Flounder Charters: Unleash the Thrill of Flounder Fishing in Ocean City, Maryland

Are you ready for an exciting fishing adventure in Ocean City, Maryland? Get ready to experience the thrill of flounder fishing! From late spring through the first weeks of October, flounder takes the spotlight as the main attraction. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, flounder charters offer an incredible opportunity to catch these prized fish while enjoying the beauty of the ocean.

When it comes to targeting flounder, timing is key. While the earlier and later parts of the season are known for producing the biggest fish, the action remains hot and heavy throughout the entire summer. No matter when you choose to embark on a flounder charter, you can expect an adventure-filled day on the water.

Now, let's talk techniques. While the common approach for catching flounder involves drifting and dragging bait along the bay floor, Ocean City has a few surprises in store. It's not uncommon for flounder charters to find success by casting near bridges or even within crab traps. Imagine the thrill of reeling in a flounder from unexpected spots! This versatility adds an extra element of excitement to your fishing experience.

Let's not forget the main star of the show: the flounder itself. Known for its light and flaky flesh, flounder is a delight when cooked. Whether you prefer it fried, grilled, or broiled, flounder offers a delicate and delicious seafood experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more. In Ocean City, you'll encounter different species of flounder, including the Summer Flounder (Fluke), Southern Flounder, and Gulf Flounder. Each species brings its own unique characteristics and flavors to the table.

Before you embark on your flounder charter, it's important to stay informed about flounder limits and regulations. These may vary from year to year to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect the flounder population. Responsible flounder charters, like ours, prioritize following the latest regulations while targeting productive areas. It's all about preserving the ecosystem and ensuring a memorable and sustainable fishing experience for everyone.

When you choose our flounder charters in Ocean City, Maryland, get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Our experienced captains know the local waters like the back of their hands. They'll take you to the most productive flounder hotspots, where you'll have the best chance of landing the catch of a lifetime. Our boats are perfectly suited for this type of fishing, allowing you to navigate shallow waters effortlessly while providing ample space for all anglers to cast their lines.

Whether you're an avid angler or a novice looking to explore the world of fishing, our flounder charters offer an exciting and engaging experience. So, gather your friends and family, hop aboard, and let's unleash the thrill of flounder fishing in the beautiful waters of Ocean City, Maryland!

Introduction

If you're planning to go fishing in Ocean City, Maryland's beautiful bay waters, it's important to be aware of the fishing license requirements. Fishing licenses are necessary for most anglers aged 16 and older. However, there are exceptions when fishing with Get Sum Fishing Charters.

Fishing License in Maryland

In Maryland, fishing licenses can be obtained from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It's a simple and straightforward process to purchase a fishing license, ensuring you comply with the state's fishing regulations.

License Requirements

For anglers fishing independently or from their own boats, a valid fishing license from the DNR is required. This license grants you the opportunity to cast your line and target various species in the bay, such as flounder, striped bass, bluefish, trout, and more. By obtaining a fishing license, you contribute to the conservation and management of Maryland's fisheries.

Fishing with Get Sum Fishing Charters

When fishing with Get Sum Fishing Charters, you are covered under their license. No separate fishing license is required for anglers enjoying a guided fishing experience with Get Sum Fishing Charters. This is a convenient option that allows you to focus solely on the excitement of the fishing adventure while ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.

Obtaining a Fishing License

To purchase a fishing license or for more information on fishing regulations and requirements in Maryland, including fees and specific license types, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. They provide comprehensive information and a user-friendly platform to facilitate the licensing process.

Conclusion

Before heading out to fish in the bay waters of Ocean City, Maryland, make sure you have the appropriate fishing license in hand. Whether you choose to obtain a license through the Maryland DNR or opt for a guided fishing experience with Get Sum Fishing Charters, ensure that you are fishing legally and responsibly. Enjoy your time on the water, reel in some incredible catches, and create lasting memories of your fishing adventures in Ocean City, Maryland.

Introduction

When it comes to fishing in Ocean City, Maryland, there's an abundance of options to choose from. One of the most popular and accessible choices is pier fishing. With a variety of public and pay piers scattered around the area, anglers have the opportunity to reel in a diverse range of species while enjoying the scenic beauty of the ocean. In this blog post, we'll delve into the exciting world of pier fishing in Ocean City, with a special focus on the Oceanic Fishing Pier—an iconic destination for both locals and visitors.

Pier Fishing in Ocean City, Maryland

Pier fishing is a favorite pastime for both seasoned anglers and those new to the sport. The piers in Ocean City provide convenient access to deeper waters, where an array of fish species can be found. Here are some of the species you can target when pier fishing in Ocean City:

Seabass

These delicious fish are known for their firm white flesh and are a popular catch among anglers. They provide an exciting fight and make for a tasty meal.

Croaker

Croaker are abundant in the area and can be found year-round. They are known for their distinct croaking sound and are prized for their delicious flavor.

Flounder

Flounder are flatfish that blend seamlessly with the ocean floor. Anglers enjoy the challenge of targeting these elusive and highly sought-after species.

Triggerfish

Recognized for their vibrant colors and unusual shape, triggerfish are a thrilling catch. They offer a great fight and are known for their delicate meat.

Sea Trout

Also known as speckled trout or spotted seatrout, these fish are highly prized for their aggressive strikes and delectable taste.

