July 06th, 2023

Summary of Fishing Report from "Coastal Fisherman" (Vol 48 | Num 10 | Jul 5, 2023)

This summary is based on an article by Capt. BJ Pietryak published in the Coastal Fisherman Newspaper.

Ocean City Offshore Charter Boats

Ocean City, Maryland saw a significant increase in visitors as the summer season began. With more boats on the water, fishing pressure has risen. However, the fishing has been excellent for this early in the season. Anglers have been successful by finding less crowded spots to catch keeper fish. Both nearshore wrecks and reefs and the back bays have yielded fruitful results.

Nearshore Wrecks & Reefs

The nearshore wrecks and reefs have become popular locations for flounder fishing, with most anglers reaching their catch limits easily. Flounder can be found on the down current side of wrecks and other bottom structures such as rocks and shells.

The "Angler" headboat has reported a satisfying mix of sea bass and flounder on their trips.

The "Ocean Princess" experienced productive days of sea bass fishing, taking advantage of calm weather conditions. Flounder fishing has also improved, with one angler catching an impressive 12 flounder on a single trip, although only one was a keeper.

Other notable catches in the area include cutlass fish, red hake, and triggerfish.

"Bad Wind Charters" had successful trips targeting bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and flatfish.

The Fenwick Shoals and the area near the first lump have been particularly productive for Spanish mackerel. Trolling small Clark spoons and using jigs near feeding schools has proven effective, with smaller spoons increasing the chances of a bite. Small bluefish have also been present but can be a nuisance when targeting Spanish mackerel.

"Fish Bound" charters have had excellent fluke fishing, consistently bringing home fish limits for their anglers. Spanish mackerel, bonita, and bluefish have also been caught during their trips. The weather is expected to calm down, providing favorable conditions for both anglers and captains.

Fishing at Great Gull or Little Gull is recommended, as cobia are expected to start appearing soon. An exciting occurrence took place when a young angler caught a nice-sized cobia in the back bays while fishing on the headboat "Tortuga".

The area has also witnessed impressive catches of flounder weighing over 5 pounds, providing exciting battles for anglers.

"Flip N Fins" had a successful trip, catching sheepshead, triggerfish, and various other keepers.

Back Bays of OC

The back bays of Ocean City have been thriving with regular catches of large flounder. The "Tortuga" had a memorable trip, bringing home trophy-sized flatfish and creating enjoyable experiences for all aboard. Visitors can also spot wild ponies from Assateague Island, adding a wildlife element to the fishing adventure.

The "OC Bay Hopper" offers crabbing trips in the back bays, allowing visitors to learn the art of crabbing from Captain Dave.

Anglers in the Thorofare area, such as Ken Bechtel and his wife Molly, have successfully caught three keeper flounder measuring 17.5, 16.5, and 16 inches

This summary is based on an article by Capt. BJ Pietryak published in the Coastal Fisherman Newspaper.