Fishing is one way you can enjoy the outdoors when you visit the Washington, D.C. area. From early spring to late fall you can catch a variety of fish, including bluefish, perch, croakers, cobia, flounder, spot, croaker, rockfish, tuna, trout, marlin and crab. There are dozens of charter companies that you can choose from should you want a boat tour. Most operate mainly in Chesapeake Bay, but some will take you up local rivers or out on the open Atlantic.
Deale
A short drive from Washington, D.C., Deale is a small fishing community that is home to over 40 charters. You will find most charter boats at the Happy Harbor Docks, which are close to some local eateries and lodging. Most boats are between 40 and 50 feet long and will accommodate up to 20 passengers. Charter companies like Ebb Tide Charters offer trips as short as six hours and as long as 30 hours. They will provide your equipment and clean your fish.
Chesapeake Beach
Chesapeake Beach is a resort destination for visitors from Washington, D.C. To make your fishing trip more pleasurable, you can visit an historical museum and stay at convenient lodging next to the shore. Most boats accommodate up to 20 passengers. Charter companies like Bay Hunter Charters offer trips to catch large rockfish over half- or full-day trips. They usually provide all of your equipment and will clean your catch.
Solomons Island
Solomons Island is a boating community located on the mouth of the Patuxent River. Aside from world-class fishing, you can enjoy local shops, museums, restaurants, and a boardwalk on the waterfront. There are two local marinas: Solomons Harbor and Spring Cove. There are several area charters that offer day trips that provide typical accommodations and services like equipment, knowledgeable crews, and fish-cleaning. Jennifer-Ann Charters has one of the biggest boats, which is 53 feet long and carries up to 30 passengers.
Kent Island
Kent Island is located at the base of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and attracts visitors from Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. You can enjoy a number of historical sites, shops, restaurants and the pleasant views of Matapeake State Park and Terrapin Beach Nature Park. Fishing charters are available from April to December. Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing is one company that will provide you with a private charter with room for up to 47 passengers, as well as rods, reels, bait, tackle and fishing licenses. You can fish out of the marina in Kent Island or schedule custom pickup and drop-off points.
Reedville
Reedville is a fisherman's town located in Northern Virginia, home of the annual Reedville Bluefish Derby. In town you will find the Reedville Fisherman's Museum and the opportunity to go on a walking tour of local Victorian architecture. The Chesapeake Boat Basin is the only marina in the area. Crabbe's Charter Fishing is one company that offers a variety of fishing options in the Bay, up the Potomac River and out on the Atlantic in winter months.
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