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Edgewater Fishing Charters

Edgewater fishing charters work the Chesapeake Bay’s midsection, targeting striped bass, white perch, bluefish, and croaker along channels, ledges, and nearshore structure.

Top Rated Charters in Edgewater

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TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Edgewater, Maryland —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.

Edgewater, MD Fishing Guide

Edgewater sits right on the South River, giving captains quick access to both sheltered inshore waters and open stretches of the Chesapeake Bay. Most trips here are run on center consoles or cabin boats, with half-day charters staying close to the river mouth, trolling or chumming along the bay’s western shore, and full-day runs pushing toward the Bay Bridge or the Eastern Shore. There’s a mix of structure to work—oyster beds, channel edges, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where baitfish stack up. Launch points are plentiful, with main ramps and marinas right along the South River making it easy to get out in minutes.

The fishing year starts with spring rockfish migration, when schools move up the bay and feed heavily before spawning. Summer brings variety—stripers in the early hours, then white perch, spot, and croaker deeper in the river or along bay shoals. Bluefish push in by mid-summer, and Spanish mackerel sometimes show up if the water’s right. Fall sees stripers feeding aggressively again, often blitzing under diving birds in open water. Winter is quieter, but mild days can still produce perch or catfish in deeper holes upriver.

Techniques depend on the target—trolling umbrella rigs or bucktails for striped bass, light tackle jigging around structure, bottom fishing with bloodworms for perch and spot, or drifting cut bait for catfish. Fly anglers can work creek mouths and shallow flats for stripers and perch when the water’s clear. Edgewater is also close enough to run to the Severn River or Eastern Bay if the bite shifts, giving captains multiple backup options. With short run times, diverse structure, and year-round opportunities, it’s a solid base for exploring the mid-Chesapeake fishery.

Fishing Seasons in Edgewater

Spring (March–May)

Spring kicks off with the striped bass migration. Early in the season, trolling large parachute rigs or tandem bucktails along the main channel edges is the go-to, especially near the Bay Bridge and river mouths. By mid-spring, light tackle jigging can shine when fish move into shallower water. White perch start biting well in creeks and feeder rivers, and catfish can be taken in deeper holes. Winds can be unpredictable, so many spring trips work sheltered spots in the South River before venturing into open bay waters. Water temps rise quickly, bringing steady action by late April.

Summer (June–August)

Summer brings a mixed bag. Stripers feed early and late, often in shallower water or under breaking bait schools. Bluefish move in by mid-summer, with Spanish mackerel showing up during warm, clear stretches. Bottom fishing for spot, croaker, and white perch is a mainstay, especially for family trips. Trolling small spoons or casting jigs to breaking fish can keep rods bent during the day. Many captains stay closer to shore during midday heat and work deeper channels for cooler water. Afternoon storms are common, so morning trips are favored.

Fall (September–November)

Fall is prime striper season. Cooler water and shorter days trigger aggressive feeding, with fish often blitzing under diving birds in the main bay. Trolling smaller baits, jigging metal spoons, or casting soft plastics to surface feeds are all productive. Bluefish linger into early fall, and white perch fishing remains strong in creeks. Many charters run toward Eastern Bay or the mouth of the Choptank River if fish push south. Stable weather and comfortable temperatures make fall a favorite for light tackle anglers.

Winter (December–February)

Winter fishing slows, but it doesn’t stop. Striper season closes in much of the bay, so many trips focus on yellow perch, catfish, and white perch in deeper sections of the South River and nearby creeks. Slow jigging, live minnows, and bottom rigs with cut bait work best. Mild days can offer great fishing with little boat traffic. Some captains offer shorter winter trips to take advantage of midday sun and calmer conditions.

Gamefish in Edgewater

  • Striped Bass – 18–40+ inches. Taken spring and fall along channel edges, bridge pilings, and under diving birds by trolling, jigging, or casting.
  • White Perch – 6–12 inches. Found year-round in creeks, deeper holes, and around docks; best with light tackle and bait.
  • Bluefish – 1–5 pounds. Common in summer near breaking schools in the bay; caught trolling or casting spoons.
  • Spanish Mackerel – 1–3 pounds. Summer visitor, usually taken trolling small planers and spoons in clear water.
  • Spot – 6–10 inches. Summer bottom fishing target in rivers and shoals; fished with bloodworms or Fishbites.
  • Croaker – 8–14 inches. Summer and early fall along sandy bottoms; caught with bottom rigs and bait.
  • Catfish – 2–15 pounds. Found in deeper river holes year-round; best with cut bait or live minnows.

Edgewater Fishing FAQs

Most charters launch from marinas along the South River, including Selby Bay and Londontowne. These locations provide fast access to both the river and the open bay.

Half-day trips usually run four to five hours and stay close to the river mouth or nearby bay shoals. Full-day charters often run farther, targeting the Bay Bridge, Eastern Shore, or mid-bay channel edges.

Yes, most Edgewater fishing charters supply all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Captains also carry the appropriate licenses for clients.

Striper fishing is best in spring during the migration and again in fall when fish feed aggressively before winter. Early mornings and tide changes are prime windows.

Trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing are the most common methods. Fly fishing is also an option in shallow flats and creek mouths during calmer conditions.

No, when fishing with a licensed captain, you’re covered under their permit for both the South River and Chesapeake Bay.

White perch, spot, and croaker offer steady summer action and are easy to catch for anglers of all skill levels.

Yes, some captains run shorter trips in winter targeting perch and catfish on mild days, though weather is a bigger factor.

Some captains offer fly fishing charters, trophy striper trips in spring, or light tackle outings in fall when fish are blitzing.