Expert-Guided Chesapeake Bay Fishing | 7-Hour Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$750 price range
Updated Date: September 26, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a serious day of fishing on Chesapeake Bay with Captain Gary Bramble. This 7-hour trip is tailored for experienced anglers looking to put their skills to the test. You'll be chasing fast-moving Spanish Mackerel, powerful Black Drum, aggressive Bluefish, and the iconic Striped Bass. The Mary Anne is kitted out with top-notch gear, so you can focus on your technique and precision. It's ideal for small groups who want an intensive fishing experience with expert guidance. The crew knows the bay like the back of their hand and stays on top of seasonal patterns, giving you the best shot at a great catch. Remember, this isn't a leisurely cruise – it's a focused fishing trip for those who really want to get after it on the water.

Expert-Guided Chesapeake Bay Fishing | 7-Hour Trip

Chesapeake's Finest Catches

Striped bass caught while fishing in Oxford

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Six bluefish caught during a fishing trip in Oxford

Family Super Haul!

Father and Son Success - Oxford, MD.

Power Catch! - Oxford, MD.

Full Day Fishing Adventure in Chesapeake Bay

Ready to test your skills against some of Chesapeake Bay's most sought-after fish? Captain Gary Bramble's full-day advanced fishing trip is tailor-made for seasoned anglers looking to up their game. Hop aboard the Mary Anne for 7 action-packed hours chasing Spanish Mackerel, Black Drum, Bluefish, and the legendary Striped Bass. With top-notch gear and a crew that knows every nook and cranny of the bay, you're in for a day of serious fishing that'll keep you on your toes from cast to catch.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your average lazy day of fishing – we're talking about a full-on, hardcore angling experience. Captain Gary and his crew have their finger on the pulse of Chesapeake Bay, tracking seasonal patterns and pinpointing the hottest spots where the big ones are biting. You'll be working with quality tackle provided on board, so you can focus on honing your techniques and landing that trophy catch. With a max of 6 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and the chance to really dive deep into advanced fishing strategies. Just remember, we're not messing around with deposits – they're non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before you book.

Techniques & Tactics

Get ready to put your angling skills to the test. We'll be employing a mix of techniques depending on our target species and conditions. For those speedy Spanish Mackerel, be prepared for some fast-paced trolling action – you'll need quick reflexes to hook these silver bullets. When we're after Black Drum, we might switch to bottom fishing with crab or clam baits. Bluefish often call for aggressive topwater lures or metal jigs, while Striped Bass might have us jigging, live-lining, or chunking depending on the season. Captain Gary's got a few tricks up his sleeve, and he's always happy to share some local knowledge to help you dial in your approach.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a summertime favorite in the Chesapeake. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish Mackerel will test your drag and your nerves. They typically show up in May and stick around until September, with peak action in July and August. Anglers love targeting these fish for their fight and their delicious, oily flesh that's perfect for grilling.

Bluefish: Pound for pound, few fish in the Chesapeake can match the raw aggression of a bluefish. These toothy predators are here from spring through fall, with the biggest specimens (we call 'em "choppers") showing up in the cooler months. Bluefish will hit just about anything that moves, making them a blast for anglers of all skill levels. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Black Drum: These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we typically catch them in the 20-50 pound range in the Bay. Black Drum are most active in the spring and fall, often found near structure like bridge pilings or oyster beds. They're known for their powerful, dogged fights and distinctive "drumming" sound. Landing a big Black Drum is a true test of an angler's skill and patience.

Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish, these are the undisputed kings of Chesapeake Bay. Stripers can be caught year-round, but the trophy season in the spring and the fall run are what dreams are made of. These fish can top 50 pounds, and they're revered for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper crushing a topwater lure at dawn.

