The Chesapeake Bay is the largest shallow-water estuary in the United States, where saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean meets fresh water from more than 150 major rivers and streams that drain into the Bay.  This entire drainage area encompasses 64,000 square miles, and includes parts of six states - New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia and the District of Columbia.  More than 15 million people as well as 3,600 species of plants and animals make their home in this productive watershed.  Understandably, fishing is an important activity in the area.


Bait & Tackle:

Capt. Bob's Marina - Catering to offshore and channel anglers, we offer marina services, fishing charters, nature cruises, fuel, ice, bait, tackle, food and gifts.  Closest marina to the productive fishing off the islands of Assateague and Chincoteague - Chincoteague, VA

Captain Steve's Bait and Tackle - Your Chincoteague Island, Virginia surf fishing headquarters. We offer a wide selection of inshore and offshore bait, tackle, rods, reels and local gifts - Chincoteague, VA

Captain's Choice Tackle - Their specialties include tackle for Striper fishing in Chesapeake Bay and offshore trolling tackle.  Products include mojo rigs, jigs, spinner baits, umbrella rigs, trolling lures, trolling chains and spreader bars - Pasadena, MD

Queens Creek Outfitters - We carry great bait and great tackle and we focus on the needs of the Chesapeake Bay and ocean in-shore fisherman. Reel and downrigger sales and service - Cobbs Creek, VA

Scheible's Fishing Center - Fish the Point Lookout area on our charter and party boats. Motel, restaurant, and crabbing pier too! - Ridge, MD


Blue Crabs:


American Soft Shell Crab Company - Live soft and hard shell blue crabs.  Superior quality and unbeatable prices - Dameron, MD

Beach-Net: The Blue Crab in Delaware and Maryland - Learn a little about the fine art of crabbing plus a couple of recipes for cooking this local delicacy.  Information provided courtesy of the Graduate College of Marine Studies at the University of Delaware

Blue Crab Archives - Welcome to the Blue Crab information site... Where you'll find easy to understand information-from both a scientific and lay perspective-about the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus.)  The Blue Crab Archives is a privately owned, member-supported, non-profit web site, which was designed and developed by Steven C. Zinski, a blue crab enthusiast and aficionado.

Blue Crab Home Page - Life history, ecology, fishery, and industry of the blue crab.  The Blue Crab Home Page was created and is maintained by Vince Guillory, a marine biologist with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; however, the blue crab home page is not an official site of the Department.

Maryland Blue Crab - Crab lore, crab picking, crabbing, and recipes galore.  This site is funded by the Rural Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Mel's Crabs - Serving the finest hard shell and soft shell blue crabs since 1988.  Hard shell crabs are available by the dozen or by the bushel (We give bushel discounts for half bushels.)  Available online is Mel's preferred crab spice; it goes perfectly with crabs as well as shrimp, crawfish, mussels, any seafood! - Rt. 4 North, Prince Frederick, MD


Charter and Party Boats:

AAA Charterboats - Since 1978, Captain George Prenant has been providing quality, reliable Chesapeake Bay fishing charter services.  Captain George does the legwork for you and based on your requirements, will make charter arrangements for you on any of over 35 individual charter boats sailing from Deale, MD.  There is no cost to you, the angler, for using this booking service - Deale, MD

AQUAMAN Sportfishing Charters - Offshore fishing or fishing charters on Chesapeake Bay.  Captain Nolan Agner offers half day, full day and overnight charters for up to six passengers aboard his 29-foot AQUAMAN Bertram sportfisherman and 35-foot KNOCK DOWN Bertram sportfisherman.  In the spring and summer, they also sail from Oregon Inlet, NC - Virginia Beach, VA

BANSHEE Sportfishing Charters - Half day and full day inshore, full day offshore, overnight and deep drop charters with Captain John Widmayer.  His 36-foot Hatteras convertible accommodates up to six passengers - Fisherman's Marina, West Ocean City, MD

BAY HOG Charters - Chesapeake Bay charter fishing with Captain Paul O'Conner.  Six hour and eight hour Striper and bottom fishing charter trips are available from April through November.  Captain O'Conner's 45-foot R.W. Greene Chesapeake deadrise accommodates up to six passengers - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

BAY HUNTER Charters - Sportfishing on Chesapeake Bay with Captain Randy Dean.  Half day, full day and night Rockfish and bottom fishing trips are available from April through December.  Captain Dean's 42-foot Evans bay boat is licensed for 12 passengers - Chesapeake Beach, MD

