Chesapeake Bay

144 Fishing Charters

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Chesapeake Bay

Top Chesapeake Bay Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in Chesapeake Bay

Maryland Fishing and Hunting

Maryland Fishing and Hunting

5.0 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (84)
Stevensville • 48 ft • 16 persons
14 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $660
Islander Sportfishing

Islander Sportfishing

5.0 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (58)
Hampton • 27 ft • 4 persons
4 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $500
Chasinโ€™ Dreams Sportfishing

Chasinโ€™ Dreams Sportfishing

5.0 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (18)
Baltimore • 30 ft • 6 persons
14 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $350
Biff Fishing Charters

Biff Fishing Charters

5.0 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (67)
Stevensville • 46 ft • 6 persons
10 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $575
Vickie Ann Charters

Vickie Ann Charters

4.9 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (67)
Deale • 38 ft • 6 persons
14 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $400
Penny Sue Charters

Penny Sue Charters

4.9 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (37)
Edgewater • 40 ft • 10 persons
9 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $675
CB Charters

CB Charters

5.0 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (40)
Chester • 40 ft • 6 persons
12 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $500
Patent Pending Charters

Patent Pending Charters

5.0 Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent (60)
Tracys Landing • 46 ft • 6 persons
8 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $595
 
There are few bodies of water as prolific as the Chesapeake Bay. With hundreds of rivers flowing into it, over 200 miles of bay, and access to the Atlantic, it’s an angler’s paradise. The best way to explore it is on one of the numerous Chesapeake Bay fishing charters, where a professional guide will take you to all the sweet spots to get your hands on the prized fish on offer.
 
Speaking of the fish, the list of creatures you can target is like a who’s who of inshore and nearshore fish. Striped Bass, known locally as Rockfish, are a must for all anglers who come here, but there’s plenty more where that came from. Perch, Red Drum, Black Drum, Black Seabass, Spotted Seatrout, and Flounder are just some of the delicious creatures you can find in the shallows.
 
On top of that, there’s also the chance to test your skills and strength against Tarpon in the hidden flats! Meanwhile, in the more open waters, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Bluefish, and many more may be biting. And that’s before we even think about offshore, where Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Billfish, and more await.
 
Chesapeake Bay fishing charters have something for everyone. From 4 hour dashes to the inshore shallows to mammoth multiday deep water adventures. Full day trips to target Rockfish are the most popular, though, as this all-round fish provides plenty of fun and even more meat. Visit anywhere on the Virginia or Maryland shoreline, and you’ll find exactly what you want. 
 

Rules & Regulations

Every adult angler in the Chesapeake Bay needs a fishing license. Both Virginia and Maryland saltwater licenses are valid, but you’ll need to sign up for the other’s Saltwater Angler Registration. For all other regulations, including size and bag limits, and closed seasons, head out with a reputable charter guide, who’ll make sure you fish within the law. 
 
Chesapeake Bay
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 4.49
Based on 23474 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
January

The cold can scare off anglers, but those of you bold enough can give it a try for some Perch and Crappie. Just make sure to stick to the flowing waters of the rivers to get in on the action.

February

There's a good chance it may be wet, so the fish won't be out on the bay. Pair up with a local guide to take you on the water, and you could hist the tributaries for Perch and Crappie.

March

It's officially Striped Bass season, although it may take some weeks to warm up. Speaking of warmups, you can do just that by heading to the creeks to fish for Perch, Crappie, and more.

April

It’s all about that trophy Rockfish. Get on the water and start searching for 50 pounds of pure strength. The weather’s just about right for fishing, and the season kicks off in earnest!

May

The hunt for trophy Rockfish continues as the crowds keep on growing. Luckily, there’s plenty of fish in the bay for all anglers that come out to play, so hit the bay, bridges, and flats for your prized catch. 

June

There's plenty going on as summer breaks through. Spot, Croaker, Bluefish, Perch, Trout, and Redfish all start to bite, while Rockfish remain the most sought-after fish. Get ready for a mixed bag!

July

The humd summer is here, but you don't want to miss the incredible bite of Rockfish, Redfish, Trout, and Cobia. Perch are also biting well and, later in the month, Spanish Mackerel start showing up.

