If you’re a passionate sport angler, then you’re familiar with the incredible reputation of Maryland deep sea fishing. There’s only one way to get to the Atlantic Ocean around here, and that’s through the inlet in Ocean City. Needless to say, this town is the epicenter of local deep sea fishing.
Often called the “White Marlin Capital of the World,” Ocean City is home to numerous charters that specialize in finding the giants of the deep. All you have to do is pick a captain and hit the water, ready to earn your bragging rights!
What to Expect
If you’d like to test your hand in this deep sea fishery, there are a couple of things you should know. These expeditions usually last 10–12 hours and are reserved for seasoned fishermen looking for their next trophy catch.
It could take up to two hours (50–70 miles offshore) to get to the edge of the continental shelf and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. You’ll find the best fishing action over the 50- and 100-fathom curve.
When it comes to your prey, a variety of deep sea monsters are there for the taking – White and Blue Marlin, Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. Sharks are also very popular targets, and you can go after Mako, Blue, and Threshers which hunt around the same fishing grounds.
White and Blue Marlin are the most prized catches and targeting them with light tackle is the ultimate thrill. Whites average in the 50–70 lb range. Landing a fish bigger than that is cause for celebration!
You can hook Tuna that weigh anywhere from 30–90 pounds, depending on the time of the year and your luck. When it comes to Mahi Mahi, they’re as abundant as they are delicious, and you can find some real lunkers in the bluewater.
When and Where to Go
If going after Marlin is your main focus, then you should hit the water anytime in August and September.
White Marlin pop up as early as June, but the season peaks towards the end of summer. This is the reason why the legendary White Marlin Open is usually scheduled for the first week of August.
The most productive fishing grounds are the canyons near the shelf’s edge – Baltimore Canyon, Norfolk Canyon, Poor Man’s Canyon, and Jack’s Spot for Tuna and Shark fishing.
Trolling with Mackerel, squid, ballyhoo, or lures is the name of the game when targeting Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. When it comes to Tuna and Sharks, you can’t go wrong with chumming and chunking.
What to Bring
There’s a variety of trips you can choose from, depending on your fishing appetite, so anything from 10-hour expeditions to multi-day adventures is in the cards. Your captain will take care of all the necessary fishing licenses and will provide quality gear for you to use.
You’ll need to stock up on your favorite drinks, snacks, and food, and then you can relax while you wait for that reel to scream. Maryland deep sea fishing has a lot to boast about and the best thing you can do is go experience it all firsthand!
