A trip with Capt. Wayne on the "Frayed Knot" is the absolute best way to learn how to troll for Rockfish and have a great time doing it!!!! You and your crew will learn from a proven expert and will be able to take back what you learn to your own boat. It's a hands-on, fun way to learn some great trolling techniques with one of the nicest guys on the bay. I did it when I first moved down to MD and have done several trips since, and always have a good time. Do yourself a favor and book a trip now.

Capt. Charlie Schneider
Tilghman Island MD

The seminars are extremely informative.  The explanations and diagrammatic layouts of the trolling spread are very detailed.   He discusses the set-up of rods/reels; type and strength of line; planner boards and dummy lines; set up and rigging of baits on tandems, umbrellas, daisy chains; shad length, bait color and the use of stinger hooks on big baits.  The layout includes discussions of rod placement (rod and rod holder numbering), the distance each rod is set back from the boat and how much weight each rod gets in order to cover the water column. 

The onboard experience is the coup degas. With Wayne’s oversight and direction you become the first mate.  From setting the planner boards to the dummy lines, YOU set out the spread.  What goes out first, how far back, how much weight goes where, the bait layout (tandems, umbrellas, etc.).

The learning voyage starts with the philosophical aspects of what you are trying to accomplish, the practical aspects of the setup, the techniques of landing a large fish and the lessons in how to filet your catch.

Wayne’s personality, his willingness to openly share his knowledge and his quest to see that you LEARN and ENJOY your experience aboard the Frayed Knot is a true gift.  My catch rate has steadily increased each year.

It’s the entire package!

Jack Matthewman

Capt Morgan ,
Your Knowledge and Skills at Catching Fish on the Chesapeake Bay are Extremely Good.Each time we went out you Always put us on Fish... I Highly Recommend you as a Charter Captain To Everyone.

Robert Lunceford
Front Royal , VA

Captain Wayne,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you again for one of the best days of fishing we've ever had on the Chesapeake Bay. Not only did we catch our limit early in the day, you were very generous in sharing your knowledge on trolling techniques. It truely is a "Teaching Fishing Trip". I look forward to fishing with you again soon!

Eric Magsamen

This is not your typical charter on the Chesapeake.  You know the type.  You show up at the boat at O dark thirty, jump on board, relax and get comfortable while the mate puts out the baits. You wait listening for a clip to pop, a reel to sing and someone yells fish on.  You’ll catch fish, but you’ll learn a whole to more on the Frayed Knot.  If you’re one of those boat owners who are fishing challenged, this is the charter for you.  You’ll learn the pearls and tricks of the trade from one of the best.  And you'll learn by doing, not watching over someone's shoulder. 

It doesn’t get much better than this, catching fish, being on the water with friends and learning a whole lot of stuff that you can use tomorrow.  Just a hint, don’t forget the cigars. 

Dan Koller

I have fished with Capt. Wayne for a little over 3 years now and I must say he is a class act. Always on fish and learning at the same time. I think the only reason I catch fish more fish is because of his detailed instructions. Santa on a Parker can’t be a bad thing.

Jayson S “Powder”

Captain Wayne’s teaching charter has helped me tremendously with my fishing learning curve. There is no better way to learn than with hands on experience. He is very patient and willing to share all of his knowledge. I have fished with Captain Wayne several times and learn something new each time.  I now feel confident when I fish on my own boat.

Some friends and I booked a fishing trip with Wayne on the Frayed Knot after I attended one of his "training sessions". We found him just as likable on the boat as off and we caught fish. Being fairly new to the area and unfamiliar with bay fishing, I was glad to find a charter Captain who would share his knowledge. If you want to have a great day on the water, catch some fish and learn about trolling for rockfish on the bay, Captain Morgan is your guy. Here's a couple of fish we caught.

Gaylon Thompson

Having fished with Captain Wayne on a number of trips since 2004 I highly recommend him for both seasoned and amateur anglers alike. As a passionate advocate for the sport, he will not only put you on the fish but show you how it's done. His proven trolling spreads vary from Spring to Fall and Captain Wayne has the system nailed down! Everyone learns about Chesapeake Bay trolling techniques fishing on the Frayed Knot because you are part of the crew not simply just reeling in fish once they're hooked. An experienced captain with a great sense of humor Captain Wayne goes out of his way to make sure the crew is safe, comfortable and happy.

Tim Campbell

Just wanted to drop a short note to say thank you. You had given me some advice on a planer board spread last May and it has improved my catching consistency considerably. Have run 3 trips and had full limits (4, 3, 4) each trip between 12:50 and 1:30PM. It also has given a lot of confidence knowing that the majority of the fish have come off the 55’ rod right dead center of the spread proving the fish think you have me dialed in pretty well on the depth.
Better yet, we also got extremely lucky taking a little over 50 pound fish on Monday (52 ½ inches with a 27 ¾ girth) off the second board’s 80’ line on the 3 oz chute of the 1/3 combo in 45’ of water off the main channel. Pics attached of the happy angler, crew and even happier recreational boat owner. Making things even better was this was my friend’s first ever trophy season striper.

Ken Oland