Top-Rated Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters | Virginia

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$350 - $950 price range

Summary

Ready for a great day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay? Join Captain Mike for a charter trip out of Virginia, where you'll have the chance to reel in a variety of fish species. Choose from full-day, 3/4-day, or 1/2-day options to suit your schedule. This trip is perfect for all skill levels, from seasoned anglers looking to sharpen their techniques to beginners and families wanting to try their hand at fishing. Captain Mike will share valuable tips and tricks to help you improve your skills on the water. The season runs from April through December, giving you plenty of opportunities to get out on the bay. With a maximum of 4 guests per trip, you'll get personalized attention and have room to cast. Remember to bring cash for the balance, and book early as spots fill up fast. Whether you're after a big catch or just want to enjoy a day on the water, this charter offers a fun and relaxing experience for everyone.

Top-Rated Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters | Virginia

Chesapeake Catches

A single fisherman casting a line in Williamsburg

Angler catching a 43-inch fish in Williamsburg

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Red Drum Bounty In Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay Fishing: Your Next Big Catch

Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious rod-bending action in the Chesapeake Bay? Captain Mike here, and I'm itching to get you out on the water for a day you won't forget. Whether you're looking to haul in a trophy striper or just want to feel the thrill of a cobia on the line, we've got the perfect trip for you. From April to December, we're running full-day, 3/4-day, and half-day charters that'll have you hooked (pun intended) on Chesapeake Bay fishing. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the bay!

What's the Deal with This Trip?

Listen up, folks – this isn't your average day on the water. We're talking about a custom fishing experience that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. You and three of your buddies (or family, we don't judge) will hop aboard my trusty vessel for anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of non-stop fishing action. I'll be right there with you, sharing all my local knowledge and helping you land the big one. We'll be chasing after some of the Bay's most prized catches, including striped bass, Spanish mackerel, and even the mighty cobia. And don't worry if you're new to this – I've got tips and tricks for everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros.

How We Fish These Waters

Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting and where, we might be doing some light tackle jigging, trolling with live bait, or even sight casting to those big reds cruising the flats. I've got all the gear you'll need, from top-notch rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding tech. We'll be using everything from soft plastics to live spot to entice those fish – and trust me, when a 40-inch striper hits your line, you'll be glad you came prepared. Just remember to bring your A-game and maybe a snack or two – the fishing's so good out here, you might forget to eat!

Straight from the Anglers

"It was fun. The water was very choppy but we had a great time." - Darenn

Fish You'll be Chasing

Spanish Mackerel: These speedy little devils are a blast to catch. They school up in the Bay from late spring through early fall, and when they're running, it's non-stop action. We'll be trolling small spoons or casting light jigs, and you'll love the way these fish hit – it's like lightning on the end of your line. Plus, they're delicious if you want to take some home for the grill.

Striped Bass: The king of the Chesapeake, stripers (or rockfish, as we call 'em around here) are what dreams are made of. These bruisers can top 50 pounds, and they put up a fight like you wouldn't believe. We target them year-round, but the spring and fall runs are something special. There's nothing quite like watching a big striper crush a topwater lure at dawn – it'll get your heart racing every time.

Spadefish: Don't let their weird looks fool you – spadefish are pound-for-pound one of the toughest fighters in the Bay. We usually find them around structure like buoys or wrecks from June to September. They're tricky to hook, but once you figure out their finicky bite, you're in for a real treat. These guys pull hard and don't give up easily.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a summertime favorite. We sight-cast to them in the shallows or fish the deeper channels, depending on the tide and weather. When you hook into a big bull red, hold on tight – they've got some serious horsepower and will test your drag and your arms.

Cobia: The prize of the Chesapeake, cobia show up in late spring and stick around until early fall. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, and they're not afraid to show off their strength. We sight-cast to them or chum them up, and when one hits, be ready for a battle. Landing a big cobia is a true accomplishment for any angler.

Time to Get Your Fish On

Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but why not come see for yourself? The Chesapeake's calling, and those fish aren't going to catch themselves. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to experience some world-class fishing, I've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Grab your crew, give me a shout, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Oh, and don't forget – we prefer cash for the balance. It keeps things simple so we can focus on what really matters: putting you on the fish. See you on the water!

Customer Review

Choppy Thrill Ride

It was fun. The water was very choppy but we had a great time.

