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Family-Friendly Fishing on Chesapeake Bay | 7 Hours
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Chesapeake Bay
- $750 price range
- Updated Date: September 26, 2025
Summary
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Family Catches and Smiles
Striped Bass, Massive Size - Oxford, MD.
Stripe Bass Success - Oxford, MD.
Catfish Day - Oxford, MD.
Off to the game spot! - Oxford, MD.
Striped Bass Solid Catch! - Oxford, MD.
Family Super Haul!
Father and Son Success - Oxford, MD.
Power Catch! - Oxford, MD.
Decent Haul - Oxford, MD.
This Family got a Big haul! - Oxford, MD.
Striped Bass, Massive Size - Oxford, MD.
Stripe Bass Success - Oxford, MD.
Catfish Day - Oxford, MD.
Off to the game spot! - Oxford, MD.
Striped Bass Solid Catch! - Oxford, MD.
Family Super Haul!
Father and Son Success - Oxford, MD.
Power Catch! - Oxford, MD.
Decent Haul - Oxford, MD.
This Family got a Big haul! - Oxford, MD.
Striped Bass, Massive Size - Oxford, MD.
Stripe Bass Success - Oxford, MD.
Catfish Day - Oxford, MD.
Off to the game spot! - Oxford, MD.
Family Fun Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay
Ready for a day of fishing that'll have the whole family hooked? Captain Gary Bramble's 7-hour trip on the Chesapeake Bay is just the ticket. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip's perfect for making memories and reeling in some impressive catches. The Mary Anne's crew has everything set up so you can focus on the important stuff – like who's gonna catch the biggest fish!
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment you step aboard the Mary Anne, you're in for a treat. The bay's calm waters make for smooth sailing, so even the littlest anglers won't get queasy. Captain Gary knows all the sweet spots where fish are biting, whether it's Striped Bass, Spanish Mackerel, Black Drum, or Bluefish. And don't worry about bringing gear – they've got you covered with quality rods and tackle. The crew's always around to lend a hand, show you the ropes, or even bait your hook if you're not quite ready for that yet. Between casts, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and soak in those postcard-worthy bay views.
Fishing 101: Bay Style
Fishing the Chesapeake is all about versatility. You might start off trolling for Spanish Mackerel, dragging lures behind the boat to mimic baitfish. Then switch it up with some bottom fishing for Black Drum, feeling for that telltale thump on your line. The crew's got a few tricks up their sleeves, like using live bait to entice those crafty Striped Bass. They'll show you how to work the tides and read the water – skills you can brag about back home. And when a fish takes the bait, they'll coach you through the fight, making sure you land that trophy catch.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These speedy swimmers are a blast to catch. They put up a good fight for their size, often leaping out of the water when hooked. Look for them in the warmer months, especially late summer. They're suckers for shiny lures, so be ready for some fast-paced action when you find a school.
Bluefish: Known as the bullies of the bay, Bluefish are pure muscle with an attitude to match. They'll hit just about anything that moves, making them perfect for newbie anglers who want consistent action. Spring and fall are prime Bluefish seasons. Watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Black Drum: These big boys can grow over 100 pounds, though you're more likely to catch 'em in the 5-30 pound range. They love hanging out near structures and oyster beds. Black Drum are bottom feeders, so you'll be doing some old-school bait fishing. The bigger ones can be a real workout to reel in – great for bragging rights.
Striped Bass: Also known as Rockfish, these are the rock stars of the Chesapeake. They're crafty, strong, and make for some fantastic eating. Stripers can be caught year-round, but spring and fall see some epic runs. Landing a big Striper is often the highlight of any Chesapeake fishing trip.
Sea Trout: These spotted beauties are prized for their delicate flavor. They're most active in the cooler months and love to hang around grassy areas and drop-offs. Light tackle fishing for Sea Trout is a skill game – perfect for those who like a bit of finesse with their fishing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
The Chesapeake Bay isn't just a fishing spot – it's a whole experience. You've got the perfect mix of open water and protected coves, meaning there's always somewhere to fish, no matter the weather. The diversity of species means you never know what you might catch next. And let's be real, there's something special about fishing waters that have been producing for generations. Captain Gary and his crew on the Mary Anne have that local knowledge that turns a good trip into a great one. They know how to keep things fun for the kids while still giving the adults a shot at some serious fishing.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it – a full day of fishing that's tailor-made for families and first-timers, but with plenty to keep experienced anglers happy too. With all gear provided, expert guidance from Captain Gary and his crew, and the rich fishing grounds of the Chesapeake Bay at your fingertips, this trip's a no-brainer. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks). Spots on the Mary Anne fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to create some fishy tales of your own on the Chesapeake!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders that can reach over 80 pounds, though 5-30 pounders are more common. You'll find them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in channels. They feed by crunching shellfish with strong teeth in their throats. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love Black Drum for their powerful fights and good eating quality, especially smaller ones under 15 pounds. To catch them, use fresh crab or clam on a fish-finder rig. A local trick is to listen for their distinctive drumming sound - that means they're nearby. When you hook one, be ready for a stubborn battle as they use their weight to resist. Overall, Black Drum offer a mix of relaxed bottom fishing and hard-pulling action once hooked.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a strong fight. They average 3-5 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in open water or around structure. Bluefish migrate into the Bay in spring and summer, chasing baitfish. Anglers love their hard-hitting strikes and powerful runs. To catch them, try casting or trolling with metal lures that mimic their prey. A good local tip is to look for birds diving - that usually means bluefish are feeding below. These fish can be tasty when prepared right, but bleed them quickly for best flavor. Be careful of their razor-sharp teeth when unhooking. Bluefish offer fast-paced action that's great for anglers of all skill levels. Just be ready for some sore arms after battling these hard-fighters all day.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are popular inshore gamefish. They typically run 1-3 pounds, though some top 5 pounds. You'll find them around grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love Sea Trout for their willingness to hit lures and their delicate flavor. To catch them, try soft plastics or live bait under a popping cork. A good local trick is to fish the early morning hours when they're feeding near the surface. Sea Trout have soft mouths, so set the hook gently and keep steady pressure. These fish offer consistent action and are perfect for light tackle. Just be careful not to overcook them - they're best prepared simply grilled or broiled.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are fast swimmers that put up a great fight. They usually run 1-2 feet long and 2-3 pounds, though big ones can hit 15 pounds. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around structures like reefs or wrecks. They migrate through the Bay in summer, following baitfish. Anglers love targeting Spanish Mackerel for their acrobatic jumps and tasty meat. To catch them, try trolling with small spoons or jigs that mimic their favorite prey like anchovies or menhaden. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. These fish make excellent table fare whether grilled, fried, or smoked. Just be careful of the razor-sharp teeth when unhooking them. Overall, Spanish Mackerel offer exciting light-tackle action that's perfect for both novice and experienced anglers.
Striped Bass
Striped Bass, or "stripers," are the Bay's prized gamefish. They average 5-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and following bait schools. Spring and fall migrations offer peak fishing as they move in and out of the Bay. Anglers love stripers for their hard strikes, strong fights, and excellent eating. To catch them, try live-lining spot or eels, or casting topwater lures at dawn and dusk. A good local tip is to fish the tide changes - that's when stripers often feed most actively. Be ready for powerful runs and head-shaking jumps when you hook one. Just remember to check current regulations, as striper fishing is carefully managed. Overall, these fish offer a mix of finesse and power fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
About the Robbins (Pilothouse)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 500
