Get ready to hit the water with Capt. Phil Gootee for a private 6-hour fishing trip you won't forget. We're talking prime Chesapeake Bay action, where you and your crew (up to 6 people) will be chasing after some of Maryland's most sought-after inshore species. From the hard-fighting Striped Bass to the tasty Sea Trout, we've got the local know-how to put you on the fish. So grab your hat and sunscreen, because we're about to show you why Chesapeake Bay fishing is hard to beat.
Picture this: You're cruising the scenic Chesapeake, rod in hand, with nothing but open water and good times ahead. For six solid hours, we'll be hitting the bay's hotspots, targeting a mix of gamefish that'll keep you on your toes. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Capt. Phil's got you covered. We provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your A-game and maybe a cooler for your catch. It's the perfect setup for a family outing, a day with friends, or even a team-building trip that beats any boardroom.
On the Chesapeake, we play it by ear and adapt to what the fish are doing. Some days we might be trolling for Stripers, other times we could be light-tackling for Bluefish. We might even drop some bottom rigs if the Sea Trout are biting. Capt. Phil's always got his ear to the water, so to speak, keeping tabs on where the bite is hot. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to landing your catch. It's hands-on fun that anyone can get into.
"My family and I had the absolute best time on the fishing charter with Captain Phil and Wayne. Most of us are novice fishers and the amount of fish we caught was mind blowing! The crew was so friendly and helpful during our six hours of pure fun! I highly recommend!" - Nadine
"Our entire family ages 8-69 had an wonderful experience!! We all caught plenty of fish and Captain Phil and mate Wayne were awesome!!!! It was a great way to enjoy time with the family and the work was left to the "experts"! Would do this again any day and highly recommend "Fish Magnet" and Capt. Gootee!!" - Arnold
"Had a great time out with Capt Phil. He put us on the fish early and everyone on the boat had a great time. Thanks again!" - Sean
Striped Bass (Rockfish): The king of the Chesapeake, Stripers are what bring anglers from all over to these waters. These bruisers can top 40 inches and put up a fight that'll have your arms aching (in the best way). Spring and fall are prime time for trophy-sized fish, but we catch 'em year-round. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big Striper hitting your line – it's what Chesapeake dreams are made of.
Sea Trout (Weakfish): Don't let the name fool you; there's nothing weak about the fight these fish put up. Sea Trout are known for their soft mouths, which makes landing them a real test of skill. They're most active in the warmer months, and we often find them hanging around structure or in deeper channels. Bonus: they're delicious if you're looking to take some home for dinner.
Bluefish: These toothy critters are the perfect target when you want non-stop action. Blues travel in schools and when they're biting, it's all hands on deck. They're fast, aggressive, and will hit just about anything that moves. We usually see them from spring through fall, with the bigger ones (called 'choppers' by locals) showing up in the late summer. Bluefish are a blast on light tackle and great for anglers who want to stay busy.
Spanish Mackerel: Speed demons of the bay, Spanish Mackerel are summer visitors that'll test your reflexes. We often troll for these guys, and when they hit, it's like lightning on the line. They're not huge, usually 2-4 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. Plus, they're excellent eating if you like a bit of a stronger fish flavor.
Northern Kingfish: These bottom-dwellers might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're a local favorite. Kingfish (also called whiting) are perfect for kids or beginners because they're eager biters and fun to catch. We typically find them near sandy bottoms, and they're active all summer long. They might not win any beauty contests, but they're tasty and great for a fish fry.
Look, the Chesapeake's calling, and Capt. Phil's ready to show you the ropes. Whether you're after a cooler full of fish or just want to soak up some bay vibes, this 6-hour trip is your ticket to a top-notch day on the water. We've got the local intel, the right gear, and the passion to make sure you have a blast. So what are you waiting for? The fish aren't going to catch themselves. Give us a shout, and let's get you booked for a Chesapeake Bay fishing trip that'll have you hooked for life. Trust me, once you fish with us, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.
July 11, 2024
Wonderful fishing trip with a great captain and mate.
