2 Day Redfish Trip Chesapeake Bay Botangles

2-Day Chesapeake Bay Fishing with Captain Denny

Looking for a real fishing adventure in Virginia? Captain Denny Seabright's got you covered with this top-rated 2-day inshore experience targeting redfish, sea trout, and snook in the legendary Chesapeake Bay. From April through mid-January, you'll spend 16 hours total exploring secluded flats, winding tidal creeks, and backcountry waters that most folks never see. This isn't your typical crowded charter – it's a private, customized trip for up to 3 anglers aboard a spacious 20' Sea Ark. Whether you're a fly fishing pro or picking up a rod for the first time, Captain Denny tailors each day to your skill level and interests. Plus, when the Chesapeake gets chilly, he heads south to Crystal River, Florida from mid-January through March, so the fishing never stops.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Denny knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to show you why the Chesapeake Bay is considered world-class inshore fishing territory. Each 8-hour day starts early when the fish are most active, and you'll cover serious ground exploring different zones depending on tides, weather, and what's biting. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one morning you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish on shallow grass flats, while the afternoon finds you working deeper creek mouths for hefty sea trout. The 20' Sea Ark gives you the perfect platform for this kind of fishing, shallow enough to access skinny water but stable enough to handle whatever the Bay throws at you. Captain Denny's instruction style is hands-on but relaxed – he'll teach you to read the water, spot fish, and make the right presentations without making you feel like you're back in school. The secluded nature of these spots means you'll often feel like you've got the entire Chesapeake to yourself.

Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Game

This trip covers all the bases when it comes to techniques. Captain Denny is equally skilled with fly rods and conventional light tackle, so you can choose your weapon or try both over the two days. Fly fishing the Chesapeake flats is something special – stripping streamers through creek channels or presenting crab patterns to cruising redfish in inches of water. The clear, shallow areas are perfect for sight fishing, where you'll actually see your target before making the cast. Light tackle spinning and baitcasting work great too, especially when fish are holding in deeper pockets or around structure. You'll learn proper sightcasting techniques, how to read fish behavior, and when to switch up your approach. The gear is provided, but if you've got favorite rods, Captain Denny encourages you to bring them along. Working the tides is crucial here – he'll explain how water movement affects fish positioning and feeding patterns, knowledge that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Chesapeake Bay inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bulldogs will test your drag system. Virginia reds typically run 20-35 inches, with plenty of oversized fish that'll have you wondering if you're hooked to a submarine. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, when they move onto the flats to feed on crabs and baitfish. What makes targeting reds so exciting is the visual element – you'll often see their backs, tails, or that telltale wake before making your cast. They're notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often heading straight for the nearest oyster bar or grass bed to break you off.

Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Chesapeake Bay fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots and prominent canine teeth are abundant from spring through late fall. Virginia specks average 14-20 inches, but 3-4 pound fish are common, and the occasional 6-7 pounder will make your day. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around grass beds, creek mouths, and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Sea trout are aggressive feeders and great on both fly rods and light tackle, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Snook might surprise some folks fishing Virginia waters, but the Chesapeake's southern reaches hold good populations during warmer months. These silver-sided game fish with their distinctive black lateral line are primarily found from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb. Virginia snook typically range from 18-28 inches and are absolute rockets when hooked. They love ambush points like dock pilings, bridge shadows, and creek bends where they can surprise prey. Landing a snook this far north feels like a bonus fish – they're more commonly associated with Florida waters, making them a real trophy catch in the Chesapeake.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Denny's 2-day Chesapeake Bay adventure delivers everything serious inshore anglers are looking for – diverse fishing, beautiful scenery, expert instruction, and the chance to target three distinct species in their natural habitat. The private nature of this trip means you're not competing with other groups for fishing spots or the captain's attention. You'll leave with improved skills, great memories, and hopefully some photos of quality fish. Don't forget to grab your Virginia fishing license before the trip. With Captain Denny's year-round schedule between the Chesapeake and Crystal River, there's never a bad time to get on the water. These customer-favorite trips book up fast, especially during prime season, so reach out to Botangles Fly Fishing to secure your dates.