making their way into surprisingly tight waters. This area is also used as a nursery for Oysters, in an attempt to increase numbers in the bay.
Holland Point Bar
Just a stone’s throw north of town, this is a great spot for many different. Croakers, Spot, and Perch make the area their summer home, as do the monster Stripers and Hardhead Catfish who feed on them. If you’re after good food fishing, you don’t need to look further than this.
The Hill
If you do head a little further out (and we’re still only talking 10 miles or so) you hit The Hill - a great bank for Flounder and Croaker fishing. You can often find big Stripers, too, so you can enjoy a variety of fishing styles here.
Devil’s Hole
Dropping over 120 feet in places, these are some of the deepest waters around and are home to some really big fish because of that. Bluefish, Stripers, and much, much more can be caught out here, making for great game fishing. You can also hit the local buoys for Croaker and Spot.
The Summer Gooses
This is another great spot for Blues and Rockfish. You can get Stripers up to three feet long here during the summer, alongside more occasional hits of trophy Bluefish. If nothing’s biting, you can always hit their seasonal counterpart - the Winter Gooses - on the way back to town.
Chesapeake Beach Fishing Pier
If you don’t trust your sea legs or just prefer to fish from land, the North Beach Fishing Pier is your best bet for finding big fish. You can catch trophy Stripers from the pier, and it can also be a productive spot for crabbing. You have to pay to fish from the pier, but it can be well worth it.
Fishing Techniques
The best game fish in the Chesapeake Bay has to be Striped Bass. Big Cow Stripers top every Maryland angler’s summer wishlist, and they can be great fun to catch in a variety of ways. Live-lining Spot, Menhaden, or small Croakers is the most effective way of bringing in fish, but throwing lures on spinning tackle is way more fun. Topwater plugs, crankbaits, jigs, poppers - the fish aren’t fussy, they’ll take whatever you send their way!
When it comes to Chesapeake Beach’s food fisheries, though, you’re best off keeping things simple with fresh live baits. Flounder love the same prey as Stripers, only smaller. Seatrout and Redfish will gobble up most baitfish, while Tautog and Black Bass prefer the Crab which live around their rocky habitats. Chicken-rigged cut baits can also be effective for many bottom fish, but they normally bring in smaller specimens.
Crabbing is a big part of Maryland life. You can catch Crab with dip nets without even needing a license. Head out on a charter, and you’ll be using either collapsible traps or trotlines to bring in a real feast of these tasty shellfish. The best part is that you can set your traps or lines, enjoy a great day of Striper fishing, then just pick up the Crab on the way back to the dock.
Need to Know
Fishing licenses are included on Chesapeake Beach fishing charters. If you’re fishing from shore or from a pier, you will need to buy a license. Pick one up online or from approved vendors locally. If you’re planning on fishing from North Beach Pier, it costs $7 per day, or you can pick up a season pass for $65 (cost subject to change).