Captain
Mark Sampson

Member since December 2015 Sugarloaf Keys, United States
Background
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
Techniques
We’re happy to guide both conventional and fly anglers over the beautiful flats of the Florida Keys. Tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish, barracuda, jacks, and snapper are just a few of the fish we encounter on the shallow flats that surround this tropical Island paradise. And if you like sharks the Keys is the place to be! From 3-foot bonnetheads to 12-foot great hammerheads, lemons of all sizes, blacktips, blacknose, and monster bulls, the calm shallow waters of the back-country is absolutely loaded with big predators that are just waiting for you to come down and play!

Hey, I'm Captain Mark Sampson

Sugarloaf Keys, United States
Background
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
Techniques
We’re happy to guide both conventional and fly anglers over the beautiful flats of the Florida Keys. Tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish, barracuda, jacks, and snapper are just a few of the fish we encounter on the shallow flats that surround this tropical Island paradise. And if you like sharks the Keys is the place to be! From 3-foot bonnetheads to 12-foot great hammerheads, lemons of all sizes, blacktips, blacknose, and monster bulls, the calm shallow waters of the back-country is absolutely loaded with big predators that are just waiting for you to come down and play!
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(28 reviews)
Angler's choice
Sugarloaf Keys
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $250
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(142 reviews)
Angler's choice
Ocean City
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $750
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Angler's choice
West Ocean City
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 171 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (257)
August fishing trip
Great day on the water!
Great day on the water!
+254
Angler rating
163
7
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
91%
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Showing:
5 of 171 reviews
Ben S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day on the water!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) on August 11, 2025
Right from the start Mark and Jake were inviting and talkative.ย  A short ride to the fishing area a little wait to a start...
Ben S. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Ben S. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Martin V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Getting up close to Sharks

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on August 15, 2025
Markโ€™s done it all over the years, so leverage his experience to get on some sharks!ย  The Fish Finder is a no-nonsense...
Martin V. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Martin V. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Terry P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Good day on the water

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on June 12, 2025
Mark is an excellent captain, and Jake is a great first mate.ย  They are both very personable and informative.ย  We were able...
Terry P. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Terry P. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

John L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Shark Fishing Experience!!!

VERIFIED   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...
John L. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
John L. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Tim S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Crew and Fun Adventure!

VERIFIED   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...
Tim S. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Tim S. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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