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Top-Rated Chesapeake Bay Fishing Trip | 6 Hours
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- $250 - $900 price range
- Updated Date: August 21, 2025
Summary
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Bay Bounty
On the hunt for the big one.
Hooks, bait, and a little fate.
Today’s agenda: fish and relax.
A tug on the line makes everything fine.
Reeling in sunshine and smiles.
Big catches, bigger stories.
Tides change, fishing stays.
The water is my happy place.
Catch more than fish — catch moments.
Boat life, best life.
On the hunt for the big one.
Hooks, bait, and a little fate.
Today’s agenda: fish and relax.
A tug on the line makes everything fine.
Reeling in sunshine and smiles.
Big catches, bigger stories.
Tides change, fishing stays.
The water is my happy place.
Catch more than fish — catch moments.
Boat life, best life.
On the hunt for the big one.
Hooks, bait, and a little fate.
Today’s agenda: fish and relax.
A tug on the line makes everything fine.
Extended Bay Blitz: 6-Hour Fishing Bonanza
Ready to kick it up a notch on the Chesapeake? This extended half-day trip with Chasin' Wake Charters is your ticket to serious fishing action. We're talking 6 full hours on the water, starting bright and early at 8 AM. That's plenty of time to hit multiple honey holes and target a mixed bag of Bay favorites. From hard-fighting bluefish to the coveted cobia, we'll be on the hunt for whatever's biting. Perfect for anglers who want more than a quick morning trip but can't commit to a full day. Trust me, those extra hours make all the difference when you're chasing the big ones.
What's the Deal?
Here's the scoop: We'll load up the boat and push off at 8 AM sharp. That early start gives us a jump on the best bite and beats the midday heat. We've got room for up to 4 anglers, so bring your buddies or make it a family affair. Fair warning – no meals included on this one, so pack some grub and plenty of water. You'll want to keep your energy up for battling those Chesapeake bruisers. We'll be targeting a mix of species, from tasty tautog to hard-charging bluefish. And if we're lucky, we might even tangle with a trophy cobia. Six hours flies by when you're on the fish, but it's enough time to really get a feel for what the Bay has to offer.
Rods, Reels, and Hotspots
We'll be mixing it up technique-wise to maximize our chances. Expect to do some bottom fishing for tautog and sheepshead around structure. We might throw some lures for bluefish or slow-troll for cobia if conditions are right. The beauty of the extended trip is we can adapt on the fly. If one spot's not producing, we've got time to run and gun to the next honey hole. I'll have all the gear you need – top-notch rods, reels, and terminal tackle. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. We'll hit a variety of spots, from oyster beds to channel edges, always on the lookout for bird play or bait schools that signal feeding fish below.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tautog (Blackfish): These bulldogs of the Bay are a blast to catch. They hang tight to structure and pull like crazy when hooked. We target them with crab baits around rocks and pilings. The fight is short but intense – you'll feel every head shake. Tautog are excellent eating too, with firm white flesh that's killer for fish tacos.
Bluefish: When the blues are running, hold onto your rod! These toothy predators hit hard and fight dirty. We often find them busting bait on the surface – one of the most exciting sights in fishing. They're great on light tackle and put up an acrobatic fight. While not everyone's favorite for the table, smoked bluefish is a local delicacy.
Spadefish: Don't let their small size fool you – spadefish are pound-for-pound fighters. These striped oddballs school up around buoys and wrecks. They're picky eaters, but when you dial in the bite, it's non-stop action. They're a summertime favorite, usually showing up in June and sticking around through August.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive teeth, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're structure-oriented, often found around bridge pilings and reefs. Catching them requires finesse – they're notorious bait stealers. But once hooked, they pull hard and make excellent table fare.
Cobia: The trophy of the Bay, cobia are the fish that dreams are made of. These powerful swimmers can top 100 pounds and put up an epic battle. We often sight-cast to them near the surface or around buoys. Landing a big cobia is a real accomplishment – they're strong, smart, and not afraid to use the boat to their advantage during the fight.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, I've been running charters on the Chesapeake for years, and this extended half-day trip is the sweet spot for a lot of folks. It's long enough to really get into some quality fishing without burning a whole day. Plus, the variety keeps things interesting – one minute you're finessing a tautog off the bottom, the next you're in a drag-screaming battle with a cobia. The Chesapeake's always got surprises up its sleeve, and with 6 hours to play, we've got time to chase them down. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids out for their first big fishing adventure, this trip's got something for everyone.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler, this extended half-day trip is calling your name. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and prime fishing grounds waiting. Six hours of non-stop action on the Chesapeake – it doesn't get much better than that. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't sleep on this one. Give Chasin' Wake Charters a shout and let's get you on the calendar. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this Bay bonanza. Tight lines and see you on the water!
Learn more about the animals
Bluefish
Bluefish are the Bay's bad boys - aggressive, toothy, and always looking for a fight. These speedsters typically run 3-10 pounds but can top 20. Look for them chasing bait schools, churning up the surface in what we call a "blitz." Spring through fall is prime time, with bigger fish showing up in summer. Blues hit just about anything - cut bait, lures, you name it. They're a blast to catch, with hard strikes and acrobatic jumps. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking! While some folks turn their nose up at bluefish for eating, smaller ones under 5 pounds are actually pretty tasty when prepared right. Here's a local tip: when you see birds diving, that's often a sign of bluefish feeding below. Motor over quietly and get ready for some fast action.
Cobia
Cobia are the prize fighters of the Bay. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. Look for them around buoys, channel markers, and other structure from late spring through summer. Cobia are often mistaken for sharks with their long, sleek bodies. They're sight feeders, so keep your eyes peeled for them cruising near the surface. Live eels or large bucktail jigs are go-to baits. When hooked, be ready for long runs and dogged fights. Cobia are known for their excellent table fare, with firm, white meat perfect for grilling. Here's a tip: if you spot rays, there's often a cobia following close behind. Cast ahead of the ray and hold on tight - when a big cobia hits, it's like hooking a freight train!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of the Bay, with distinct black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach 10+. You'll find them around pilings, rocks, and reefs, using those chompers to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring and fall are best, when water temps are right. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so a sensitive touch is key. Use small, strong hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of clam. Here's a local secret: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - their mouths are tough as nails. The fight is solid, with these bruisers using their flat bodies against you. As a bonus, sheepshead are excellent eating with firm, white meat.
Spadefish
Spadefish are one of the Bay's more unique catches. These disk-shaped beauties usually run 3-5 pounds but can hit 10+ pounds. You'll spot them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and buoys, often in big schools. Late spring through summer is prime time. Spades put up a surprisingly good fight for their size, using that flat body to turn sideways in the current. They're tricky to hook but fun to target. Most folks use small hooks with bits of clam or jellyball. Here's a trick - cast past the school and slowly retrieve through it. Spadefish are curious and will often follow your bait. Be patient and wait for that light bite. While not known as premier table fare, smaller ones are decent eating. Half the fun is just watching these striking fish swim around the boat.
Tautog
Tautog, or blackfish, are tough customers with a face only a mother could love. These reef-dwellers average 1-3 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds for real trophies. You'll find them hugging structure like rocks, wrecks, and pilings in the Bay. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Tautog put up a stubborn fight, using those buck teeth to grind crabs and clams. Speaking of food, they're delicious eating with sweet, white meat. To land one, use a sensitive rod tip to detect their subtle bites. Bait up with green crabs or Asian crabs, crushing the shell to release scent. Change baits every 5 minutes to keep it fresh. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard - these guys have tough mouths. Be ready for a battle as they dive for cover!
About the 23’ Mako
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
