Scenic Chesapeake Bay Fishing | Maryanne Charters

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Chesapeake Bay
$750 price range

Summary

Captain Gary Bramble's Chesapeake Bay charter offers a perfect blend of light fishing and scenic cruising. For 7 hours, you'll explore the bay's beautiful waters aboard the Mary Anne, a well-equipped vessel ideal for small groups. This trip caters to those who prefer a relaxed pace, mixing casual angling with plenty of time to soak in the coastal views. You might reel in Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Black Drum, or Bluefish, but the emphasis is on enjoying a peaceful day on the water. It's great for couples, families, or anyone looking to unwind while still getting some fishing action. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings as you cruise smoothly through the bay. The Mary Anne provides quality gear and a comfortable setting, ensuring a laid-back experience for up to 6 guests. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly for this scenic Chesapeake adventure.

Scenic Chesapeake Bay Fishing | Maryanne Charters

Bay Views and Bites

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Striped Bass Success!

Striped Bass Trio!

Two striped bass caught while fishing in MD

Cooler full of striped bass.

Chesapeake Bay's Laid-Back Fishing Adventure

Hey there, fish fans! Imagine kicking back on the Mary Anne, cruising the Chesapeake's calm waters with a rod in hand and not a care in the world. That's exactly what you're in for with Captain Gary Bramble's scenic 7-hour trip. It's the perfect mix of light fishing and soaking up those gorgeous bay views. Whether you're looking to reel in some Spanish Mackerel or just want to spot some wildlife, this trip's got you covered. So grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's dive into what makes this Chesapeake charter a customer favorite!

A Day on the Bay

Picture this: You're stepping aboard the Mary Anne, Captain Gary's pride and joy. She's not just any old boat – she's your ticket to a day of pure relaxation and light fishing action. As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the stress melt away. The Chesapeake's known for its smooth waters, perfect for both first-timers and seasoned anglers who want to take it easy. We'll cruise to some of Gary's favorite spots, where the fish are biting and the scenery's top-notch. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys diving for their lunch or maybe even a bald eagle soaring overhead. It's not just about the fishing here – it's about soaking in the whole Chesapeake experience.

Rods, Reels, and Relaxation

Now, don't worry if you're not exactly a fishing pro – that's what Captain Gary's here for. He's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. We'll be doing a mix of techniques, mostly trolling and some light casting. Trolling's great because we can cover more water and enjoy the scenery while waiting for that telltale tug on the line. Gary's always happy to show you the ropes, whether it's how to bait your hook or the best way to reel in a feisty Striper. And hey, if you just want to sit back and watch the world go by, that's cool too. This trip's all about going at your own pace.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Alright, let's talk fish! The Chesapeake's home to some real beauties, and you've got a shot at landing a few different species. First up, there's the Spanish Mackerel. These guys are like the speedsters of the bay – fast, flashy, and a blast to catch. They usually show up when the water warms up in late spring and stick around through summer. If you hook one, get ready for a zippy fight!

Then we've got the mighty Striped Bass, or as the locals call 'em, Rockfish. These are the rock stars of the Chesapeake. They can get pretty big – we're talking 30-40 pounders sometimes! Stripers are around most of the year, but the fall run is something special. When you feel that heavy pull, you'll know you're in for a good time.

Black Drum are another cool catch. These guys are the drummers of the bay – they make a croaking sound that's pretty unique. They're bottom feeders, so we'll drop some bait down and see if we can tempt 'em. Spring's usually the best time for Black Drum, and man, they can put up a fight!

Don't forget about Bluefish – these toothy critters are like the punks of the Chesapeake. They're aggressive, hard-fighting, and super fun to catch. They usually show up in the warmer months and can really make your reel sing.

Last but not least, there's the Sea Trout. These guys are more on the delicate side, known for their spotted beauty. They're not as common as some of the others, but landing one is always a treat. They tend to hang around structure, so we'll try some spots where Gary knows they like to hide out.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

You know, it's not just the fish that keep folks coming back to the Chesapeake. It's the whole package. The way the sun glints off the water as it rises. The salty breeze in your face. The stories Captain Gary tells about the bay's history and the characters he's met over the years. It's about making memories with your family or friends, or maybe just enjoying some quiet time to yourself. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like the feeling of your rod bending with a good fish on the line, especially when you've got the beautiful Chesapeake Bay as your backdrop.