BAYFISH Sport Fishing Charters - Chesapeake Bay sport fishing charters for up to six anglers aboard Captain Ferrell McLain's J-MAR, a custom 42-foot Provincial.  Full day trips are available from March through January.  Evening trips available during the summer months - Reedville, VA

BAYSIDE GIRLS Charters - Captain Chuck Clark offers Chesapeake Bay charter fishing trips for up to 12 passengers aboard his custom 46-foot Markley boat.  The BAYSIDE GIRLS operates from Rock Hall, MD mid-April through November and offers half-day and full day trips.  During the spring trophy bass season, the boat departs from Solomons, MD - Cains Wharf, Rock Hall, MD

BEACHCOMBER Fishing Charters - Chesapeake Bay fishing charters aboard Captain John Beach's 46-foot custom fiberglass Meekins bay boat.  Full day and half day trips for up to 36 passengers are available from April through November - Chesapeake Beach, MD

BIG RIG Charters - Chesapeake Bay trophy Striper fishing at its best with Captain Jeff Shahan.  Full day charter trips for Stripers and other local species are offered from May through December.  Captain Shahan's AGITATOR, is a locally built 42-foot custom P.L. Jones charter boat - Harrison's Chesapeake House, Tilghman Island, MD

BLUEWATER BULLET - Open party boat fishing (two half-day trips daily) aboard Captains Gary Richardson and Captain Jon Robertson's 55-foot catamaran.  Evening trips and private charters also available - Rudee Inlet Station Marina, Virginia Beach, VA

BOUNTY HUNTER - Captain Glenn James offers sportfishing charters on the Chesapeake Bay for Striped Bass, Rockfish, Bluefish, Trout, Croaker Mackerel, Flounder, Black Drum, Spot, Perch.  Trips available for parties from 6 to 49 people aboard his 55-foot custom LeMay bay boat.  Half-Day, full day and night trips are available from April through December - Chesapeake Beach, MD

CAPT. BRUCE WOOTTEN Fishing Guide - Saltwater and freshwater fishing charters in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia rivers (including the Pocomoke, Nanticoke, Choptank and Wicomico rivers.)  Half day and full day charters available for up to two passengers - Snow Hill, MD

CHESAPEAKE ANGLING - Light tackle and fly fishing charters in Chesapeake Bay (Tangier Sound, Mid Bay Area, Susquehanna Flats, Cape Charles) aboard Captain Matt Tawes' custom rigged 21' Parker center console.  Four, six and eight hour trips available for 1 to 3 anglers - Chrisfield, MD

CINDY MARIE Charters - Captain Frank Henderson offers half-day and full day fishing charters for up to 22 passengers.  Trips aboard Captain Henderson's custom 42-foot Paul Jones bay boat are available from April through December - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

DARLENE II - Enjoy Chesapeake Bay charter fishing aboard Captain Chad Muse's 48-foot Carman-built charter boat, the DARLENE II.  Half day and full day trips are available for groups from 6 to 34 passengers from April through November - Slaughter Creek Marina, Taylors Island, MD

DEBRA CHRISTINE Charters - Fishing charters on the Chesapeake Bay with Captain Brian Sutton aboard his custom-built 42-foot Chesapeake Boats bay boat.  Six hour and eight hour charters for up to 22 passengers are available from April through December - Rod-N-Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

DOWN TIME Sportfishing Charters - Light tackle charter fishing trips for up to six passengers aboard Captain Frank Tuma's 29-foot custom C-Hawk.  Short day and full day charter trips are available.  Full day trips are available during the spring trophy Striper season when the boat operates from Breezy Point Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD - Deep Creek Marina, Arnold, MD

DRIZZLE BAR Charters - Upper Chesapeake Bay fishing charters with Captain George Bentz.  His 46-foot Markley fishing machine can accommodate from 6 to 34 passengers.  8-hour and 6-hour charters are available from mid-April through December - Bodkin Creek, Pasadena, MD

EBB TIDE Charters - Father and son Captains Butch and Billy Gee offer fishing charters for up to six passengers aboard their 46-foot Ocean Yachts sportfisher.  Chesapeake Bay trips are available from mid-April to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December.  Inshore and offshore ocean fishing trips are available from mid-May to mid-October - Phipps Marina, Deale, MD and Bahia Marina, Ocean City, MD

FISHAWN Charters - Offshore, Wreck and Bay fishing for up to 49 passengers aboard the TORTUGA - Curtis Merrit Harbor, Chincoteague, VA

