Full Day Inshore Fishing Chesapeake Bay Botangles

Full Day Inshore Fishing - Chesapeake Bay & Florida

Captain Denny Seabright knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his 20' Sea Ark, you're getting access to some of the most productive inshore fishing on the East Coast. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – we're talking about getting into the skinny water where the big fish live, away from the crowds and into the spots that only locals know about. Whether you're working the grass flats of Chesapeake Bay from April through January or chasing snook in Crystal River's warm waters during the cooler months, this top-rated fishing adventure puts you right where the action is hottest.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active, and Captain Denny will have you positioned on the best spots as the sun comes up. The 20' Sea Ark is perfectly rigged for inshore work – shallow draft means we can get into places where bigger boats can't go, and with room for up to three anglers, everyone gets plenty of casting space without bumping elbows. From April 1st through January 14th, we're working Virginia's incredible network of tidal creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats where redfish patrol in schools and sea trout ambush baitfish. The Chesapeake Bay system is world-class for a reason – these protected waters create the perfect nursery for gamefish, and the variety of structure keeps things interesting all day long. When Virginia gets cold, we head south to Crystal River, Florida from January 15th through March 30th, where the fishing stays hot even when the north is frozen over. Captain Denny customizes every trip based on conditions, tides, and what you want to learn, whether you're a complete beginner or you've been casting flies for decades.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

This is where things get really fun – Captain Denny is an expert at reading water and putting you on fish using whatever method works best. Fly fishing is his specialty, and watching him work a popper through a school of breaking fish is something else entirely. He'll teach you to double-haul if you're ready for it, or start you off with basic casting if you're new to the long rod. Light tackle spinning is equally effective, especially when we're sight-casting to tailing redfish in super shallow water where every cast counts. The key to success in these waters is being quiet and accurate – we're often fishing in less than three feet of water where fish are spooky and presentations need to be perfect. Captain Denny provides all the gear you need, from balanced fly rods to perfectly rigged spinning setups, plus he's always got the right flies and lures for current conditions. Polarized sunglasses are absolutely essential for sight fishing, and he'll help you learn to read the water and spot fish before they spot you. The boat is equipped with a shallow-water anchor and push pole for working the flats silently, because sometimes the difference between success and going home empty-handed comes down to not spooking the fish you're targeting.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason – these copper-colored bulldogs fight like fish twice their size and they're absolutely gorgeous. In Chesapeake Bay, you'll find them cruising the grass flats and oyster bars from late spring through fall, often in schools that'll make your heart race when you spot them. They're not picky eaters, but they can be selective about presentation, especially in clear, shallow water where they get a good look at your offering. A well-placed spoon or crab pattern fly right in front of a cruising red will usually get eaten, and once they're hooked, get ready for a drag-screaming run toward the nearest structure. Most of the reds we catch range from 18 to 30 inches, perfect eating size or great for photos before release.

Sea trout are the perfect inshore gamefish – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. Virginia's speckled trout fishing peaks during the warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. These fish are structure-oriented, so we'll work dock pilings, grass beds, and channel edges where they like to ambush prey. They're suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or a slowly stripped clouser minnow, and when conditions are right, they'll absolutely slam topwater lures in explosive strikes that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The best part about sea trout is their willingness to cooperate – once you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot if you work it right.

Snook are the crown jewel of our Crystal River season, and these Florida natives are as beautiful as they are challenging to catch. They're ambush predators that love to hang around structure – mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and creek mouths where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to throw hooks, which makes landing one even more satisfying. They're also incredibly line-shy and structure-oriented, so accurate casting and quick reflexes are essential. During the cooler months when we're fishing Florida waters, snook are more predictable and aggressive, making this the perfect time to target them. Most of the snook we encounter range from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional monster that'll test your tackle and your nerves.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Denny's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. This renowned guide has been putting clients on fish for years, and his repeat customer rate speaks volumes about the quality of experience you can expect. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce kids to fishing, or just get away from the crowds for a day of worl