Hey there, anglers! Looking to wet a line in Baltimore's bustling waters? Captain Gus here, ready to take you on a 6-hour fishing adventure you won't forget. Whether you're new to fishing or you've been doing it since you were knee-high to a grasshopper, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be targeting some of the Chesapeake Bay's most sought-after fish, including striped bass, white perch, and hardhead catfish. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!
We'll be cruising out on my 41-foot Downeast-style cabin cruiser, a real beauty that's as comfortable as it is functional. There's plenty of room for you and up to five of your buddies, so bring the whole crew! We'll spend our day using tried-and-true techniques like trolling and bottom fishing to put you on the fish. I've been navigating these waters for years, so I know all the sweet spots where the fish are biting. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day out on the bay, we've got you covered. And don't worry about gear – I've got top-notch equipment on board, so all you need to bring is your excitement and maybe a snack or two.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to maximize our chances of landing some big ones. We'll start off trolling, which is perfect for covering a lot of water and finding where the fish are hanging out. I'll set up a spread of lines behind the boat, and we'll cruise along at just the right speed to make those lures dance in the water. It's a great way to target striped bass, especially when they're on the move. When we find a productive spot, we might switch to bottom fishing. This is where the catfish and white perch really shine. We'll drop our lines straight down with some tasty bait and wait for that telltale tug. I've got all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, including some local favorites like bloodworms and cut bait. And don't worry if you're new to this – I'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Folks, let me tell you, the fishing has been on fire lately! We've been pulling in some real beauties, with striped bass topping the list. Just last week, we had a group out that landed a 36-inch striper – talk about a fight! The white perch have been thick too, perfect for a fish fry back at home. And let's not forget about those hardhead catfish – they might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they sure are fun to catch and tasty to boot. Remember, fishing's always a bit of a gamble, but I'll do my best to put you on the fish and make sure you have a great day out on the water, no matter what ends up in the boat.
Striped Bass: Also known as rockfish around here, these are the crown jewels of the Chesapeake. They're hard-fighting fish that can grow to impressive sizes – we're talking 30 pounds or more for the big ones! Stripers love to hang around structure and chase baitfish, so we'll be targeting them near bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges. Spring and fall are prime times for stripers, but we can find them year-round if we know where to look. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper hitting your line!
White Perch: Don't let their size fool you – these little fighters punch above their weight class. White perch are abundant in the bay and make for excellent eating. They typically range from 8 to 12 inches, but we occasionally hook into some real slabs. These guys are bottom feeders, so we'll be using light tackle and small baits to tempt them. They're active year-round, but the fishing really heats up in the summer months. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels, white perch are a great way to keep the rods bent all day long.
Hardhead Sea Catfish: These whiskered critters might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch and put up a great fight. Hardheads typically run 1 to 3 pounds and love to hang out near the bottom. They've got a mouth full of sandpaper-like teeth, so we'll be careful when unhooking them. These catfish are most active in the warmer months and are suckers for cut bait or shrimp. Don't knock 'em till you try 'em – many anglers are surprised by how good these cats taste when prepared right!
Listen, I've been running these charters for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back for more. It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. It's about the experience of being out on the water, feeling the bay breeze on your face, and sharing stories and laughs with friends and family. There's something special about watching the sun rise over the Baltimore skyline as we head out to our first spot of the day. And let's not forget the satisfaction of reeling in your own dinner – nothing tastes better than fish you've caught yourself. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add another species to your list or a first-timer just wanting to see what all the fuss is about, this trip's got something for everyone. Plus, with my years of experience, I can help you improve your technique and learn some new tricks, no matter your skill level.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and see what Baltimore fishing is all about, now's the time to lock in your trip. Prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to book. Remember, this is a 6-hour trip, which gives us plenty of time to find the fish and put some serious bend in those rods. We can accommodate up to 6 people, so it's perfect for a family outing, a day with friends, or even a corporate team-building event. Just keep in mind that meals aren't included, so pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks. And hey, if you're on the fence, just think about the stories you'll have to tell and the fresh fish you might be bringing home for dinner. So what are you waiting for? Give me a call, and let's get you set up for a day of fishing you won't forget. See you on the water!
Hardhead sea catfish are an interesting catch, even if they're not the most popular. They usually run 1-3 pounds and up to a foot long. You'll find them in nearshore waters, river mouths, and muddy or sandy bottom areas. They're most active in warmer months before heading to deeper water for winter. Anglers encounter them while targeting other inshore species. Be careful handling them - those fins have a mild toxin and can cause nasty punctures. They'll bite most any bait, but shrimp is their favorite. Here's a local tip: if you're catching a lot of hardheads, try moving to a different spot or changing your bait. They're known bait stealers, so you might be missing out on other fish.
Striped bass are a real favorite around here. These big, powerful fish usually run 20-40 pounds, though the monsters can hit 70. You'll find them cruising near structures along shorelines, especially in moving water. They're most active at dawn and dusk when the water's cooler. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the stripers migrate. Anglers love 'em for the hard-fighting action and excellent eating. Live bait like herring or menhaden works best - stripers can be picky eaters. Here's a local tip: look for diving birds to spot baitfish schools the stripers are chasing. Nothing beats the thrill of hooking into one of these bruisers and feeling that first powerful run.
White perch are scrappy little fighters that are a blast to catch. Most run 7-10 inches, rarely over a pound. You'll find them in brackish waters like the Chesapeake tributaries, often schooling up. Spring is prime time as they move into slightly brackish areas to spawn. Anglers dig 'em because they're abundant, easy to catch, and tasty on the table. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet. A light 6-7 foot rod with 4-8 pound line is perfect. For bait, you can't go wrong with bloodworms or small minnows. Here's a pro tip: try jigging soft plastics that mimic their prey. When you find a school, you can catch 'em two at a time with multiple hook rigs.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 450