FISHER'S BAY Charters - Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing aboard the 40' SILVER MIST, a USCG inspected vessel for up to 16 passengers. Striped Bass are our specialty. Captain David Fisher is a resident, native Northern Neck captain - Pittman's Marina, Heathsville (near Reedville), VA

HOOKED UP II Charter Fishing - Chumming and live lining are Captain Dave Bailey's specialty.  Six hour and eight hour charter trips for up to 20 passengers are available from April through December aboard Captain Bailey's custom 39-foot Key West #1 bay boat.  Depending on the time of year, the HOOKED UP II sails from Long Bay Pointe Marina, Virginia Beach, VA, Rod-n-Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD, and Point Lookout Marina, Ridge, MD

HOOKS AND FEATHERS - Chincoteague Island, Virginia charter fishing trips including deep sea fishing charters, wreck fishing, bay fishing and inland fishing trips. We offer wreck, offshore and overnight fishing trips for up to six passengers aboard our boat, TOOLS OF THE TRADE, a 40' Ocean Yacht sport fish. We also offer late season trophy striped bass fishing from Virginia Beach, VA - Curtis Merritt Harbor, Chincoteague, VA

JENNY RIE - Chesapeake Bay fishing with Captain Art Dawson aboard the 44-foot JENNY RIE.  Half day, full day and night fishing trips are available.  Captain Dawson specializes in small groups of no more than six so you get the special attention you deserve.  Over 30 years of experience fishing the Chesapeake - Harbor Island Marina, Solomons, MD

KING FISH Charters - Captain Jimmy King Jr. offers full day and half-day Chesapeake Bay charter fishing trips.  Captain King's 41-foot RS Meekins & Son custom bay boat can accommodate up to six passengers.  Children are always welcome aboard - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

KOON DOG Charters – Captain Kevin Kuhne offers mid-Chesapeake Bay fishing charters for up to 12 passengers aboard his custom 42-foot Evans Baybuilt.  Full Day, half-day and custom charters are available from April through November.  During the spring season for Trophy Stripers, the boat operates from the Chesapeake Beach Rod 'n Reel Club - Pasadena MD

KYRAN LYNN Charters - Half day and full day charter fishing trips for up to 22 passengers aboard Captain Marty Simounet's custom 42-foot Harry White fishing machine.  Rockfish and bottom fishing trips are available from April through November - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

LOCATOR - Upper Bay charters for up to six passengers with Captain Ron Meadows.  His boat, the LOCATOR, is a 40-foot fiberglass Chesapeake Bay Built vessel.  Full day and half-day charter trips are available from April through November - Pasadena, MD

MARICA II - Sportfishing charters in the Chesapeake Bay's Point Lookout area.  Captain Gary Sacks offers trolling, light tackle spinning or fly fishing trips for up to six passengers aboard his 42-foot Hulls Unlimited delta deadrise charter boat - Point Lookout Marina, Wynne, MD

MARY ELLEN Charters - Chesapeake Bay fishing charters aboard Captain Stacey Witherow's 41-foot Gloucester Marine bay boat.  Half day and full day charter trips for up to six passengers are available from April through December - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

MARYLAND CHARTER BOAT ASSOCIATION - The largest group of professional Charter Boat Captains on the Chesapeake Bay promoting sportfishing, sightseeing and cruising throughout the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Area to the Atlantic Coast - Huntingtown, MD

MIKE HARRIS Outdoors Fishing - Captain Mike Harris COMPENSATION is a 46-foot custom Carman bay boat licensed for up to 28 passengers.  Six hour and eight hour day trips, six hour night trips, and ten hour extended day trips are available from April through December - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

MISS BRAZIL Charter Fishing - Captain David Lehan offers six hour and eight hour Rockfish and bottom fishing charters on the Chesapeake Bay from April through November.  Captain Lehan's 44-foot Glass Marine fishing craft can accommodate up to 38 passengers - Chesapeake Beach, MD

MISS JO Charters - Chesapeake Bay (Kent Island area) Striped Bass,Blues and Perch Fishing Charters for up to 6 passengers aboard Captain Mike Anderson's 40' Robbins Sport Fisherman - Chester, MD

MISS LINDA Charters - Chesapeake Bay fishing charters aboard Captain Jim Gasch's custom 40-foot O'Neill Jones bay boat.  Six hour and eight hour charter trips for up to 12 passengers are available from April through November - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

