What Are We Catching?

Fishing in the Lower Chesapeake Bay offers an exciting and unpredictable experience—on any given day, you could reel in up to nine different species in a single trip. That’s part of what makes a charter with Captain Hogg so unique.

From cobia and red drum to spadefish, flounder, and striped bass, the diversity of fish in these waters means there’s always something tugging at the line. Captain Hogg uses his 40+ years of experience to adapt to the season, water conditions, and migratory patterns, giving you the best possible chance at a full and varied catch.

What Can You Expect to Catch?

One of the first questions we get asked is, “What are we fishing for?” And the answer is — it depends! 

Whether you’re hoping to reel in a monster cobia, a cooler full of croaker, or a hard-fighting red drum, the chart below gives you a good idea of what you might encounter based on the season.

Check it out to see what’s in season during your trip — and get excited, because no matter what’s biting, we promise you’ll have a great time on the water.

*Note: We do not fish in January – March

Fish You Might Encounter

Striped Bass (Rockfish)

A true Chesapeake Bay classic! These powerful fish put up a good fight and taste great on the grill. Our guests love the thrill of hooking into a big one, especially during peak season.

Cobia

One of the most sought-after fish in the Bay — known for their size, strength, and fun fight. We often sight-cast for them in the warmer months, adding an exciting visual element to the catch.

Red Drum (Redfish)

Big, bold, and a ton of fun to catch! When these bulls are running, it’s non-stop action. Known for their bronze coloring and strong runs, they’re a fan favorite on our trips.

Spanish Mackerel

Fast, flashy, and fun — Spanish mackerel are known for their speed and sharp eyesight. They make for exciting light tackle fishing and are a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.

Speckled Trout

Beautiful and delicious, specks are another favorite for anglers looking for action and a great dinner. These fish strike hard and often come in schools.

Flounder

You’ll need a little finesse to land these flatfish, but they’re well worth the effort. Known for their subtle bite and tasty fillets, flounder are a welcome addition to any day on the water.

Bluefish

Aggressive and fun to fight, bluefish are known for their sharp teeth and strong runs. Keep your hands clear and get ready for a wild ride when one hits the line!

Spadefish

These unique-looking fish travel in schools and make for a fun and challenging catch. They’re often found near structure and will test your patience — and your tackle.

Black Drum

Big and slow, but don’t let that fool you — these bottom dwellers can grow to massive sizes and are a blast to reel in. Great for those looking to battle something hefty.

Croaker

A great “starter fish” and perfect for families and kids. They’re plentiful, fun to catch, and make for a delicious fry-up back at home.

Sheepshead

Known for their human-like teeth and love of crustaceans, sheepshead are one of the more challenging and rewarding fish to catch. You’ll often find them around pilings and rocky areas — stealth and patience are key!

Spotted Sea Trout

These speckled beauties are fun to catch on light tackle and are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Whether you’re drifting the flats or casting near grass beds, they offer consistent action.

Black Sea Bass

A bottom fishing favorite! Black sea bass are aggressive, fun to catch, and often found in deeper offshore waters. They’re also one of the tastiest fish you can bring home.

Tautog (Blackfish)

Tautog — or “tog” as the locals say — are stubborn fighters that love to hang out near wrecks and structure. They’re known for their tough bite and excellent flavor, especially in the cooler months.

King Mackerel

Speed demons of the open water, king mackerel offer an adrenaline-pumping run once hooked. Targeting them often involves trolling offshore and bracing yourself for a wild fight.

Sharks

Yes — sharks! From smaller sandbars to larger species, these predators add serious excitement to any trip. Catching a shark is always a memorable experience and one you’ll be telling stories about long after the boat ride is over.

Call 757-876-1590 to book your Chesapeake Bay charter fishing adventure today!