Business Details
14 Years
experience
Premier Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters
Down Time Charters has been delivering exceptional fishing experiences on the Chesapeake Bay since 2012. Our team of seasoned professionals, led by USCG-licensed Captain Frank Tuma with over 40 years of local expertise, specializes in light tackle, trolling, and bottom fishing for striped bass, bluefish, perch, and more. We pride ourselves on providing family-friendly charters that cater to anglers of all skill levels, ensuring memorable trips with all necessary equipment, bait, and licenses included. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our meticulously maintained 29' C-Hawk vessel, Down Time, equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and safety features. We operate seasonally from May to December, offering private charters for up to six guests with a focus on personalized attention and sustainable fishing practices.Our strategic location in Annapolis provides quick access to premier fishing grounds across the mid-Chesapeake Bay area, including Baltimore Harbor, Kent Island, and Rock Hall. We maintain strict adherence to Maryland fishing regulations while offering valuable local knowledge to maximize your catch potential. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, evidenced by our flexible booking policies and comprehensive service packages that include fish cleaning. Our decades of operational experience combined with active participation in Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts establish us as trusted leaders in the regional sportfishing industry. This deep-rooted expertise allows us to deliver authentic Maryland fishing adventures that consistently exceed client expectations.
Services
Light Tackle Fishing
Crabbing Charters
Bottom Fishing
Trolling Excursions
Trophy Striped Bass
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of local Chesapeake Bay fishing expertise
- USCG-certified captain with professional commercial background
- All-inclusive packages with equipment, bait, and licenses
- Family-friendly charters accommodating all skill levels
- Strategically located for immediate access to prime fishing grounds
Associations and certifications
- USCG
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Services
Light Tackle Fishing
Our light tackle fishing excursions target striped bass, bluefish, and perch using spinning gear and fresh cut bait. Ideal for novice anglers and families, these trips emphasize hands-on experience with professional guidance. All necessary equipment including ultra-light spinning tackle is provided for optimal catch success in shallow bay waters.
Crabbing Charters
Seasonal crabbing adventures June-October utilize commercial trotlines to catch Maryland blue crabs. Guests learn traditional harvesting techniques while enjoying morning bay excursions. All equipment, bait, and crabbing licenses are included with expert instruction provided for both novice and experienced crabbers targeting this Chesapeake specialty.
Bottom Fishing
Target perch, catfish, and spot using light tackle bottom fishing methods in productive mid-bay locations. These weekday charters offer budget-friendly family fun with professional guidance. The technique focuses on structure fishing near ledges and channels where bottom dwellers congregate in prime feeding areas.
Trolling Excursions
Medium tackle trolling charters target trophy striped bass in deeper bay waters. Using planer boards and umbrella rigs, we cover productive migration routes. This technique works best during spring spawning seasons when large female stripers move into bay tributaries for spawning activities.
Trophy Striped Bass
Specialized trophy striper charters during May-June season focus on catching large spawning females. Using chumming and jigging techniques in designated trophy zones, we follow strict catch-and-release protocols during closed seasons. These excursions combine conservation with the thrill of landing Chesapeake Bay's premier game fish.
People
Capt. Frank Tuma
Charter Captain
With over 40 years of Chesapeake Bay experience, Capt. Frank holds USCG OUPV license #888458 and Maryland Guide License #2982. A former commercial crabber and PADI-certified diver, he combines professional expertise with local knowledge to ensure successful charters while maintaining CPR/First Aid certification for safety.
Questions
What fishing techniques do you offer?
We provide light tackle spinning, trolling with planer boards, bottom fishing, and seasonal crabbing charters targeting various Chesapeake species.
What's included in charter packages?
All charters include necessary tackle, bait, licenses, safety equipment, and fish cleaning services for your convenience.
How many passengers can join?
Our USCG-certified vessel accommodates private groups of 1-6 passengers for personalized fishing experiences.
When is trophy striper season?
Trophy striper charters run May 1-15 annually with specific size and catch regulations enforced by Maryland DNR.
What's your booking policy?
A $100 deposit secures reservations, with full payment due before departure. We require advance booking for prime dates.
Where do charters depart from?
All excursions launch from Fairwinds Marina in Annapolis at 1000 Fairwinds Dr, providing immediate bay access.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Chris Trulove
Jun 14, 2021
Report
Great Day with Captain Frank. Awesome down home person and experience for our family. My son said he would bring his kids someday if he could. Hes 11.