NORTH STAR Charters - Chesapeake Bay Fishing with Captain Butch Cornelius aboard the 46-foot North Star. Full 8-hour day and night charters. Coast Guard certified for up to 35 passengers. 25 years experience fishing the Bay - Drury's Marina, Ridge, MD

OCEAN EAGLE - Come join Captain Howard Wainwright and his crew aboard the 65-foot, 73 passenger OCEAN EAGLE. Open boat fishing in the Lower Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads. Two half-day trips daily, plus evening trips during the summer months - Hampton Public Piers, Hampton, VA

ON THE RIP Charters - Full day and half day Chesapeake Bay charter fishing trips aboard Captain John Grim's 38-foot custom flybridge Topaz.  Trips for up to six passengers are available seven days a week from April through December - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

PLAYTIME Fishing Charters - Trolling, chumming and bottom fishing the Chesapeake Bay and Lower Potomac River for striped bass, bluefish, trout, flounder, spanish mackerel, croaker, Norfolk spot and other sport fish. Captain Scott Russell's 46-foot boat is Coast Guard licensed to carry up to 38 passengers per trip but smaller groups are their specialty - Park Hall, MD

PLUMB CRAZY Charters - Captain Eddie Green Jr. offers half-day and full day fishing charters on Chesapeake Bay.  Captain Green's 42-foot Meekins bay boat can accommodate up to 18 passengers.  Trips are available from mid-April through early December - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

PROUD MARY - Captain Mike Shaffner's Chesapeake Bay sportfishing charter service offers 6 hour and 8 hour trips from April through November.  His 38-foot Wingate bay boat accommodates up to 6 passengers - Chesapeake Beach, MD

REEL ATTITUDE Sportfishing Charters - Chesapeake Bay fishing charters aboard Captain Jon Tkach's custom 42-foot Glass Marine bay boat.  Half-day, full day and night fishing charter trips for up to 26 passengers are available from mid-April through the end of December - Chesapeake Beach, MD

RESTLESS Fishing Charters - Chesapeake Bay charter fishing trips for up to four anglers aboard Captain Ben Hald's 26-foot Shamrock Chesapeake Bay charter fishing boat.  Charters available from April through November and include tackle, all licenses, and ice for the fish - Chesapeake Beach, MD

ROCKAHOLIC Fishing - Captain Ronald Jayne offers full day and half-day Chesapeake Bay fishing charters for up to six passengers aboard his 42-foot Evans boat.  Spring, summer, and fall fishing trips are available and their methods include trolling, bottom fishing, jigging, chumming or live-lining.  In the early spring, the ROCKAHOLIC is docked at Queen Anne Marina, Kent Island, MD - Rock Hall, MD

ROCK 'N ROBIN Fishing Charters - Captain Robin Payne offers charter fishing trips from April through September at Chesapeake Beach, MD, from October through December at Reedville, VA, and from December through January at Virginia Beach, VA.  A variety of trips are available for up to six passengers aboard her 45-foot Guimond fishing craft - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD

SAWYER Fishing Charters and Tours - Chesapeake Bay fishing charters from Maryland's Eastern Shore.  Fishing trips on Chesapeake Bay for stripers, striped bass, bluefish, croakers, rockfish, and more.  Captain Dave Schauber offers half day and full day trips for groups up to 49 passengers aboard the SAWYER, a 52-foot Chesapeake Boats vessel - Hoopers Island, MD

SELLFISH Charters - Upper Chesapeake Bay sportfishing charters with Captain Ken Jeffries aboard his 44-foot Hulls Unlimited vessel, the SELLFISH II.  Half-day and full day trips are available for up to 29 passengers.  During the spring Trophy Striper Season, the boat sails from Breezy Point Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD, and from Mid-May thru summer and fall, the boat sails from Deep Creek Marina, Arnold, MD

STRIKE ZONE Charters - Chesapeake Bay sportfishing for Blues, Stripers and Weakfish aboard Captain Wally Williams' 42-foot P.L. Jones fiberglass bay boat.  Six hour and eight hour trips for up to six passengers are available from mid-April through November - Solomons, MD

TOPLESS Fishing Charters - Inshore and offshore charter fishing trips from Chincoteague Inlet for up to six anglers aboard Captain Perry Romig's custom 50-foot Evans sportfisherman - Greenbackville, VA

WATERMAN Sportfishing - Ocean and Chesapeake Bay fishing aboard Captain Mike Standing's 57-foot custom Carolina charter boat.  Half day inshore and bay trips, full day inshore, full day offshore and overnight trips are available for up to six passengers - Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, VA

