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
 Last booking: 19 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $250
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(143 reviews)
Angler's choice
Ocean City
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $800
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Angler's choice
West Ocean City
 Last booking: 3 days ago
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 172 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (261)
Mark and Jake were excellent!
Mark and Jake were excellent!
Mark and Jake were excellent!
+258
Angler rating
164
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 172 reviews
Scott L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day on the Fish Finder!

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (PM) on July 3, 2025
We caught and released three enormous sand tigers.ย  The captain really knows the area.ย  Great time!
Scott L. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Scott L. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Tom C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Shark fishing

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on June 11, 2025
Great experience ย  Very knowledgeable about the area ย  Would do it again. First class trip
Tom C. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Tom C. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Robert R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on April 12, 2025
Mark was a great guide. We caught more fish and sharks than what we expected.
Robert R. recommends Fish'n Fly - Florida Keys
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Robert R. recommends Fish'n Fly - Florida Keys
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Clint S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great shark trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on August 18, 2025
Capt Mark and mate were super knowledgeable and lots of fun.
Clint S. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Clint S. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Beau O.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

August fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore Shark Trip (AM) on August 17, 2025
Beau O. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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Beau O. recommends Fish Finder - Ocean City Md
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