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Flounder in Ocean City: What You’re Catc
Flounder in Ocean City: What You’re Catc
May 12, 2025
Perfect for beginners and casual anglers looking to catch delicious flounder in the back bays, inlets, and nearshore waters of OCMD. In Ocean City, the most common species you’ll encounter is the Summer Flounder, also called Fluke. These aggressive, ambush predators are abundant in local bays and channels from late spring through early fall. They lie flat on the seafloor waiting to strike live bait or lures that drift by with the current—making them a fun and tasty target for anglers of all skill levels. ? Where to Find Flounder in OCMD 1. Back Bays (Assawoman and Sinepuxent Bays) Flounder migrate into these bays as waters warm in spring. Look for them along channels, flats, and grass lines. Key areas: behind Assateague Island, the Thorofare, and behind Ocean Pines. 2. Route 50 and Route 90 Bridges Structure and tidal flow make these bridge areas excellent flounder spots. Fish the pilings and channel edges where baitfish gather. 3. Ocean City Inlet Prime area, especially near the rocks and channel drop-offs. Best fished on moving tides, especially the outgoing. 4. Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks (Late Summer) As water temperatures peak, larger flounder often move to artificial reefs and wrecks just offshore. Consider a short boat ride to spots like Russell’s Reef or the Bass Grounds. ? Best Flounder Fishing Techniques for OCMD Drift Fishing the Channels Most local anglers drift live or cut bait along deep channel edges. Let the current do the work, dragging your bait across bottom contours. Adjust weight to keep your rig bouncing just above the bottom. Bucktail Jigging Great around structure like the Inlet rocks or pilings. Use a bucktail jig (1/2 to 1 oz) tipped with Gulp! Swimming Mullet or strip bait. Bounce it slowly along the bottom—flounder will often strike on the pause. Bridge and Dock Fishing Cast toward pilings, let your bait settle, then slowly hop it back. Be ready—flounder often hit right beneath the rod tip! Ideal Gear for OCMD Flounder Rod/Reel: Medium spinning setup (6'6"–7') with good sensitivity Line: 15–20 lb braid with a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader Flounder Rigs Used Locally: Deadly Tackles Deadly Double (It's one of our favorite Flounder Rigs) Carolina Rig or Fishfinder Rig: Best for drifting live minnows or finger mullet Bucktail with Teaser: Combo jig-and-hook setup that increases strike chances Best Baits in Ocean City Live Bait (Available at Local Bait Shops): Minnows (Mummichogs) – Top choice in spring and early summer Finger Mullet – Highly effective from late July through September Live Shrimp – Occasionally available, especially early season Cut Bait: Squid strips or flounder or bluefish belly—easy to use and stay on the hook well Combine with a bucktail jig or use on double-hook rigs Artificial Lures: Gulp! 4" Swimming Mullet (White, Chartreuse, or Pink) – A must-have! Otter Tail Curly Short Jig Tails by Squidnation (A local favorite!) Paddle-tail soft plastics on jigheads Bucktails in ¾–1 oz sizes for Inlet and deeper channels Best Times to Target Flounder in OCMD Late April to Mid-October – Prime season for flounder in Ocean City June through August – Peak fishing in bays, inlets, and behind Assateague Outgoing Tide – Often best as bait gets flushed out of marshes and shallows Early Morning or Evening – Less boat traffic, cooler temps, and active fish ✅ Local Tips from OCMD Anglers Don’t set the hook too early. Flounder may grab the bait and hold it for a moment—wait a second, then set the hook with a firm lift. Bring multiple rig setups. Switch between drifting rigs and bucktails to figure out what’s working that day. Fish light but stay in contact with bottom. Too much weight kills your presentation; too little and you won’t reach flounder feeding zones. Check local reports. Shops like Atlantic Tackle, AllTackle, and Oyster Bay Tackle often share hot spots and bait suggestions. Want to try your luck without the guesswork? Book a back bay flounder charter with a local captain who knows every channel, drop-off, and tide pattern in Ocean City. (Hint, hint... Book with me! We offer flounder fishing charters in 3 hour or 5 hour trips ) Tight Lines Folks!!! Capt. Dave Fletcher
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What anglers said about fishing in Maryland

Book with Captain Robert Bruff and ideally choose the morning or evening slot to give you the maximum odds
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Captain Robert Bruff and ideally choose the morning or evening slot to give you the maximum odds
Shore Life Fishing Charters – Ocean City
Shore Life Fishing Charters – Ocean City
We fished in the Chesapeake Bay for the first time and it was very enjoyable. We had a blast.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We fished in the Chesapeake Bay for the first time and it was very enjoyable. We had a blast.
Fish w/Rock On Charter Fishing!!!
Fish w/Rock On Charter Fishing!!!
Follow the Captain’s direction. Great information; quick to fix rigs, and he filleted the keeper.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Follow the Captain’s direction. Great information; quick to fix rigs, and he filleted the keeper.
Fish w/Rock On Charter Fishing!!!
Fish w/Rock On Charter Fishing!!!
I would definitely recommend Biff's Charters to any anglers fishing for the first time or to any experienced anglers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would definitely recommend Biff's Charters to any anglers fishing for the first time or to any experienced anglers.