WAYNE GATLING Guide Service - Captain Wayne Gatling has over 35 years of experience fishing Chesapeake Bay.  His 46-foot Markley semi-deadrise, the LARA LYNN VI, can accommodate up to 29 passengers.  Half-day morning, half-day afternoon and full day fishing trips are available from May through mid-December - Rock Hall, MD

WORM Sportfishing Charters - Chesapeake Bay charter fishing with Captain Drew Payne.  His custom-built 45-foot Chesapeake Boats bay boat can accommodate up to 35 passengers.  Striper and bottom fishing trips are available from mid-April through mid-December.  Ocean Striper fishing trips off Virginia Beach, VA are available from mid December through early February - Rod 'N' Reel Marina, Chesapeake Beach, MD


Chesapeake Bay:

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum - Founded in 1965, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering an understanding of the culture and history of the Chesapeake Bay - St. Michaels, MD

Chesapeake Bay Program - America's premier watershed restoration program. A unique regional partnership that has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since 1983 - Annapolis, MD

Virginia Institute of Marine Science - Chartered in 1940, VIMS has a three-part mission to conduct interdisciplinary research in coastal ocean and estuarine science, educate students and citizens, and provide advisory service to policy makers, industry, and the public - Gloucester Point, VA

Virginia Marine Resources Commission - Newport News, VA


Fishing Reports:

Bayfishing.com - Chesapeake Bay Fishing Reports for the Upper, Middle and Lower Bay.  Courtesy of Chesapeake Outdoors.

Chesapeake Angler Magazine - A free monthly magazine which is circulated in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the eastern shore of Virginia and North Carolina. Read it and get hooked! - Burgess, VA

Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report - Weekly fishing reports Chesapeake Bay and tributaries from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Delmarvafishing.com - A resource where fishermen could share ideas, fishing reports, and have a quick source for tide and weather information for the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, coastal shores and deep seas in and around the Delmarva Peninsula

Fishing Report Overview - Weekly Chesapeake Bay and ocean side fishing reports from the Fisheries Service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Flukester.com - The most comprehensive and up to date fishing information possible about the lower Chesapeake Bay.  An online publication written by sportsman for sportsman.

Maryland - Virginia Saltwater Fishing - Information, forums, fishing reports, charter boats, GPS coordinates, marine electronics, bait, tackle and more.  The heart of the site is the forums where local anglers can post questions and fishing reports.

Striper.net - Striper fishing on the Chesapeake Bay

StriperChaser.com - Dedicated to all avid Striper Fishermen as a means for sharing fishing reports and related information found on the Internet and in print, exclusively for the purpose of learning how, when, and where to catch Stripers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia

TheBayGuide.com - Whether you are a trailer boater, fisherman, cruiser, sailboater or a transient we can supply you with all the information that you will need for a day cruise or an extended visit on The Chesapeake Bay.  Extensive listing of launch ramps in MD and VA

TheChesapeakeBay.com - Fishing, boating, lodging and dining information.  The fishing page contains fishing reports, fishing hot spots, weather, tournament info and charter boat listings - Chesapeake Beach, MD


It's The Law:

Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife - Info for anglers including licenses, access areas, guides, maps and more - Dover, DE

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service - Annapolis, MD

Virginia Marine Resources Commission - Newport News, VA


Weather and Tides:

Chesapeake Bay Observing System (CBOS) - A widespread network of observing and monitoring stations in open and deep water in the Bay tributaries and main stem.  CBOS is a one-stop-shop for user-defined, routinely available, real-time information about water and weather conditions in the Bay.

Coastal Marine Forecast - Chesapeake Bay North of Pooles Island, MD

Coastal Marine Forecast - Chesapeake Bay Pooles Island to Sandy Point, MD

Coastal Marine Forecast - Chesapeake Bay Sandy Point to North Beach, MD

Coastal Marine Forecast - Chesapeake Bay North Beach to Drum Point, MD

Coastal Marine Forecast - Chesapeake Bay Drum Point to Smith Point, VA

Coastal Marine Forecast - Chesapeake Bay Smith Point to Windmill Point, VA

Coastal Marine Forecast - Chesapeake Bay Windmill Point to New Point Comfort, VA

NDBC Station CHLY2 - Chesapeake Light, VA

NDBC Station TPLM2 - Thomas Point, MD

Surfcam - BETHANY BEACH, DE - BethanyCam.com

Surfcam - OCEAN CITY, MD - Surfline.com

Surfcam - REHOBOTH BEACH, DE - RehobothBeachCam.com