Chesapeake Bay Light Tackle Fishing Trips
Welcome to the largest estuary in the United States.
We offer trips from the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the bay to the rivers and tributaries that feed the bay. The great Chesapeake’s 4,479 square miles of water and 11,684 miles of shoreline offer a large variety of fishing opportunities. Thousands of anglers flock to the region to experience the diverse fishing locations in the bay.
Some of our favorites are the remote marshy islands in the mid-bay near Smith Island. We also find great success in open water due to its steep contours and channels. Our home port is Deale, MD but we will launch in several locations based on seasons, weather/water conditions, and fish migration.
The bay is a year-round home to our MD state fish, the striped bass (rockfish), and also the main breeding grounds for the older and larger migratory rockfish that visit us every winter/spring. Other great species we target in the bay are White Perch, Yellow Perch, Red Drum, Cobia, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, and Speckled Trout. See our seasons for information on our fishing trips.
Our Trips
Featured Trip
Winter Trophy Striped Bass Fishing
As the state fish of Maryland, we strongly believe the Chesapeake Bay is the best place in the country to target these prized sportfish. Known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights, rockfish can grow well over 40 inches, providing a thrilling challenge.
April-May
Bull Redfish
Sight-casting to massive schools full of Big Bull Reds. These trips are the perfect way to kick the winter blues and start the season off right! They are some of our favorite trips of the year.
July-September
Reds & Cobia
Massive Bull Reds, large cruising Cobia, Bluefish, Stripers, and Spanish Mackerel are all a part of these crazy feeding frenzies. It's one of our favorite times of the year to take clients fishing.
May-July
Topwater Season
As spring transitions into summer, our shallow-water fishery is in full force. This time of year we have big speckled trout showing up in good numbers and a lot of aggressive rockfish and speckled trout willing to put on a show.
September - December
Fally Frenzy Striped Bass
The fall brings some of the most iconic Striped Bass fishing on the Chesapeake Bay! During these trips we often find big schools of Striped Bass breaking the surface under birds while they feed on bait. As the temperatures drop the bait flows out of the rivers creating a feeding frenzy for the hungry Stripers.
Bring Your Ten-Weight Rods
Fly Fishing Trips On The Chesapeake Bay
Our Chesapeake Bay provides fantastic opportunities for fly fishing year-round! A large amount of our fishing is done by sight casting, whether in shallow water or offshore, or casting to feeding frenzies on balls of bait. Both opportunities lend themselves exceptionally well to fly fishing!
Bring The Team
Corporate Fishing Retreats on the Chesapeake Bay
We can accommodate corporate groups of up to 12 anglers for a half-day or full-day of epic fishing and team building. We operate out of marinas that have ample parking and amenities for larger groups. Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat as a thank you for the team or want to turn it into a competition between two boats, we've got you and your team covered.
Bring The Party
Chesapeake Bay Fishing Trips For Wedding Parties
A day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay offers a unique and enjoyable experience for wedding parties, bachelorette parties, or bachelor parties. The picturesque scenery and the serene waters provide a relaxing escape from the usual wedding hustle and bustle. Fishing can be a fun and engaging activity that fosters camaraderie and creates lasting memories among friends and family. Whether it’s the thrill of catching a variety of fish species, the satisfaction of a fresh catch, or simply enjoying the boat ride and the beautiful views, the Chesapeake Bay offers something for everyone.
The Kids Will Have A Great Time
Fishing Trips For Kids and Families
A day of fishing on the Chesapeake Bay is an ideal getaway for families, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality time together. The calm waters and scenic beauty of the Bay provide a tranquil setting for family members of all ages to enjoy. Fishing is an engaging activity that can teach kids patience, responsibility, and an appreciation for nature, while also providing the excitement of reeling in a catch. Our boats can accommodate up to six family members each and safety is always a top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions About Fishing The Chesapeake Bay?
Have a question about fishing the Chesapeake Bay? Take a look over our frequently asked questions to learn more about us, where we fish, what to bring, and more. Have a question? We love talking to folks about the bay and answering any questions you may have about fishing with us.
We provide an unforgettable fishing experience in the Chesapeake Bay. You’re going out on an adventure to remember with our top-of-the-line equipment and insatiable drive to delight our guests. We’re ‘dialed in’ to all the best bites throughout the year on our home waters, and have the setup to get you there fast and comfortably.
Our charters come with a fishing license for all guests, all gear necessary, water and ice in a cooler, a first mate (when necessary), and optional fish cleaning services.
Our trips vary in cost, but they all have a guarantee that we go the extra mile that separates us from the competition. If there’s a bite 20 miles away, we don’t blink, we haul ass over there. There are no limits and that’s how we set up our trips. We fish every day like it’s a 200k tournament day. We run until we’re out of fuel.
We have a unique combination of knowledge, high-end equipment, and a thirst for adventure. When folks come out with us, they know they’re getting an unforgettable experience like no other on the Chesapeake Bay.
We tell people all the time that when it comes to our fishery, you could fish with us once every two weeks for an entire year, and every trip will be different. It’s always changing, even day to day.
Trip lengths vary by species and by season. We typically like to launch in the mornings at 6 am but can happily accommodate later morning or afternoon start times. Additional time can be added to extend your fishing experience.