Biff Fishing Charters
Biff Fishing Charters
The absolute best trip you could hope for We are a local family that have been on many local charters. We have never been so welcomed by a captain and his crew. They led us to the best fish and greatest time. We couldn't recommend them enough. Thanks for an awesome day :)
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The absolute best trip you could hope for We are a local family that have been on many local charters. We have never been so welcomed by a captain and his crew. They led us to the best fish and greatest time. We couldn't recommend them enough. Thanks for an awesome day :)
Unshakable Charters
Unshakable Charters
I would highly recommend a Salty Siren fishing. The experience was completely amazing. Our five-year-old grandson, my son and I enjoyed every bit of the trip beginning with the best Captain on the water. We caught some nice fish and learned how to use different lures to accomplish success. Five star service.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would highly recommend a Salty Siren fishing. The experience was completely amazing. Our five-year-old grandson, my son and I enjoyed every bit of the trip beginning with the best Captain on the water. We caught some nice fish and learned how to use different lures to accomplish success. Five star service.
Salty Siren Fishing (Northern Bay)
Salty Siren Fishing (Northern Bay)
Make clear they will be fishing stripers - one per person. Kids may be interested in more action with other kinds of fish —-
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make clear they will be fishing stripers - one per person. Kids may be interested in more action with other kinds of fish —-
Biff Fishing Charters
Biff Fishing Charters
Just do it! Find a good charter like Bottom Bouncer Fishing and just have fun. It’s worth it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just do it! Find a good charter like Bottom Bouncer Fishing and just have fun. It’s worth it.
Bottom Bouncer Fishing
Bottom Bouncer Fishing
Go on the private charters or head boats. The experienced crew and captain will help you have a good time. Hopefully catching fish, but even if you dont catch you will see the bait, rigs and lures that work
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go on the private charters or head boats. The experienced crew and captain will help you have a good time. Hopefully catching fish, but even if you dont catch you will see the bait, rigs and lures that work
Local Hooker Charters
Local Hooker Charters
Bring sun screen, layer clothes, have an open mind and be ready to have an experience. Good or bad that’s up to you.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sun screen, layer clothes, have an open mind and be ready to have an experience. Good or bad that’s up to you.
Running Tide Charters
Running Tide Charters
Just inform your Captain during booking what you are looking for so they will make the accommodations work well for you. Example we are planning on bringing our seniors on the next trip for bottom fishing and they showed us how they will set up to be able to accommodate us ?
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just inform your Captain during booking what you are looking for so they will make the accommodations work well for you. Example we are planning on bringing our seniors on the next trip for bottom fishing and they showed us how they will set up to be able to accommodate us ?
Misty Blue Charters
Misty Blue Charters
Ise the address Capt. Tom sends, not the one provided by Fishing Booker website.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ise the address Capt. Tom sends, not the one provided by Fishing Booker website.
Hallock's Grace Charters
Hallock's Grace Charters
Drop your line to the bottom of the ocean floor and be patient the fish will bite!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Drop your line to the bottom of the ocean floor and be patient the fish will bite!
Day On The Bay Charters
Day On The Bay Charters
Be open to targeting any species that comes up. The bite changes often and you need to be open to fishing everything.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be open to targeting any species that comes up. The bite changes often and you need to be open to fishing everything.
Coastal Guide Service LLC
Coastal Guide Service LLC
I’m wondering if there is a better time of year to catch and keep larger fish. I know I have in years last, but this time of year, it seems like the limits were small.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I’m wondering if there is a better time of year to catch and keep larger fish. I know I have in years last, but this time of year, it seems like the limits were small.
Lucky Strike Charters
Lucky Strike Charters
Captain Josh was great! He made sure hooks always stayed baited, and that he took us to places where the fish were biting! He's just a stellar down to earth guy who will make your trip perfect!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain Josh was great! He made sure hooks always stayed baited, and that he took us to places where the fish were biting! He's just a stellar down to earth guy who will make your trip perfect!
Day On The Bay Charters
Day On The Bay Charters
Great time with Jeff and the Vista Lady Fishing Charter. Jeff was super professional and encouraging. We had a party of 4 and all of us caught fish. Jeff helped us capture the moment and we will definitely book again.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great time with Jeff and the Vista Lady Fishing Charter. Jeff was super professional and encouraging. We had a party of 4 and all of us caught fish. Jeff helped us capture the moment and we will definitely book again.
Vistaladyfish – 25' Parker
Vistaladyfish – 25' Parker
Check the tides! High tide is always better. Ask your captain questions - fishing for every specified is different
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check the tides! High tide is always better. Ask your captain questions - fishing for every specified is different
Nanticoke Outfitters Ocean City Fishing
Nanticoke Outfitters Ocean City Fishing
Just pack some drinks and snacks and let captain Dave take care of the rest. Great guys! They’ll put you on the fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just pack some drinks and snacks and let captain Dave take care of the rest. Great guys! They’ll put you on the fish.
Nanticoke Outfitters Ocean City Fishing
Nanticoke Outfitters Ocean City Fishing
Wear comfortable gear that might get wet (we didn't get wet at all, but I see where you could), follow the captain's instructions (even if you have experience fishing, there's a lot you can learn from here), and have a great time! ?
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Wear comfortable gear that might get wet (we didn't get wet at all, but I see where you could), follow the captain's instructions (even if you have experience fishing, there's a lot you can learn from here), and have a great time! ?
Day On The Bay Charters
Day On The Bay Charters