Join Fish Finder Adventures for an unforgettable shark trip! Whether it’s a family with children who are “crazy about sharks” or a group of seasoned anglers looking to hook into a monster, for more than three decades it has been Capt. Mark’s pleasure to introduce people of all ages to the fascinating world of sharks, without all the misguided hype that usually surrounds these incredible predators.
Captain Mark is committed to presenting sharks to his clients in a safe, fun, educational, family friendly, and professional manner.
Do we catch sharks on every trip? NO we do not! "Fishing-is-fishing" and despite our best effort (which we always give) sometimes they just won’t respond to our baits. Fortunately, not catching sharks is a rare event. But a shark trip with Fish Finder Adventures is so much more than just a “fishing trip.” Capt. Mark’s commitment to sharks has him participating in a number of ongoing shark research projects where they collect data, tag, and perform various procedures to sharks that helps researchers proceed with important studies. This allows his clients a unique opportunity to assist in “real” shark research, while getting a chance to closely examine the sharks before release and sometimes track them after.
The Fish Finder is a 40’ sport fishing charter boat, that provides a clean, safe, and a comfortable ride. There’s more than enough room for 6 anglers. Inside the cabin, the boat has an enclosed toilet, lots of seating, and v-bunks. Outside on deck is a huge fishing cockpit, and even more seating.
These shark trips allow us a wonderful opportunity to combine fishing with shark research and a hands-on educational experience for everyone. The emphasis is on learning about shark biology, research, habitat, and conservation.
Experienced or beginner, child or senior citizen, come share a memorable and educational shark fishing adventure with the crew of Fish Finder Adventures.
Captain
Mark Sampson
Most popular features:
Just booked! Last booked: 8 hours ago
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (223)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Caught fish
91%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) on August 11, 2025
Right from the start Mark and Jake were inviting and talkative. A short ride to the fishing area a little wait to a start but once things got going we caught a 7+ft sand shark, a hammer head and a few others. Overall their expierence and knowledge showed the whole time. They did a great job of getting us involved and if you ask questions they explained well and had some funny stories. Really liked that they tagged several of the sharks for research purposes. Overall cant recommend the Fish Finder enough we will defiantly be back. Thank you for a great day on the water!
Right from the start Mark and Jake were inviting and talkative. A short ride to the fishing area a little wait to a start but once things got going we caught a 7+ft sand shark, a hammer head and a few others. Overall their expierence and knowledge showed the whole time. They did a great job of getting us involved and if you ask questions they explained well and had some funny stories. Really liked that they tagged several of the sharks for research purposes. Overall cant recommend the Fish...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on June 12, 2025
Mark is an excellent captain, and Jake is a great first mate. They are both very personable and informative. We were able to catch 3 nice sharks and we had a 10 ft great white come to side of the boat as Jake was bringing in the fish carcasses that were in the water on the side of the boat . It stayed close enough to the boat that they were able to be a tag on it. Coming back to shore, the Blue Angels were practicing overhead and all around us as they were getting ready for an air show on Saturday. A very cool day on the water. 10/10 I would recommend using this charter. Excellent all the way around.
Mark is an excellent captain, and Jake is a great first mate. They are both very personable and informative. We were able to catch 3 nice sharks and we had a 10 ft great white come to side of the boat as Jake was bringing in the fish carcasses that were in the water on the side of the boat . It stayed close enough to the boat that they were able to be a tag on it. Coming back to shore, the Blue Angels were practicing overhead and all around us as they were getting ready for an air show on...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on July 16, 2025
Even with a slow bite we still caught Sharks! Both Captain Mark and First Mate Jake did everything in their power to make sure we didn’t leave empty handed. Experiencing catching a shark off of a kite was amazing! Not to mention hooking into a nice size Sand Tiger Shark right before ending the day! If you are looking for something different from bay fishing, this is it and we were happy with who we went with!
Even with a slow bite we still caught Sharks! Both Captain Mark and First Mate Jake did everything in their power to make sure we didn’t leave empty handed. Experiencing catching a shark off of a kite was amazing! Not to mention hooking into a nice size Sand Tiger Shark right before ending the day! If you are looking for something different from bay fishing, this is it and we were happy with who we went with!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on July 3, 2025
If you want to catch sharks, Mark and his crew are the best in the business. Mark was very knowledgeable, and his First Mates Jake and Kayla were very hands on. We caught some big sharks, and saw dolphins. Was a beautiful day out on the water we won’t soon forget. Can’t recommend them enough!! The sharks we caught were tagged, and given antibiotics for research purposes. Very cool and exciting experience. Still can’t believe I got to touch a shark!! 😎🤙🏻
If you want to catch sharks, Mark and his crew are the best in the business. Mark was very knowledgeable, and his First Mates Jake and Kayla were very hands on. We caught some big sharks, and saw dolphins. Was a beautiful day out on the water we won’t soon forget. Can’t recommend them enough!! The sharks we caught were tagged, and given antibiotics for research purposes. Very cool and exciting experience. Still can’t believe I got to touch a shark!! 😎🤙🏻
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) on August 28, 2024
As a group of six from the UK 🇬🇧 we had a fantastic time with Mark and Jacob. They were really nice who took time to explain how the trip would go and nothing was too much trouble for us inexperienced anglers! We landed a five foot black fin shark and had great photos and memories that will last a lifetime. Would highly recommend and will definitely choose Captain Mark and Jacob if visiting again.
As a group of six from the UK 🇬🇧 we had a fantastic time with Mark and Jacob. They were really nice who took time to explain how the trip would go and nothing was too much trouble for us inexperienced anglers! We landed a five foot black fin shark and had great photos and memories that will last a lifetime. Would highly recommend and will definitely choose Captain Mark and Jacob if visiting again.
Fish Finder - Ocean City Md offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Fish Finder - Ocean City Md, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Fish Finder - Ocean City Md include:
Fish Finder - Ocean City Md offers the following types of fishing:
Fish Finder - Ocean City Md offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Fish Finder - Ocean City Md include:
Ocean City, Maryland, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I've been working in the recreational fishing industry since I was a kid, first as a dock-boy and eventually as manager of an Ocean City Maryland marina. But since 1987 my "full-time" job has been charter boat captain and fishing guide. Besides fishing out of Ocean City and the Florida Keys, I also work as an outdoor writer, and a captains school instructor. Here are some highlights: Master - Captain and Fishing Guide since 1986 Founder - Ocean City Shark Tournament Outdoor writer - published in more than a dozen journals and magazines Author of "Modern Sharking" published in 2008 Guide for 20 IGFA world records and numerous Maryland state records Shark Research - tagging & data collection, Volunteer - National Aquarium Marine Animal Rescue Program Advisor - NMFS Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel Instructor - Three B's Captain's School
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing
Toilet
Enclosed head - bathroom
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
V-bunks that sleep 2
Live Bait Well
Ice Box
for the catch+ice
Radar
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Included
First Mate
Tipping 15-20%
Fishing License
Included
Fly Fishing Equipment
Spinning gear also
Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
no min.age
You Keep Catch
Some fish are C&R only
Catch and Release Allowed
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal