Charter-boat captains offer fishing, sightseeing trips

Explore Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic coast with an expert

BALTIMORE (April 30) – Captain John Smith – in the early 1600s – spent a few years getting to know the Chesapeake Bay. Today, it's much easier to arrange a bay expedition when you hire a Maryland charter-boat captain. These captains are recognized authorities when it comes to the bay, boating and fishing.

"Charter boats play an important role in Maryland's robust tourism industry and contribute greatly to the enjoyment of Maryland's waterways, especially our crown jewel – the Chesapeake Bay," said Gov. Martin O'Malley. "Charter-boat captains are representative of the many small business owners that make up 95 percent of tourism-industry enterprises."

The Chesapeake Bay (the nation's largest estuary) and all of the rivers and creeks that flow into it, present plenty of options for fishing trips – one of the best ways to experience the bay, says the Maryland Office of Tourism.

With this in mind, the Office of Tourism has designated May as a time to highlight local charter operations through its Maryland Spotlight campaign – a monthly promotion that focuses on distinctive aspects of tourism in the state.

As the fishing season heats up, Margot Amelia, executive director of the tourism office, says: "Let a charter captain be your guide. They're the experts who can help you get the most out of your fishing trip – whether it's on the bay or along Maryland's Atlantic seacoast. Charter captains can also arrange cruises for sightseeing, exploring waterfront villages or visiting lighthouses," she adds. "With 7,000 miles of Maryland coastline, there's always an adventure within reach."

Captain Ed O'Brien, vice president of the Maryland Charter Boat Association and long-time charter-boat operator, says Maryland has between 500 and 600 charter boats. "We have more boats that are Coast Guard-certified for six or more people than anywhere else in the country," he adds. "We passed Florida a few years ago."

O'Brien, who is also vice chairman of the National Charter Boat Association and an advisor to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, considers the Chesapeake Bay to be a more desirable place for fishing compared to other locations around the country.

"It's scenic, it's safe and it's easy to get around," he says. "There are so many different places to see around the bay. You're never more than 20 miles from land, so you can get a look at all the wildlife and lighthouses along the shorelines."

The charter captain adds that "right now, it's trophy season for huge striped bass." Striped bass are also known as rockfish, Maryland's state fish. "You can (catch and) keep one," he says, "and after May 16, you can keep two." He explains that June is a big month for bluefish and July is the time for Spanish mackerel.

And, minimal experience is not a deterrent for a fishing trip on the bay, O'Brien says. "Boat captains have increasingly become teachers and instructors."

O'Brien runs his charter boat, Semper Fidelis , out of Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County with his son, Captain John O'Brien. Chesapeake Beach is home to the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa , which overlooks the Chesapeake Bay. The Rod 'N Reel Dock – a departure point for charters – is on the property.

Here is a sampling of locations around Maryland that have substantial numbers of charter boats:

Baltimore County – With 175 miles of coastline, the county is a prime area for finding fishing charters. It has nearly 60 marinas – located from Middle River to Essex to Dundalk – along the edge of the Chesapeake Bay. Most are within a 10 to 20 minute-drive from major highways, like the Baltimore Beltway. The county has an abundance of lodging and seafood restaurants.

Crisfield (Somerset County) – "The Crab Capital of the World" is the southernmost town in Maryland – located on the Delmarva Peninusla – and built on oyster shells. Crisfield charters take fishing parties into the Chesapeake Bay, Pocomoke Sound and Tangier Sound. Somers Cove Marina has 515 boat slips and numerous amenities. Janes Island State Park , with more than 30 miles of marked water trails, is nearby.

Kent Narrows (Queen Anne's County) – Located between Kent Island (largest island in the Chesapeake Bay) and the Eastern Shore, the Narrows is the waterway that connects the Chester River with the Eastern Bay – a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay with additional tributaries flowing from it. The area harbors a variety of seafood eateries and charter boats.

Ocean City (Worcester County) – Maryland's family seaside resort is a haven for fishing – in Assawoman and the Isle of Wight bays and the Atlantic Ocean. Take a charter boat out toward the Atlantic's Gulf Stream – known for tuna, mako shark, dolphin, blue marlin, white marlin and trophy billfish. Ocean City also hosts a number of fishing tournaments. Sightseeing excursions are available, too.

Ridge/Piney Point (St. Mary's County) – Point Lookout – situated at the intersection of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River – is a land of plenty for fishing. This part of Southern Maryland is where Maryland was founded. Historic St. Mary's City , St. Clement's Island Museum and Sotterley Plantation are all nearby.

Rock Hall (Kent County) – Known for its marinas, charter boats and seafood restaurants, this Colonial-era town has a long history as a fishing and crabbing center. Rock Hall hosts a tournament for rockfish fishing in June and several festivals each year. The Waterman's Museum and Rock Hall Museum are in town.

Solomons Island (Calvert County) – This scenic waterfront village, where the Patuxent River meets the Bay, is a popular destination for fishing, dining and relaxation. Charter a boat for fishing or a cruise. Stay at a B&B or a local hotel. The Calvert Marine Museum and Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park are both here.

Susquehanna Flats (Harford County) – Charter boats come here to the top of the Chesapeake Bay in search of striped bass (rockfish) during the spring, then return to their home ports. Havre de Grace, built along the Susquehanna River by the Bay, is home to a decoy museum , a maritime museum and the Concord Point Lighthouse . Downtown is an arts and entertainment district.

Tilghman Island (Talbot County) – Close to St. Michaels, Oxford and Easton, Tilghman is a working-watermen's village on the Chesapeake Bay and Choptank River. Harrison's , at Dogwood Harbor, operates 16 charter boats (two for sightseeing) a country inn and restaurant. Tilghman is also home to the only commercial sailing fleet in the U.S., the Chesapeake Bay skipjacks. 
More information about charter boats is available at the Upper Bay Charter Captains Association , a group that promotes fishing and sightseeing trips in a wide region that extends from Deal (south of Annapolis) up to the Susquehanna River on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay.

Monthly themes
In April, the Office of Tourism spotlighted Maryland's gardens. Previous themes have included: girls' getaways, bed and breakfasts; Maryland's Main Streets; Chesapeake Bay art; hiking and biking trails; and Maryland wine.

To receive free Maryland travel information - Destination Maryland , Maryland Calendar of Events and a state highway map - by mail, call 800-719-5900. Information can also be found on the tourism office's web site, www.VisitMaryland.org .

About Maryland tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Recently reported visitor data shows that the state welcomed more than 28 million visitors in 2008 who spent nearly $14.5 billion on travel-related expenses – a 3.2 percent increase in spending over 2007. During 2008, the Maryland tourism industry also generated close to $1.8 billion in state and local taxes and provided 146,000 jobs to Maryland residents.

 

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