Family Charter Fishing on Chesapeake Bay

Published Date: August 25, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$275 - $850 price range

Summary

Ready for a great day out on the Chesapeake Bay with the family? Captain Benjamin Lane offers a 6-hour private charter fishing trip that's perfect for groups up to 4. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, this trip is tailored to all skill levels. You'll head to productive inshore spots where you can try your luck catching striped bass, redfish, bluefish, and speckled trout. The flexible start times mean you can choose a morning trip or go for an extended day, fitting your schedule. No need to worry about gear or licenses – it's all provided, so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable. With River Wing Guide Services, you're in for a fun, relaxed day of fishing in one of the most beautiful bays on the East Coast.

Family Charter Fishing on Chesapeake Bay

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Family Fun on the Chesapeake Bay

Ready for a day of fishing and family bonding on the Chesapeake Bay? Captain Benjamin Lane's got you covered with this private 6-hour charter that's perfect for groups up to 4. Whether you're teaching the kids to cast their first line or looking to reel in some trophy fish, this trip's designed for all skill levels. With flexible morning or extended day options, you can fit the adventure into your schedule without a hitch. The best part? All the gear's provided, so you can focus on making memories and maybe landing the catch of the day.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard, Captain Ben's wealth of local knowledge kicks in. He'll get you set up with top-notch gear and share some insider tips on the day's hot spots. The Chesapeake's known for its diverse fishery, so you might find yourself drifting over grass flats for speckled trout or working a rocky point for striped bass. Kids will love the constant action, and there's always a chance of hooking into something big enough to make even seasoned anglers grin. The captain's easygoing style makes newbies feel right at home, while still offering enough challenge for those looking to up their game.

Fishing Techniques & Tactics

On this trip, you'll get to try out a variety of fishing methods. Depending on what's biting, you might be casting soft plastics for redfish, jigging for bluefish, or trolling for Spanish mackerel. Captain Ben's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using live bait to entice those bigger fish or showing you how to work a topwater lure for explosive strikes. He'll teach you how to read the water, spot baitfish activity, and adjust your technique based on tides and weather. It's hands-on learning that'll stick with you long after the trip's over.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The rockfish, as locals call 'em, are the kings of the Chesapeake. These hard-fighting fish can grow over 40 inches and put up a battle that'll test your arms and your drag. Spring and fall are prime times, but Captain Ben knows how to find 'em year-round. There's nothing like the thrill of a big striper hitting your lure and peeling line off your reel.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a sight to behold. They love to hang around structure and can often be spotted tailing in shallow water. Fall's the best time to target big ones, but you can catch 'em all year. Their strong runs and head-shaking fights make them a favorite among anglers of all ages.

Speckled Trout: These spotted dynamos are known for their delicate bite and acrobatic leaps. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find 'em in the Bay's grassy shallows most of the year. They're great eating fish and a blast to catch on light tackle. Captain Ben might show you how to work a popping cork – a technique that's deadly on specks.

Bluefish: When the blues are running, hold onto your rod! These toothy predators hit hard and fight dirty. They're most abundant in summer and fall, often chasing bait schools near the surface. Catching blues is all about fast retrieves and sturdy tackle. Kids love the non-stop action when a school moves through.

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters arrive in the Bay during summer, chasing bait and giving anglers a run for their money. They're known for their blistering runs and tasty fillets. Trolling small spoons or casting to feeding frenzies are top techniques. Landing one of these silver bullets is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. The Chesapeake Bay offers a unique mix of scenic beauty and fishing action that's hard to beat. One minute you're watching ospreys dive for their lunch, the next you're battling a chunky rockfish. Captain Ben's local insights turn a good day of fishing into a great one. He knows where the fish are holding, what they're biting on, and how to present your bait or lure for the best results. Plus, his easy-going nature means even first-timers feel like old pros by the end of the day.

