Want to catch a rockfish but have no boat? Book a trip. Here are fishing charters on the Bay listed by Visit Maryland.
Quick answer: Fishing charters on the Bay listed by Visit Maryland sail from Deale, Chesapeake Beach, Solomons, Shady Side, Dameron, Port Republic and Kent Island. Striped bass (rockfish) is the main target. On a licensed charter boat in Virginia you need no license of your own.
Contents
Charters Listed by Visit Maryland
| Charter | Port | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Hunter | Shady Side | Striped bass and more; April to December |
| Fish the Bay | Dameron | Coast Guard-certified boats, up to 25 anglers |
| Katherine Charter Fishing | Deale, Chesapeake Beach, Solomons, Dundalk | Licenses and tackle provided |
| Loosen Up Charters | Deale | Big stripers, Spanish mackerel, bluefish |
| Megalodon Adventures | Port Republic | Spring trophy rockfish trolling |
Source: Visit Maryland, checked 11/08/2026.[1]
Licenses
In Virginia, if you fish from a licensed charter or head boat, you need no license and no FIP.[2] In Maryland, passengers on a boat with a sport boat license need only the free angler registration.[3]
Before You Book
Ask each captain how many people fit. Ask what is included. Ask when the season starts.
Frequently asked questions
What fish do Chesapeake Bay charters catch? Mostly striped bass (rockfish), plus bluefish, Spanish mackerel and others.
Do I need a license on a fishing charter? On a licensed charter in Virginia, no; ask your captain in Maryland.
Where do Maryland Bay charters leave from? Ports such as Deale, Chesapeake Beach, Solomons and Shady Side.
References
- [1] Visit Maryland, Chesapeake Bay Fishing and Crabbing Charters – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Licenses – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] Maryland DNR fishing guide (eRegulations), Licenses and Fees – last checked 11/08/2026
Read our Chesapeake Bay fishing guide.