If you're looking for some of the best bay fishing that Ocean City, Maryland has to offer, look no further than Just A Toy Guide Service. They encourage both experts, beginners, and kids to come and catch fish with them.
"This trip was pretty special, four cousins starting a semi-annual tradition spending time together fishing!" — Alonzo,
Book your next trip with Shore Thing Charters and find out what the fishing in Ocean City, Maryland is all about. Your guide for the day is Captain James, allowing you to benefit from years of local experience.
"I wanted to take my son out for one last fishing trip before going back to school, and Shore Thing was able to squeeze us in." — JENNIFER,
Running angling trips out of West Ocean City, A-Dare Inshore invites you to check out the local fishery in style. Capt.
"We had an awesome experience with Captain Dennis and A-Dare Inshore!" — Edgar,
Hoping to go fishing in Ocean City? Then Sick Day Sportfishing has a trip with your name on it! Your guide for the day is Captain Jeff, bringing aboard years of knowledge and experience.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re thinking about booking a trip with Sick Day Fishing, stop thinking and just do it—you won’t regret it." — Scott,
Following Seas Guide Service invites you aboard to enjoy a memorable, fun-filled and safe day on the bay! With extensive knowledge of the waters, we aim to put fish on the deck while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
"Captain Cole was built for this.
It's not just a fishing trip." — Nate,
Nanticoke Outfitters Charter Fishing – Family-Friendly Fishing in Ocean City, MD If you’re vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland and looking for a fun, family-friendly fishing charter, you’ve come to the right place.
"Had a great trip with Captain Dave and Frank. It was just the three of us on the boat, which made for a really fun and laid-back experience." — Jose,
Excited to cast a line in Ocean City? That's what Day On The Bay Charters is here for! Captain Josh will be your guide, giving you access to years of knowledge and experience.
"We had an awesome time on this fishing trip! The whole experience was relaxed, fun, and exactly what we were hoping for." — Caitlyn,
Unshakable Charters offers remarkable angling with a knowledgeable skillful captain in the bays, jetties, and offshore surrounding Ocean City, MD.
"If you're looking for a crusty old sea captain on your fishing trip.." — Brandon,
Chesapeake Bay may be a world-famous fishery, but there's no better way to experience it than through the eyes of a local.
"We had a great time with Patent Pending Charters! The trip was a belated birthday celebration for my 15-year-old son and four of his friends, and Captain John and first mate Ronnie made it a fantastic experience." — Pete,
Fishing at the start of the year is far from the best it can be. If you're up for some Tautog action, go for it by all means, but you'll have to wait for the other fish.
The Tautog bite is still going strong, and you can also look forward to Striped Bass if you're near Ocean City. Most captains are waiting for warmer times.
March is when the inshore bite finally starts to recover. Take advantage or head to the Potomac River and get in on the catch-and-release Striped Bass action.
The month of April is a great time to fish for trophy-sized Striped Bass. Just make sure you're up to date on the regulations before you head out, as they vary from season to season.
Mid-May marks the official beginning of the Striped Bass season. You'll also start seeing Flounder in the bay, as well as numerous other species.
The Memorial Day Tournament kicks off the best time of year for offshore anglers. Head down to Ocean City and go after the big boys right now!
As summer continues, the fishing just keeps getting better and better all around. Saltwater or freshwater, Tuna or Largemouth Bass, it's a buyer's market out there.
Were you aware that Ocean City is home to the largest Billfish tournament anywhere in the world? Well, now you are! Lots of fun for both anglers and spectators.
While the tournament season might start slowing down after an extensive couple of months, the fish are still biting like mad. Do yourself a favor and check out the awesome fishing.
October is one of the best times to go Striped Bass fishing, as they get ready for winter. Inland rivers and streams are stocked with Trout, offering excellent fly fishing opportunities.
November is the last train to hop on for anyone interested in going after Speckled Trout or Flounder until the end of the year. Hop on while you can!
Before the charter season ends, most anglers will be fully devoted to Rockfishing by the dozens. If that sounds appealing, you'll have the time of your life out here.
