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Mark Sampson
Captain

Mark Sampson

Sugarloaf Keys, United States
Federal waters
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
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

Charters

Rating

5.0
189 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

98%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
92%
Caught fish

All reviews (189)

Showing 1 – 5 of 189 reviews
  • Drew Cocco
    Drew Cocco
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2023
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Phenomenal time on the water

    Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) • 5 adults

    Capt. Mark and Jake were absolutely top notch. We had an unfortunate situation with our originally scheduled charter with another boat, but Capt. Mark and Jake accommodated us last minute and wow are we glad we found them. We caught a ton of sharks including some very big ones. We also learned so much about shark biology and got to witness tagging firsthand. I simply cannot say enough good things about the experience and the crew. We would book with them again in a heartbeat.

  • Adam Farber
    Adam Farber
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    amazing adventure!

    Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) • 4 adults • 1 child

    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 with everything, weather was looking iffy. We caught three sand tiger sharks and had an absolute blast! Wonderful family adventure and will for sure be booking again.

  • Jeremiah Roush
    Jeremiah Roush
    us
    West Virginia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    July fishing trip

    Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) • 4 adults

    Had and great trip with Captain Mark and first mate Jake. Weather was beautiful and the fishing was good. The big boys didn't cooperate the way we would've liked, but still a great experience. We'll definitely be booking with them again.

  • Geno Delatorre
    Geno Delatorre
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Guys Outing

    Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) • 5 adults

    Captain Mark and first mate Jake did an amazing job. We had a good time on our guys outing catching shark. Captain Mark and Jake went above and beyond making this a great experience! 

    Reported catch:
    Thresher Shark
    Mako Shark
  • Sharon Donovan
    Sharon Donovan
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    best trip

    Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) • 6 adults • 1 child

    we had a wonderful time!! highly recommended 👌..and we caught a manta ray, those are not usually caught in ocean city!! the captain was great and his mate. will do this trip again!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    Large fish being handled alongside a boat in open water during an active fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Blacktip Shark
    Geno D.
    Geno D.
    Captain Mark and first mate Jake did an amazing job. We had a good time on our guys outing catching shark. Captain Mark and Jake went above and beyond making this a great experience! 
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    Two anglers actively fishing on a boat, with one reeling in a catch while enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Sharon D.
    Sharon D.
    we had a wonderful time!! highly recommended 👌..and we caught a manta ray, those are not usually caught in ocean city!! the captain was great and his mate. will do this trip again!
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    A glimpse of a large fish swimming beneath the water's surface, captured from a boat. The image lacks clarity and detail.
    Timothy M.
    Timothy M.
    Awesome trip all around. although we didnt catch a fush, we were able to see a 10 foot white shark! Amazing experience and great day all around!
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    A large shark is being reeled in during a fishing expedition, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Thresher Shark
    Jay B.
    Jay B.
    went out shark fishing on August 5th. Captain Mark and Jake were great. We caught 4 sharks, all from 7-9 feet. it was the best day. highly recommend. we will definitely do it again!!
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    Two anglers proudly displaying a caught shark while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Blacktip Shark
    Jeremiah R.
    Jeremiah R.
    Had and great trip with Captain Mark and first mate Jake. Weather was beautiful and the fishing was good. The big boys didn't cooperate the way we would've liked, but still a great experience. We'll definitely be booking with them again.
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    A group of anglers proudly displaying a large shark on the deck of a fishing boat, showcasing their successful catch during a deep-sea fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Blacktip Shark
    John H.
    John H.
    Captain Mark and mate Jake did not disappoint. They had us on sharks immediately & there was at least one fish for everyone to real in. the boat was comfortable and extremely clean.
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    Two anglers working together on a boat to handle a caught shark, showcasing teamwork in a fishing environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Nurse Shark
    Adam F.
    Adam F.
    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 with everything, weather was looking iffy. We caught three sand tiger sharks and had an absolute blast! Wonderful family adventure and will for sure be booking again.
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    A large shark is seen swimming in the water, actively being reeled in during a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Nurse Shark
    Sean B.
    Sean B.
    great all around experience. the mate was fantastic and the captain was very personable and informative. they put us on the dharks and we learned allot aboy them. fantastic trip would use again
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    Four adult anglers pose with a large shark on the deck of a fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Sandbar Shark
    Drew C.
    Drew C.
    Capt. Mark and Jake were absolutely top notch. We had an unfortunate situation with our originally scheduled charter with another boat, but Capt. Mark and Jake accommodated us last minute and wow are we glad we found them. We caught a ton of sharks including some very big ones. We also learned so much about shark biology and got to witness tagging firsthand. I simply cannot say enough good things about the experience and the crew. We would book with them again in a heartbeat.
  • Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
    Fish Finder - Ocean City MdOcean City, MD
    A young girl is focused on reeling in her line while fishing from a boat, enjoying a day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Blacktip Shark
    Liza H.
    Liza H.
    My daughter is crazy about sharks and so we went on this trip. She caught about six or seven spinner sharks and saw 2 hammerheads and one large sand bar shark. They got us involved in the research and were very helpful and willing to teach us about the sharks. It was an amazing experience. 10/10 would definitely recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What's biting with Fish Finder - Ocean City Md in Ocean City

The Ocean City Winterfest of Lights makes Thanksgiving even more special. The waters are full of tasty Bass, Flounder, Tautog, and more, so ditch the turkey and enjoy a freshly-caught feast!

Top catches for November