Time to Cast Your Line

So, what do you say? Ready to experience the Chesapeake the way it's meant to be enjoyed? Captain Gary's waiting to show you the ropes (or should I say lines?). Whether you're looking to catch your personal best or just want to unwind on the water, this trip's got something for everyone. Remember, the Mary Anne can take up to 6 people, so it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your buddies. Just keep in mind that meals aren't included, so pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks. And don't forget, those deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to commit, you're all in for a great day on the bay. Give Maryanne Fishing Charters a call and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and so is your next great Chesapeake Bay adventure!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the bruisers of the Bay, with adults commonly 30-50 pounds. These bottom-feeders hang around oyster beds, bridge pilings, and channel edges. Spring is prime time when they move into shallower waters to spawn. Black Drum feed by feel and smell, so fresh bait like crab or clam on a fish-finder rig works well. They're not the fastest fighters, but their sheer size and power make for an exciting battle. Smaller "puppy drum" under 10 pounds are best for eating, with a mild, flaky meat. The bigger ones can be tough and wormy. For the best shot at a trophy, fish the deep holes on a moving tide with a whole blue crab. Listen closely - you might hear the drum's distinctive croaking sound underwater. Local secret: a piece of orange or red yarn on your hook can entice more bites.

Bluefish

Bluefish are hard-fighting predators that'll test your gear and your skills. They average 2-5 pounds but can top 20 pounds. Blues show up in the Bay from spring through fall, following schools of bait. Look for them busting on the surface, especially around tide rips and structure. These toothy critters will hit just about any lure, but metal jigs and topwater plugs drive them crazy. Blues put up a mean fight, making blistering runs and often jumping clear out of the water. Their oily meat has a strong flavor - try soaking fillets in milk before cooking. For the best action, fish early morning or evening when blues are most active. A wire leader is a must to avoid bite-offs. Local tip: when you see gulls diving, that usually means bluefish are pushing bait to the surface. Motor over quietly and cast into the mayhem for some fast action.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. They typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially in spring and fall. Sea Trout are ambush predators, so fishing around structure is key. They'll hit a variety of lures, but soft plastics and topwater plugs are local favorites. These fish put up a good fight with head shakes and short runs. Their delicate white meat is excellent eating too. For best results, fish moving water on a falling tide. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Sea Trout have soft mouths, so use a light drag and play them carefully. Local tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances called "nervous water" - that's often feeding trout you can sight cast to.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are a favorite target in the Chesapeake, typically running 1-3 feet long. These speedy swimmers travel in schools, often spotted churning the surface as they chase bait. Look for them around structure and drop-offs, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Spanish Mackerel put up an exciting fight on light tackle, making sudden runs and acrobatic leaps. Their firm, flavorful meat is excellent for grilling or smoking too. To boost your chances, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind a planer board early in the morning. These fish have sharp teeth, so use a wire leader to prevent cut-offs. When you see birds diving or bait jumping, that's a good sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding nearby. Cast into the frenzy with a fast retrieve to mimic fleeing baitfish and hold on tight!

Striped Bass

Striped Bass, or "rockfish" as we call them here, are the crown jewel of Chesapeake fishing. They average 5-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for stripers around structure, drop-offs, and bait schools year-round, though spring and fall see big migratory runs. These powerful fish put up an amazing fight, with strong runs and head-shaking jumps. Their firm white meat is prized for its mild, sweet flavor too. Trolling with umbrella rigs is popular, but casting lures or live-lining spot can be more exciting. For trophy fish, try chunking fresh bunker in deep water. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Local tip: when you see gulls working the surface, idle over quietly. Big stripers are often feeding underneath schools of smaller fish.

About the Robbins (Pilothouse)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Cummins

Maximum Cruising Speed: 32

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 500

Welcome aboard the Mary Anne for a relaxing day on Chesapeake Bay with Captain Gary Bramble. This 7-hour trip blends light fishing with scenic coastal views, perfect for those seeking a peaceful experience on the water. You'll cruise smoothly along the bay, with opportunities to catch Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Black Drum, and Bluefish. The comfortable boat accommodates up to 6 guests, making it ideal for small groups, couples, or families looking to unwind and enjoy nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you soak in the beautiful surroundings. With quality fishing gear provided and Captain Gary's expertise, even novice anglers can try their hand at reeling in a catch. Whether you're casting a line or simply admiring the scenery, this laid-back outing offers a delightful way to experience the charm of Chesapeake Bay.

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