Chesapeake Bay Spanish Mackerel Trips
Fast-swimming and fun-fighting fish
Spanish Mackerel typically arrive in the Chesapeake Bay around May or June, following their journey north from warmer waters. Their presence is often marked by insane surface blitzes on schools of baitfish. As summer progresses, they tend to move further up the Bay, with peak activity occurring in the middle reaches.
- The Highest Quality Boats and Equipment
- Expert USCG Certified Captains
- Licensed, Insured, and Liability Coverage
April-May
Spring Fishing Trips
Spring fishing on the Chesapeake Bay is spent locating large schools of bull Redfish. When we locate those, we'll typically find other species getting in on the feeding, including Spanish Mackerel.
July - September
Summer Fishing Trips
This is our most popular trip and Captain Steve's favorite time of the year! The area is full of 40-50+ inch Bull Red Drum. Large and hard-fighting Cobia cruise on the surface providing world-class sight casting opportunities. Bluefish and Striped bass create feeding frenzies on bait balls while Spanish Mackerel jump several feet out of the water to crush your lure. Fishing trips this time of year are nothing short of spectacular offering the most diverse and memorable catches. Your fish of a lifetime may be just one cast away.
How We Fish
Chesapeake Bay Spanish Mackerel Tactics & Tackle
Light tackle Spanish mackerel fishing on the Chesapeake Bay requires a specific approach. To increase our chances of success, we focus on using fast-moving lures with a rapid retrieve, targeting areas with structure like channel markers and bridges.
We're constantly keeping an eye out for feeding signs, such as diving birds or breaking water, and be prepared for multiple hook-ups as mackerel often school together. Accurate casting is essential due to their speed, and using light braided line can improve your hook-up ratio.
Spring Fishing
We use our top-of-the-line electronics and boats to locate these massive schools and intercept them while sight-casting artificials. The Spanish Mackerel often come into the Chesapeake Bay when the waters warm up to the perfect temperature.
Summertime Fishing
This time of year is when we most benefit from our equipment and network. We’re running two charter boats in constant contact and can cover more water than anyone else on the bay. Paired with top-of-the-line electronics to spot birds and bait schools, we work until we find the mega schools!
We've Got You Covered
What To Expect On Our Chesapeake Fishing Trips
Spanish mackerel are notorious for their acrobatic and powerful fights. They're incredibly fast and jump frequently, making them an exhilarating catch for anglers. When landing one, it's important to handle them with care due to their sharp teeth.
We pride ourselves on showing you a side of the Chesapeake Bay you never knew existed. We're regularly working to break the mold of trolling and other antiquated methods of fishing these waters. Our light tackle tactics paired with our high-end boats and equipment provide a unique and unforgettable fishing experience.
Before Your Trip
It's our goal to ensure you have the best time on the water with us and leave with memories of a fishing trip that you'll never forget. Leading up to your trip, we'll contact you to ensure we have all of our boxes checked. From what gear to bring to dietary restrictions and mobility considerations—we've got you covered.
Where We Meet
Meet us at the dock where you will see both boats lit up and your captains ready to hit the water. We operate out of two different marinas depending on the time of year. Both are conveniently located near local restaurants and attractions, ensuring you'll have a good time both on and off the water.
A Half-Day Of Epic Fishing
When we set out, we're on a mission for fishin'. Our boats are open, roomy, and extremely comfortable. If we hit our fish limit that doesn't mean we're done, it just means we're going to switch species, tactics, or practice catch and release. We're here to provide you with an experience and we're not tapping out just because we've had some success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions About Spanish Mackerel? We've Got Answers!
We've been fishing the bay our whole lives and love sharing our knowledge and experience with our clients. Creating an unforgettable and top-of-the-line fishing experience is our top priority. If you have questions about our fishing trips, about spanish mackerel, or the bay in general, do not hesitate to contact 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 experience no one else can provide in our home waters of 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 Harrington 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.
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 Target Species
Redfish »
The Redfish, or Red Drum as it is called in the Chesapeake Bay, is a popular sportfish that visits our waters from spring through fall. Primarily eating smaller baitfish, crabs, or shrimp, these powerful sportfish are known to school up and can hunt in large packs both inshore and offshore.
Cobia »
Cobia are some of the most prized fish in the ocean to eat, and we are blessed that many migrate into the our waters in the late spring through fall! These fish will commonly float near the surface in groups with the giant redfish schools, making for very exciting sightfishing opportunities.
Speckled Trout »
Spotted Seatrout are another migratory sportfish that live in our waters from spring through fall. These seatrout are another very popular fish to eat, and they are very plentiful in our waters! They typically hunt in shallow, sandy waters feeding near grass beds or hard structures.
Our Story
Showing You A Side Of The Chesapeake Bay You Never Knew Existed
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.