Annapolis Fishing Charters
Annapolis fishing charters work the Chesapeake Bay’s tidal currents, oyster beds, and bridge pilings for striped bass, bluefish, white perch, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Annapolis
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Annapolis, MD Fishing Guide
Annapolis sits in a prime spot on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, giving local captains quick access to both open bay waters and the sheltered creeks, rivers, and coves that make this fishery so versatile. Most charters run out of City Dock, Eastport, or nearby marinas, with half-day and full-day trips the norm. Shorter runs might take you up the Severn River or across to Eastern Shore waters, while longer trips push south toward the Bay Bridge-Tunnel area or north toward the Patapsco River. The structure here is a mix of oyster bars, drop-offs, bridge pilings, and channel edges, with seasonal schools of bait drawing predators in tight.
In spring, stripers dominate the scene, with trolling tandem rigs or umbrellas along channel edges being a go-to tactic. By summer, captains shift between early-morning topwater casting around points and live-lining spot over deep structure for bigger fish. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and even the occasional red drum join the mix when warm water pushes into the bay. Light-tackle jigging and chumming become popular in fall as schools of baitfish move shallow, while winter brings a quieter but still productive bite for yellow perch and pickerel in the rivers.
Nearby options include the Magothy River, South River, and Eastern Bay, all within a short run and each with its own mix of flats, grass beds, and deeper channels. Techniques range from trolling and live-lining to casting bucktails or working soft plastics over structure. Annapolis waters see plenty of traffic in peak months, so the most successful trips often time their runs around tide changes and avoid the heaviest boat pressure. With such a variety of species and habitats, the local charter fleet here stays busy year-round, adapting gear and tactics to whatever’s running strongest.
Fishing Seasons in Annapolis
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing out of Annapolis centers on striped bass as they push into the bay to spawn. Early-season trolling with large parachute jigs or tandem rigs along the main channels is the classic approach, often producing some of the heaviest fish of the year. As the season progresses and water warms, smaller lures and lighter tackle come into play. White perch also start biting in the tributaries, and catfish action picks up upriver. Winds can be brisk, so most captains work protected waters when conditions get rough.
Summer (June–August)
By summer, the striped bass bite shifts to live-lining spot over deeper channel edges, bridge pilings, and drop-offs. Bluefish and Spanish mackerel show up in open bay waters, making fast trolling with small spoons or planers effective. Early mornings and late evenings are best for topwater action around shoreline points and riprap. Inshore, white perch and croaker keep light-tackle anglers busy, and the creeks often hold pickerel in shady spots. Warm water and boat traffic mean timing and location are key to steady action.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime light-tackle season in Annapolis, with cooler water bringing stripers shallow and sparking aggressive feeds. Casting soft plastics, bucktails, and topwater plugs to breaking fish can produce non-stop action, sometimes mixed with bluefish. Trolling smaller lures along channel edges also works well. Perch fishing remains strong in the creeks, and spot can still be caught for bait or table fare. Milder weather and less recreational boat traffic make this one of the most comfortable times to be on the water.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing here slows for many charter operators, but there’s still opportunity in the rivers and creeks. Yellow perch begin staging in deeper holes ahead of their late-winter spawn, and chain pickerel bite steadily in grass-lined coves. Striped bass season often closes in mid-winter per regulations, so captains switch to targeting resident species. Cold, clear water means downsizing baits and fishing slowly, with live minnows and small jigs getting the most attention. Trips this time of year tend to be shorter and more weather-dependent.
Gamefish in Annapolis
- Striped Bass – 18–40+ lbs. Found along channel edges, bridge pilings, and rips; peak in spring and fall; caught trolling, live-lining, and jigging.
- Bluefish – 1–8 lbs. Schools up in summer and fall; taken by trolling spoons or casting to breaking fish.
- Spanish Mackerel – 1–4 lbs. Summer visitor in warm water; fast trolling with small spoons works best.
- White Perch – 0.5–1.5 lbs. Caught in rivers and creeks spring through fall; best on small jigs or bottom rigs.
- Yellow Perch – 0.5–1.5 lbs. Winter and early spring in tributaries; taken on small minnows and jigs.
- Chain Pickerel – 2–5 lbs. Year-round in creeks and coves; caught on plugs, spinners, and live bait.
- Red Drum – 5–30 lbs. Occasional summer/fall catches on flats and channel edges; best on cut bait or jigs.
Annapolis Fishing FAQs
What are the main departure points for fishing charters in Annapolis?
Most Annapolis charters depart from City Dock, Eastport, or local marinas along Spa Creek and Back Creek. These locations offer quick runs to the main bay or nearby tributaries.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day trips run about four to five hours, focusing on nearby spots like the Bay Bridge and local rivers. Full-day trips allow runs to more distant waters for a wider range of species.
Do Annapolis fishing charters provide gear?
Yes, most charters include rods, reels, bait, and tackle in the trip price. Specialized gear for live-lining or trolling is also provided.
Do I need a fishing license to go on a charter?
When fishing with a licensed captain, you’re covered under their vessel’s license. If fishing from shore or your own boat, you’ll need a Maryland fishing license.
What’s the best time of year to fish Annapolis?
Spring and fall offer peak striped bass action, while summer brings variety with bluefish, mackerel, and inshore species. Winter is best for perch and pickerel in the tributaries.
What techniques work best here?
Trolling is effective in spring and for pelagics in summer, while live-lining spot is a top summer tactic for stripers. Light-tackle jigging and casting shine in fall.
Can kids and families fish comfortably in Annapolis?
Yes, many captains specialize in family-friendly trips, focusing on sheltered waters and steady bites from perch or croaker. Shorter trips are often best for young anglers.
Are there night fishing options in Annapolis?
Some captains offer evening trips in summer for striped bass and light-tackle casting. Night trips can also target catfish and perch in the rivers.
What happens if weather is bad on my charter day?
Captains monitor forecasts closely and may reschedule if conditions are unsafe. In most cases, deposits are transferred to a future date.