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
(30 reviews)
Angler's choice
Sugarloaf Keys
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $250
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(154 reviews)
Angler's choice
Ocean City
 Last booking: 2 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $800
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 185 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (278)
Great trip with Capt Sampson!
best shark fishing
best shark fishing
+275
Angler rating
177
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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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 185 reviews
Drew C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Phenomenal time on the water

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on June 13, 2026
Capt. Mark and Jake were absolutely top notch. We had an unfortunate situation with our originally scheduled charter with another...
Drew C. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Drew C. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Erin B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best shark fishing

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) on August 6, 2026
went out shark fishing on August 5th. Captain Mark and Jake were great. We caught 4 sharks, all from 7-9 feet. it was...
Erin B. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Erin B. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Timothy M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip with Capt Sampson!

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on August 20, 2026
Awesome trip all around. although we didnt catch a fush, we were able to see a 10 foot white shark! Amazing experience and...
Timothy M. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Timothy M. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Adam F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing adventure!

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) on June 26, 2026
Capt Mark was an excellent guide and steward. He contacted us the day we booked to go over the plan and ensure we were okay...
Adam F. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Adam F. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Jeremiah R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on July 29, 2026
Had and great trip with Captain Mark and first mate Jake. Weather was beautiful and the fishing was good. The big boys didnโ€™t...
Jeremiah R. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Jeremiah R. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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