There is room for up to 6 people in our SeaHunters with seating for everyone. These are the roomiest 28’ boats you’ll ever see with 360-degree fishability. They’re the perfect combo of fishability and comfort with no steps and an open, flat, non-slip deck. Nothing to trip on! The bolsters/rail height is set perfectly at your knees with padding 360 degrees to comfortably fish anywhere on the boat. Something you’ll appreciate when a 40-50 pound bull redfish is giving you its best!
Bring whatever makes your day on the water more enjoyable. We often recommend your favorite food or drinks (no glass please), a hat, quality polarized sunglasses like Costas, nonslip shoes (no black soles please), appropriate clothing for the weather (including rain gear if it's in the forecast), sunscreen (please do not bring spray sunscreen), a camera to capture the epic moments.
We have two meeting locations depending on the time of year. One is Angler’s Bar & Grille at the historic Solomons Island, Maryland. The other is our home marina of Herrington Harbor South in Rosehaven, Maryland. Voted the best marina/resort on the bay! You’ll see our beautiful SeaHunters lit up and ready for your day of fishing.
No, we pay for a license that covers everyone on the boat.
When the fish is in season and legal size, yes. We strongly encourage Catch and Release on our trips but keeping legal fish for the dinner plate is 100% up to you.
We clean the fish for you, this is included in your trip.
We are working on offering ikejime, a highly specialized Japanese technique to dispatch your catch that results in top sushi-grade meat. We offer an upsell to package our fish in the same way that Japanese Sushi chefs package their fish for shipping overseas.
Gray Taxidermy is our choice. They’re one of the most experienced in the industry and always do fantastic work.
The Captain has the final call on the weather. If conditions are less than ideal for the scheduled trip we will first offer a different location or style of trip. If the weather forces us to cancel you will be given the chance to reschedule your trip or receive a refund on your deposit.
We’re very flexible as long as it's done within reason and covered by our policy. Rescheduling is subject to availability and may not be accommodated.
We understand life happens so we will do our best to work with changes in your schedule. Please review our cancellation policy prior to booking your trip.
Tips are not mandatory but they are greatly appreciated. If a Mate is provided please remember that the Mate works for Tips Only. The customary gratuity for Captains & Mates is 15%-20% of the trip rate.
A mate will be provided when necessary. Mates work for tips only.
Limits do not mean our work is done and your trip is over. We will provide you with your full-time on the water.
Equipment lost or neglectfully broken will be charged at replacement value.
Our Story
At Griffin's Guide Service, Exceptional Experiences Are Our Priority
Fishing the Chesapeake has always been a passion of ours. For years, we've put in time patterning these fish and dialing in our light tackle tactics. Wake up, fish, work, fish, go to sleep, and repeat. That was our routine until two years ago, we decided to take the leap and start our own guide business. Now we are living the dream, showing folks like yourself the incredible fishing the Chesapeake Bay has to offer.
Real Reviews From Real Clients
Client Testimonials
From Bull Redfish to Stripers and everything in between, we've had the pleasure of showing some incredible folks how we fish the Chesapeake Bay.
The knowledge these two have of this fishery, paralleled with unbeatable gear, top-of-the-line electronics, and unmatched teaching ability for light tackle anglers is why we come back for more and more every time. Couldn’t recommend a better experience for light tackle anglers of all levels.
Ian Holmes
Google Review
I can say without a doubt they are some of the most knowledgeable and, more importantly, personable guides out there. Anyone who steps on board will feel more like a friend than a client. The boats, electronics, rods, and tackle are truly the best of the best and will have you Dialed In every time.
Zachary Bradley
Google Review
Captain Steve is the man. Him, Drew and everyone else on board will make you feel right at home. Whether you are an experienced angler or beginner he's got you covered. Putting your skills to the test catching quality fish on light tackle.
Adam Krauss
Google Review
When we booked I said I wanted to catch a big fish and he sure delivered! Most of us had never fished before and Steve made sure we felt comfortable from the first cast while also teaching us about various species and migration patterns.
Kayla Norfolk
Google Review
Highly recommend chartering with Capt Steve. He is a great laid back captain and gets you on the fish. Fishing with light tackle makes for a much better experience not just reeling in a 5 gallon bucket. Thanks Capt Steve for putting me on my biggest light tackle rockfish
Nicholas Edwards
Google Review
Went on a Sunday morning rock fishing trip with Griffins Tour Guide & had a great time! Steve is very knowledgeable and helped even a beginner like myself reel in a 24-inch rockfish. His rods & lures are top-notch & were easy to cast and reel in.
Cindy Tefel
Google Review
I can say without a doubt they are some of the most knowledgeable and, more importantly, personable guides out there. Anyone who steps on board will feel more like a friend than a client. The boats, electronics, rods, and tackle are truly the best of the best and will have you Dialed In every time.
Zachary Bradley
Google Review
When we booked I said I wanted to catch a big fish and he sure delivered! Most of us had never fished before and Steve made sure we felt comfortable from the first cast while also teaching us about various species and migration patterns.
Kayla Norfolk
Google Review
Highly recommend chartering with Capt Steve. He is a great laid back captain and gets you on the fish. Fishing with light tackle makes for a much better experience not just reeling in a 5 gallon bucket. Thanks Capt Steve for putting me on my biggest light tackle rockfish
Nicholas Edwards
Google Review
Went on a Sunday morning rock fishing trip with Griffins Tour Guide & had a great time! Steve is very knowledgeable and helped even a beginner like myself reel in a 24-inch rockfish. His rods & lures are top-notch & were easy to cast and reel in.