1) How far are we going out today?
We are not an ocean charter. We charter the Chesapeake and are within 10 miles of land at anytime. We do travel to the fish, which can be up to 25 miles or more, but our average trip is less than 25 miles.

2) Will we be catching Sharks?
I hope not, operating in the Chesapeake, we are most likely to catch striped bass (also know as rockfish), bluefish, sea trout, flounder, Norfolk spot, croaker, white perch, Spanish mackerel, and black drum.

3) How's the fishing?
Fishing is always good on the Darlene II, but sometimes the catching is slow.


4) What the biggest fish you have ever caught?
That's easy, it's was an 84 lb. Black Drum caught a few years ago. We have caught several trophy Striped Bass, that topped 40 lbs. During the last three years, the Darlene II has caught the largest Striped Bass in our State Charter Boat region.

5) How fast is the boat?
We can cruise at 20 mph, but try to stay 18 mph at most times. Engine is a single screw 435 HP Caterpillar with turbo.

6) How old is the boat?
Custom made by Ronnie Carman in Marion, Md., she was put into service and certified by the USCG on June 6, 1997.

7) Who is Darlene?
My mother's name is Darlene, but the boat was not named after her. It should be named after your mother or daughter. The first baybuilt we acquired was already named the Darlene II. We were never able to find the original owner who named her, but know that the boat was built in Tilghman Island and kept in the Magothy River. The new Darlene II is actually our third charter boat named Darlene II.

8) Where's Taylor's Island?
We are just about 15 miles south of Cambridge in the Mid-Bay, at the mouth of the Little Choptank River. The marina is one hour east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and one hour west of the Atlantic Ocean!

9) What do I bring?
Food, beverages, boat shoes, sweater or jacket on cool days, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and CDs. We provide all tackle, rod and reels.

10) How about bad weather?
The decision to run is made by the captain at the dock. The captain has the right to bring the boat back to port at anytime he or she feels that the passengers could be in danger. Basically, the Darlene II is a big, well built boat which can handle seas in a gale, but our first priority is your safety and comfort.

11) When is the best time of the year to fish?
You are asking the wrong person. I think everyday is a good day to fish. If you want action, lots of fun and plenty of fish to catch, I would suggest June lst to early November. We have plenty of fish and lots of ways to catch them all summer long. If you want a trophy fish of 28" or longer, you need to fish late April and early May, or anytime in November. If you want croaker, June, July and August are best. Drum fish are late May and early June. Trout are caught at night during the summer, but best fishing for these fish is October and November.

12) Do you make up parties or take walk ons?
Sorry, we are not a head boat, we only do groups and we do not mix parties. Our minimum rate is for six persons and we will run a private charter for 2 or more people.

13) How far ahead to I have to reserve my date?
That depends, our Trophy and Drum customers reserve a year in advance. Saturdays need to be at least 90 days and Sundays and Fridays are also our most requested dates. Best bet is to fish Monday through Thursday. Reserve early!

14) What about alcohol?
Beer and wine only, no hard liquor.

15) Can I bring my own tackle, rod and reel?
Sure, but we reserve the right to use it or not. If you have a favorite bottom fishing rod, please bring it and we will rig it.

16) My company is paying for the trip, will you bill us?
I will on your second trip with us. We do accept MasterCard and Visa. We will fax you an advance bill, provide you with a written receipt, and include in your statement all costs such fish cleaning, mate tip, food, and fresh bait charges.

17) We expect 15 people on our trip. What happens if only 12 show up or what happens if 18 show up?
No problem, the Darlene II can handle up to 30 people. You only pay for the people who show up.

18) Is the mate tip included in the base price?
No, our mates and captains work very hard to please our customers and do appreciate your tips. Tipping a mate is customary and should be based on your discretion. 15% to 20% is typical for a good job. Fish cleaning is not always included in the tip, check with your mate regarding fish cleaning fees.

19) Can we book a half day trip in the morning?
Yes, the Darlene II leaves the dock at 6 am and 3 pm each day. Our full day trip is 7 hours and and our half day is 5 hours. The boat will return at the regular time unless we have caught our limit early. We will not catch and release after our limit. We are trying very hard to conserve these fish.

20) We want a boat ride, do we have to fish?
Of course not, we offer many different types of trips including dinner trips. Call us for prices.

21) Can we leave later, 6 am is so early?
You may leave at any time, we must be back at the dock by 2 pm for our 2nd trip (that's for the folks who don't like to get up early). We suggest the 6 am trip because we want to get to the fishing ground early for the early bite and before the morning tide change. After you catch your Rockfish you will have time to rest and relax as we proceed to troll or bottom fish for other species. And don't forget the early party misses any commuter traffic.

Capt. Chad