June 21, 2025
Our entire family ages 8-69 had an wonderful experience!! We all caught plenty of fish and Captain Phil and mate Wayne were awesome!!!! It was a great way to enjoy time with the family and the work was left to the "experts"! Would do this again any day and highly recommend "Fish Magnet" and Capt. Gootee!!
June 15, 2024
Had a great time out with Capt Phil. He put us on the fish early and everyone on the boat had a great time. Thanks again!
November 21, 2023
We had great trip the captain and his mate really lived up the meaning of charter fishing. My family and had great experience and caught lots of fish . I /we highly recommend him for next charter or water adventure. Thanks Captain Phil for a great time for my birthday
June 1, 2024
Excellent fishing charter with my grand kids and family. I highly recommend capt Phil's charter service.
June 15, 2024
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the bay – aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. These toothy predators average 2-5 pounds but can top 20. Look for them near the surface, often in large schools churning up baitfish. They're most active spring through fall, with summer being prime time. Bluefish are famous for their powerful runs and tendency to keep fighting right up to the boat. Anglers love them for the non-stop action and the challenge of landing one. The meat is oily but tasty when fresh. To catch blues, try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. Live bait works great too. Here's a tip: bring extra lures, as blues will often destroy them with their sharp teeth. When you see birds diving and water splashing, get ready – that's likely bluefish tearing into a bait school.
Northern Kingfish are bottom-dwellers that pack a punch for their size. These silvery fish with dark bars usually run 10-14 inches but can reach 18. You'll find them near sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, often right in the surf. Late summer is prime time, but they're around from spring to fall. Kingfish are prized for their sweet, white meat and the sporty fight they put up on light tackle. They're not the biggest fish in the bay, but they're fun to catch and great eating. To land one, try bottom fishing with small pieces of clam, bloodworm, or squid. Here's a local trick: use a light sinker and let your bait drift naturally with the current. Kingfish have sensitive barbels under their chins, so they'll find your bait if it's nearby. Keep your line tight – these little fighters can surprise you with their strength.
Sea Trout, also called Spotted Seatrout or Speckled Trout, are a favorite among bay anglers. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-20 inches but can reach over 30. You'll find them in grassy flats, around structure, and in deeper channels as the weather cools. They're active year-round but really shine in spring and fall. Sea Trout are known for their subtle strikes and spirited fights on light tackle. Their meat is delicate and flaky, making them a top choice for the dinner table. To catch them, try soft plastics or live bait under a popping cork. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, listen for their distinctive "pop" as they feed on the surface. When you hear it, cast nearby – they're often feeding in groups. Sea Trout might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're one of the most fun to catch and eat.
Spanish Mackerel are sleek, fast swimmers that'll give you a real thrill on light tackle. These silver beauties, with dark spots on their sides, typically run 1-3 pounds but can get up to 8. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often around structure or following bait fish. Spring through fall is prime time, with August and September being the peak. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is delicious but spoils quickly, so keep them iced. For the best action, try trolling small spoons or jigs at a fast clip. Watch for diving birds – that's often a dead giveaway for feeding mackerel. A local trick: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Whether you're after a fun fight or tasty dinner, Spanish Mackerel deliver both in spades.
Striped Bass, or "stripers," are the rockstars of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These silver-sided fish with distinctive black stripes can range from a few pounds to over 50. You'll find them around structure, in deeper channels, and chasing bait schools. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate. Stripers are famous for their powerful runs and the challenge they present to anglers. They're also excellent table fare. To catch them, try live-lining spot or eels, or casting topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Here's a pro tip: look for birds diving on bait – that often means stripers are feeding below. When you hook into a big one, hold on tight and let it run. There's nothing quite like the thrill of battling a trophy striper in the Chesapeake.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 20
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 600
My family and I had the absolute best time on the fishing charter with Captain Phil and Wayne. Most of us are novice fishers and the amount of fish we caught was mind blowing! The crew was so friendly and helpful during our six hours of pure fun! I highly recommend!