Top Catches This Season

While every day on the water is different, this season's been particularly hot for striped bass and redfish. Anglers have been reporting consistent catches of 20-30 inch stripers, with some lucky folks landing fish in the 40-inch range. The redfish action's been steady too, with schools of slot-sized fish providing non-stop action on light tackle. Spanish mackerel have shown up in force this year, giving trollers and cast-and-retrieve fans plenty to smile about. And let's not forget the speckled trout – they've been thick in the grass beds, especially during the early morning hours.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, the fish are biting, and Captain Ben's calendar is filling up fast. This 6-hour charter is the perfect way to introduce the family to the joys of fishing or to scratch that angling itch you've been feeling. With all gear provided and the captain's know-how at your disposal, you're set up for a day of fun and potential bragging rights. Remember, while the fish aren't guaranteed, the memories certainly are. So why wait? Grab your crew, pick a date, and get ready for some quality time on the Chesapeake. Just don't forget the sunscreen – and maybe leave room in the cooler for your catch. Tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive fighters, typically 7-20 inches long and weighing up to 20 pounds. You'll find them in tidal rivers, bays, and sandy harbors during summer. They're most active when water temperatures warm up, often creating feeding frenzies called "blitzes." Anglers love bluefish for their strong runs and chomping strikes. To catch them, try using oily baitfish like eels or cut bait. A local tip: be careful handling them - those teeth are sharp! Bluefish migrate seasonally, so timing is key. In late summer, look for smaller "snappers" in harbors - great for kids and beginners. Their meat is flavorful but can be strong in larger fish. Bluefish offer exciting action and good eating when prepared right, making them a popular Chesapeake Bay target.

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are a Chesapeake Bay favorite. They typically run 28-33 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds. Look for them in shallow water, 1-4 feet deep, around oyster reefs, seagrass, and mud bottoms. They're most active in spring and fall. Anglers love redfish for their strong fight and excellent table fare. To catch them, try topwater lures in shallow flats for explosive strikes. A local tip: use a weedless fly about 3 inches long if you're fly fishing. Redfish have a distinctive black spot near their tail - it's not just for looks, but helps fool predators. Their firm, mild flesh is great for grilling or baking. Remember, regulations are in place to protect this popular gamefish, so always check current limits before your trip.

Rock Bass

Rock bass are scrappy little fighters, usually 6-10 inches long and under a pound. You'll find them in shallow, rocky areas of streams and lakes. They're most active in spring and summer, especially around dawn and dusk. Anglers enjoy targeting rock bass for their aggressive bite and the challenge of fishing structure. To catch them, use light tackle and small lures like spinners or jigs. A local tip: look for them around fallen trees, boulders, and docks where the current is slow. Despite their name, rock bass are actually members of the sunfish family. They're not the biggest catch, but they're abundant and fun for all skill levels. Their meat is tasty too, similar to other panfish. Rock bass make a great target when you're after a relaxed day of fishing close to shore.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a popular target in the Chesapeake, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall as water temperatures change. Anglers love their mild, flaky white meat and the sporty fight they put up. To catch them, try using artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, or plastic shrimp. A local tip: troll at idle speed along grass flats if you're having trouble spotting them. Sea trout form big schools in deeper waters during winter, so adjust your tactics accordingly. Their delicate flesh can get mushy if overcooked, so be careful when preparing them. Overall, sea trout offer a fun, rewarding catch for anglers of all skill levels in the Bay.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speedsters, clocking in at about 18 feet per second. They typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds. Look for them in large schools near the surface, often around structures in open waters. They're most active in warmer months, moving closer to shore as temperatures rise. Anglers love their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. To catch them, try trolling with shiny spoons or casting jigs into feeding schools. A local tip: drift to schools instead of motoring up to avoid spooking them. Spanish mackerel are not just fun to catch - they're also delicious. Their mild, flaky meat is great grilled, baked, or even as sushi. Remember, they're migratory, so timing is key for the best action. Overall, Spanish mackerel offer exciting fishing and tasty rewards for Chesapeake anglers.

About the 18 ft Parker Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for some family fishing fun on the Chesapeake Bay? Join Captain Benjamin Lane for a laid-back 6-hour charter perfect for groups of up to 4. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, this trip caters to all skill levels. You'll cruise to prime inshore spots where striped bass, redfish, bluefish, and speckled trout are known to bite. With flexible start times, you can choose a morning trip or make it an extended day out on the water. No need to worry about gear - all the fishing equipment, tackle, and licenses are provided, so you can just relax and enjoy the experience. It's a great way to spend quality time with family while trying your luck at reeling in some local catches. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check out the Trips & Rates page for more details before booking your Chesapeake Bay fishing adventure.

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