Sea Trout: While not as famous as some of our other targets, sea trout (also called weakfish) are a favorite among local anglers. These beautiful, spotted fish are most active in the warmer months, often found around grass beds and channel edges. They're known for their soft mouths, which can make them tricky to land, and their sweet, delicate flesh. Catching sea trout on light tackle is a finesse game that'll challenge even experienced anglers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who've fished with Captain Gary tend to make it a regular thing, and for good reason. The Chesapeake Bay is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get, but it's always gonna be good. One day you might be battling bull reds in the shallows, the next you could be vertical jigging for monster stripers in the channel. The Mary Anne is a comfortable, well-maintained vessel that'll get you to the fish quickly and safely. And let's not forget the wealth of knowledge you'll soak up from the captain and crew – these guys eat, sleep, and breathe Chesapeake Bay fishing, and they're always happy to share their insights.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're an experienced angler looking for a real challenge, or even if you're just ready to step up your game, this full-day advanced fishing trip in Chesapeake Bay is calling your name. With Captain Gary Bramble and the Mary Anne, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for a masterclass in angling. Remember, we keep the groups small to maximize your fishing time and personalized attention, so spots fill up fast. Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of the Bay's most prized catches. Grab your spot now, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. The fish are waiting – are you ready to answer the call?

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the Bay, often 20-80 pounds. You'll find them near oyster beds, pier pilings, and in deeper channels. Spring's the best time as they move in to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their powerful, dogged fights. They're not speedsters, but they'll test your stamina. Use heavy tackle and fresh bait like crab or clam. Look for them tailing in shallow water or use your fishfinder in deeper spots. One local trick: when you feel a tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them mouth the bait for a bit. Black Drum have small mouths for their size, so patience pays off. The smaller ones are good eating, but the big ones can be tough and wormy. Either way, they're an impressive catch and a real Chesapeake Bay trophy.

Bluefish

Bluefish are the bulldogs of the Bay, aggressive and always ready for a fight. They typically run 3-10 pounds, but can get up to 20. You'll find them chasing bait in open water, often near the surface. Bluefish are most active here from spring through fall, with the biggest fish showing up in summer. Anglers love 'em for their hard strikes and powerful runs. They're not picky eaters - use cut bait, lures, or live fish. Look for birds diving or bait fish jumping to find a blitz. When you do, it's non-stop action. One tip: bring wire leaders, their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. The smaller ones make good eating, but release the big breeders. Bluefish put up a great fight pound-for-pound, so hang on tight when you hook one.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a Bay favorite. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but can get up to 10. You'll find them around grass flats, creek mouths, and oyster bars. They're here spring through fall, with the best fishing in early summer and fall. Anglers love 'em for their light tackle action and tasty fillets. Use soft plastics, mirrolures, or live bait like spot or minnows. Look for them feeding on top at dawn and dusk. One local trick: work your lure slowly with lots of pauses - sea trout often hit on the fall. They have soft mouths, so don't set the hook too hard. In cooler months, try deeper holes in rivers where they school up. Sea Trout are fun to catch and even better on the grill - a true Chesapeake Bay treat.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are speedsters of the Chesapeake, typically 1-2 feet long and weighing 2-6 pounds. You'll find them in open waters, often near the surface chasing bait schools. Late summer and early fall are prime times as they migrate through. Anglers love 'em for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat's tasty too, great for grilling. Look for diving birds to spot feeding schools. When you find 'em, try casting small, shiny lures like spoons or jigs and retrieve fast. These fish hit hard and run, so be ready for some action. One local trick: use a light wire leader to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Spanish Mackerel fishing's a blast - once you hook one, you'll be hooked too.

Striped Bass

Striped Bass, or "rockfish" as we call 'em here, are the icons of the Chesapeake. They range from schoolies of a few pounds to trophy fish over 40. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and chasing bait schools. Spring and fall are prime as they migrate through the Bay. Anglers love 'em for their hard hits and strong runs. They're also great eating. Use live bait, cut bait, or lures - stripers aren't too picky. Look for birds working or bait dimpling the surface. One local tip: troll umbrella rigs in deeper water for big fish. Or try jigging soft plastics along channel edges. Stripers are catch-and-release only certain times of year, so check regulations. When you hook into a big one, you'll know why they're the Bay's most popular gamefish.

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