Things You'll Need:
- Good boating shoes
- Light jacket
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Lunch
- Camera
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Step 1
Access the website and telephone of some of the charter services to determine rates and departure times. Charters are very competitive. On a recent excursion in the summer of 2009, the rate was $500 for the first five fishermen and $75 for each additional fisherman up to 10. Many offer both half-day and full-day excursions.
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Step 2
Note that charters provide the equipment and bait, generally allowing the customer to keep their catch of the day, as regulated by Maryland law.
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Step 3
Inquire about whether boats are equipped with GPS. If the purpose is smaller fish, like bluegill or spot, many boats can locate schools within the bay using GPS. Note, though, that the captains are so familiar with the patterns of fish, as well as being in daily communication with other captains, that the GPS is merely a bonus.
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Step 4
Opt to catch the smaller fish. Captains will locate the schools and the first mate will bait the two hooks per line with squid or bloodworms. Follow instructions carefully about dropping the line and if done properly two fish can quickly be pulled out of the water. One afternoon excursion netted 138 fish between nine people.
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Step 5
Inquire about rockfish excursions. Generally, these require a morning departure and depend on the captain's knowledge of the bay. Fishing regulations are limited when catching rockfish, but the struggle is considered well worth it.
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Step 6
Depart from Annapolis, the port of choice for such excursions. Note the capital building to the north of the harbor and located merely blocks away. In many ways Annapolis has maintained the feel of a 19th century colonial port. Note the several restaurant choices located along the harbor's south shore. These offer some of the best dining facilities in the state.
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Step 7
Note the buoys along the way out to the bay. The buoys have become nesting grounds for waterfowl and during certain times of the season hatchlings can be seen. Also, enjoy the views of the bay. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, connecting the east and west Maryland shores, is clearly visible to the north, and many times captains will steer the excursions almost directly under the bridge.