August

The party is in full swing as trolling produces Cobia and Spanish Mackerel. Fish in the shallow waters to get Redfish and Trout, or rig your hook with Spot and try live lining for Rockfish. It's all going on!

September

The Mackerel bite still lingers, with Rockfish striking steadily in anticipation of "Rocktober." You can also get Croaker, Perch, Bluefish, Redfish, and Cobia, as the crowds die down but the fishing remains hot.

October

Read any Chesapeake Bay fishing report and you’ll see that Rockfish are getting bigger before their second annual epic bite explodes in November. You can also get Summer Flounder, Croaker, and Perch.

November

Showtime! Trophy Striped Bass are on fire and they should make it to the top of your wish list. Trolling with bait and lures is an effective way to get them, so settle in for a productive trip to sea.

December

There's no sign of the trophy Rockfish disappearing, and plenty of keen anglers are looking to keep warm by testing their strength against these monsters. Keep an eye on the weather, though, as it can get cold.

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Calendar

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What do you do when wives have a conference? Go fishing!
Michael L. fished with Outta Line Charters on October 13, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Outta Line Charters with Captain Andy! 410 991-1781
3 Hour Trip with Captain Wally
Patricia(Lynne) M. fished with Strike Zone Charter Fishing on October 3, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Go out with Captain Wally - he's very knowledgeable. You'll have a great time and you'll catch lots of fish!
Full day with Capitan Mike
Russell O. fished with Maritime Mayhem Charter Service on October 1, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Find bloodworms and lug worms before your trip. I don't recommend staying at the Quantity Inn in Gloucester. Under major construction and the front desk help is not professional or nice.
September fishing trip
Billie R. fished with E-Fishinsea Sport Fishing Charters on September 27, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
To remember it's up to the fish whether they're going to bite or not they're not it's not the captain or the 1st mate are captain and 1st mate were great. Our captain tried very hard to put us on fish. The captain and 1st mate were a pleasure to be around and work with.
Amazing!
Will P. fished with Biff Fishing Charters on September 19, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Ask for the boat โ€œBIFF!!โ€ You will not be disappointed!! I truly found a Captain that cares the fishing and catch and release!
Fishing with Mike
Christopher V. fished with Tango Charters on September 8, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Super friendly guys, made it very enjoyable.
1pm trip with Vickie Ann charters
William L. fished with Vickie Ann Charters on September 4, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
I would highly recommend contacting Vickie Ann charters. PERIOD!!!!
Fishing trip
Larry H. fished with Prowler Fishing Charter on August 28, 2021
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Yes would recommend fishing there lift lots of Weights before going your arms will be sore from Catching so much fish

FAQs about Fishing Charters in Chesapeake Bay

To give you an idea of how much a fishing trip in Chesapeake Bay costs, the average price for a 4 hour private trip is $525, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $795. These prices are based on trips booked on our site recently.

Prices will vary depending on trip length, fishing technique, as well as the type and size of the boat you booked. However, to give you an indication, the average boat size in Chesapeake Bay is 33 ft and the most common vessel type is a Center console.
According to customer reviews, Maryland Fishing and Hunting, Islander Sportfishing, and Chasinโ€™ Dreams Sportfishing are some of the most popular fishing charters in Chesapeake Bay. Full list of top fishing charters in Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland Fishing and Hunting, Islander Sportfishing, and Chasinโ€™ Dreams Sportfishing all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Chesapeake Bay.
The best way to experience fishing in Chesapeake Bay is to book a private charter with a licensed fishing guide. See the full list of charters available for online booking here: List of fishing charters in Chesapeake Bay.
The most popular fish species you can target are Bass (Striped), Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel. Top fishing techniques include light tackle, bottom fishing, and trolling. Inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and river fishing are commonly offered by local guides.
Read any Chesapeake Bay fishing report and you’ll see that Rockfish are getting bigger before their second annual epic bite explodes in November. You can also get Summer Flounder, Croaker, and Perch. Check availability for local fishing charters in Chesapeake Bay.