Darenn BeMiller

June 16, 2024

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Spanish mackerel are these sleek, fast-swimming fish that show up in our waters during the warmer months. They're usually 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds, with a greenish-blue back and silvery sides dotted with yellow spots. You'll find Spanish mackerel in open water, often near the surface. They love to chase bait fish, so look for diving birds or surface commotion. They're most active here from late spring through early fall. Anglers target Spanish mackerel because they're fast, acrobatic fighters and tasty on the grill. When they're running, the action can be non-stop. To catch them, I like to troll small spoons or jigs behind the boat. Here's a local trick: if you see a school feeding on the surface, cut the engine and cast small, shiny lures into the frenzy. Retrieve quickly - these fish love to chase. Just watch out for their sharp teeth when you're unhooking them!

Redfish

Spadefish are these quirky, disk-shaped fish that put up a surprising fight for their size. They usually run about 3-10 pounds and 18 inches long, but can get bigger. You'll spot them by their silvery color with dark vertical bars. We typically find spadefish around structures like wrecks, reefs, and buoys. They're schooling fish, so where you find one, you'll often find many. They show up in our waters in late spring and stick around through summer. Anglers love spadefish because they're a unique catch and surprisingly stubborn fighters. They're not the best eating, but they're fun to catch and release. When we're targeting spadefish, I like to use small hooks with pieces of clam or jellyball. Here's a tip: once you find a school, anchor up and chum with small pieces of clam. That'll often keep the school interested and hanging around your boat. Be ready for quick, subtle bites - these guys can be tricky to hook!

Spadefish

Striped bass, or stripers, are the rockstars of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silver fish with dark stripes can grow huge - we're talking 40-50 pounds for the big ones. They're powerful swimmers and put up an amazing fight. You'll find stripers in a variety of spots. They love structure, so look around bridge pilings, rocky points, and drop-offs. In spring and fall, they migrate through the bay, which makes for some exciting fishing. What makes stripers so popular is their size, fight, and taste. They've got firm, white meat that's great on the grill. Plus, catching a big one is something you'll never forget. When we're after stripers, I like to use live eels or big bucktail jigs. Here's a local trick: fish the tide changes, especially in the early morning or evening. That's when stripers often feed most actively. Cast your lure upcurrent and let it drift naturally with the flow - that's often when you'll get the biggest hits.

Spanish Mackerel

Cobia are these big, dark brown fish that look a bit like sharks at first glance. They're loners, usually hanging around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in waters 30-70 feet deep. Adults can grow up to 6 feet and 100 pounds, so they put up one heck of a fight. We typically target them during their spring spawning run, from June to August around here. That's when you can spot them near the surface. What makes cobia such a blast to catch is their aggressive nature and their excellent taste. They're prized for their firm, flavorful meat. When you're out there, keep an eye out for rip lines or current breaks near structures - that's where they like to hang out. I've had the best luck using bucktail jigs, around 4 to 8 ounces. Color doesn't matter much, but experiment with different weights. If you see one, cast past it and retrieve through its line of sight. These fish hit hard and don't give up easily, so be ready for a real tussle.

Striped Bass

Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite around here. You'll spot 'em by their reddish backs and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most of the ones we catch are in the 28 to 33-inch range, but they can grow much bigger. These guys love shallow water, often in just 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and old structures like piers. They're here year-round, but the fishing really heats up in the fall. Redfish are popular because they're not too picky eaters and put up a great fight. Plus, they're delicious - mild and slightly sweet. When we're after them, I like to use topwater lures in the shallows. It's a real thrill to see them explode on the surface. Here's a pro tip: if you're sight-fishing, try using a weedless jig. Cast it just ahead of where you see the fish moving, and give it a few twitches. Redfish can't resist an easy meal, and that often triggers a strike.

About the Fin-A-Tic

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 34

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Captain Mike's fishing charter in Virginia offers an awesome day out on the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day trip or want to spend a full day on the water, there's an option for you. You'll get to try your hand at catching different fish species while picking up some handy fishing know-how from the captain himself. It's perfect for experienced anglers, newbies, and families alike - everyone's welcome aboard! The charter runs from April through December, but spots tend to fill up fast, so it's best to book early. With room for up to four guests, it's a great way to spend time with friends or family while enjoying the beautiful Virginia coastline. Don't forget to bring cash for the balance due - it's the captain's preferred payment method. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a fantastic day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay!

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