Private half-day (around 4 hours) fishing trips in Maryland typically cost $508–$700, while private full-day (around 8 hours) trips run $750–$1000. Shared trips are charged per person and usually range from $181–$250 per angler. Prices vary based on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of fishing experience offered, the equipment and services included, and the overall scope of the trip. Longer trips, more specialized fishing styles, and packages that include additional services or amenities generally cost more than shorter, more straightforward outings. Multi-day trips are typically priced higher than standard day trips.
Maryland charters commonly target Striped Bass and Bluefish (Tailor), with trips that put you on the bite even when the action is tough. When booking, look for a crew that’s persistent about finding fish, brings well-kept boats and quality gear, and knows how to work live bait and first-timers through the basics so everyone can land something. If your group is more kid-focused or family-style, several boats also emphasize patient instruction and on-the-spot fish cleaning so you can take home White Perch or rockfish like a local meal plan.
Striped Bass bites strong in Maryland in May and November, and it’s a top catch for anglers heading out. For fast action in the warm months, look for Bluefish (Tailor) in July and August, plus Flounder in July and August. If you’re fishing later in the summer, Spanish Mackerel is especially on the bite in August and September.
Maryland fishing peaks in late spring and again in the heat of summer, when Striped Bass move through in May and offshore action builds fast. May through August is the strongest stretch, with Black Seabass, Bluefish (Tailor), and Bluefin Tuna all adding to the bite as waters warm. By late summer, species like Cobia and Spanish Mackerel keep the season strong in both the Chesapeake and off the coast.
Striped Bass is a prime target in November in Maryland, drawing anglers who want an intense fight from a species that cruises structure and reacts well to local bait presentations. Tautog is also being targeted this month, making for a great bottom-focused option when you like working with tide and cover. Speckled Trout are in season in November in Maryland as well, offering a sharp, hard-hitting alternative for anglers after a more finesse-style approach.
Many families visiting Maryland say their kids stay excited because the trips focus on catching fish, with crews actively helping everyone get lines set and understand what’s happening. Reviewers often mention kids landing fish too, including Striped Bass and Bluefish (Tailor), and that the guides and crews were friendly and worked well with beginners. If you’re planning a Maryland family trip, look for a bay or Rockfish-style outing where everyone can participate and keep fishing throughout the trip.
Maryland fishing can work well for beginners, especially when trips are based on the Chesapeake Bay where first-timers can get right into the action. Many newcomers book short, straightforward outings (often around two hours) and end up learning by doing, like having hooks baited and fishing from a stable pontoon setup. Common targets include Striped Bass, Bluefish (Tailor), and White Perch.
Maryland fishing can mean breezy Chesapeake Bay runs, calm river stretches, or cool early starts on the coast, so a light layer is worth packing even in warmer months. If your trip is offshore or on open water, a motion-sickness remedy is smart to bring, since the ride can get choppy when wind picks up. Nearly all local charters in Maryland provide fishing gear, and the large majority also provide bait and lures, but it never hurts to double-check your trip listing for any exceptions. A hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen are good bets for long hours on the water, especially on sunny days with a lot of glare off the bay.
Yes - you can go fly fishing in Maryland: several of the local charters run fly fishing trips. Many local charters also offer jigging, bottom fishing and trolling.
Maryland offers exceptional fishing opportunities across its diverse waterways, from the iconic Chesapeake Bay to Atlantic Ocean adventures. The Chesapeake Bay, the heart of Maryland fishing, is world-renowned for its thrilling Striped Bass (Rockfish) fishery, with peak seasons drawing anglers for trophy catches from spring through fall. These waters also yield exciting Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Red Drum, and Flounder, providing year-round variety for inshore enthusiasts.
Beyond the Bay, Maryland's freshwater rivers and lakes like the Potomac and Gunpowder Falls deliver outstanding Bass, Catfish, and Trout action. Coastal anglers out of Ocean City access nearshore reefs teeming with Tautog and Seabass, while offshore Gulf Stream expeditions target Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Marlin. With over 200 miles of prime fishing grounds split between upper, middle, and lower Bay zones—including hotspots near Baltimore, Annapolis, and Kiptopeke State Park—Maryland consistently delivers unforgettable angling experiences for every skill level.