Sheepshead

Renowned for their distinctive teeth and vertical stripes, sheepshead are a challenging species to catch. They are often found near structures, such as piers, and are known for their delicious, firm flesh.

Mackerel

Mackerel are fast-swimming fish that provide an exhilarating angling experience. They are prized for their speed, agility, and the exciting fight they put up when hooked.

Tautog

Tautog, also called blackfish, are known for their strength and stubborn nature. They inhabit rocky areas and offer a thrilling challenge for anglers.

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators and are popular targets among anglers. They are known for their fierce strikes and high-energy fights.

Ling Cod

Ling cod, also known as burbot or eelpout, are bottom-dwelling fish that are highly sought-after for their tasty flesh. They offer a unique angling experience.

Striped Bass

Striped bass, or rockfish, are highly prized among anglers for their size, strength, and excellent table fare. They are known for their thrilling fights and impressive runs.

Exploring the Oceanic Fishing Pier

One standout destination for pier fishing in Ocean City is the Oceanic Fishing Pier, located at 710 S Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842. This pier holds a special place in the hearts of many anglers, as it provides a memorable fishing experience right in the heart of the beloved beach resort.

Situated on Ocean City's award-winning beach, the Oceanic Fishing Pier offers unparalleled access to the open Atlantic. Anglers can cast their lines into the vast ocean, giving them the chance to hook into a variety of saltwater species. The pier is equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable fishing trip.

Conclusion

Pier fishing in Ocean City, Maryland, offers an accessible and exciting angling experience for both locals and visitors. With a wide range of species to target and the iconic Oceanic Fishing Pier as a prime location, anglers can indulge in a must-try fishing experience surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. Cast your line, reel in your catch, and create unforgettable memories on the piers of Ocean City, Maryland.

Oceanfront Beaches and Assateague Island Beaches

Immerse yourself in the thrill of surf fishing as you cast your line from the oceanfront beaches or the beautiful shores of Assateague Island. Feel the sand between your toes and the anticipation build as you target a variety of fish species amidst the rhythmic crashing of the waves.

Ocean City Inlet and Ocean City Jetty

For an adventure-packed fishing experience, head to the Ocean City Inlet and Ocean City Jetty. These areas are known for their abundant marine life and provide excellent opportunities for reeling in a diverse range of fish. Discover prime fishing locations and make the most of your trip.

Bridges: Rt. 50 Bridge, Rt. 90 Bridge, and Verrazano Bridge (Assateague Island)

Enjoy panoramic views and exciting fishing prospects from the bridges in Ocean City. The Rt. 50 Bridge, Rt. 90 Bridge, and Verrazano Bridge on Assateague Island offer elevated platforms to target various fish species. Utilize local knowledge to navigate these bridge fishing hotspots and optimize your chances of landing a prized catch.

Piers: Oceanic Fishing Pier and OC Fishing Pier

For those who prefer pier fishing, Ocean City features the Oceanic Fishing Pier and OC Fishing Pier. These piers extend over the water, granting access to deeper areas teeming with fish. Seek advice from local experts to make the most of your pier fishing experience.

Sinepuxent Bay and Isle of Wight Bay

Explore the expansive Sinepuxent Bay and Isle of Wight Bay for thrilling inshore fishing opportunities. Target popular species like flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and more as you navigate these picturesque bays. Discover hidden gems and enjoy the tranquility of these fishing spots.

Inshore Shoals and Artificial Reefs

For a unique angling experience, venture to the inshore shoals and artificial reefs in Ocean City. These strategically placed structures attract a variety of fish species, promising an exciting fishing excursion. Seek local insights to navigate these productive areas and enhance your chances of a successful catch.

Ocean City, Maryland is a fishing haven with countless opportunities to reel in your next big catch. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to the sport, the abundance of fishing spots and the guidance of local experts will ensure an exceptional fishing experience. Embark on your Ocean City fishing adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Fishing opportunities are abundant along the coast this time of year now that fish have returned to their summertime hangouts, but conditions have not been ideal for most of the late spring and early summer. Northeast winds during this time have made fishing difficult, but it looks like that pattern may be starting to change. Unfortunately, the surf fishing hasn’t been all that great recently but kingfish, bluefish, and plenty of rays have been reeled in this week. One angler fishing Assateague on a trip this week reported finding a pretty good kingfish bite. He caught his fish on pieces of calm and bloodworm flavored Fishbites. He also mentioned catching clearnose skate on pieces of shrimp.

In Ocean City

In Ocean City, the route 50 Bridge has been productive for anglers lately. Rockfish and nice sized bluefish have been the main catches, but other species have been putting a bend in rods as well. Jigs with soft plastics and gotcha plugs are catching the most fish and the hotspots seem to be the south jetty, bridge pilings, and dock piers. Scott Lenox from Fish In OC got out to the 50 bridge this week and reported catching a nice bluefish, under slot rockfish, small flounder, and even a tautog. Live mullet caught most of their fish.

Offshore Grounds

The offshore grounds have been very productive, and many boats returned to dock with filled fish boxes this week. The OC Fishing Center let us know that boats are catching a mix of black sea bass and flounder at the nearshore wreck and reef sites. Farther offshore at the canyons, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, wahoo, and tilefish are making up most of the catches. Charter boat Reel Current did some offshore trolling this week and boxed some very nice wahoo and yellowfins. The Crew of the Fish On had a great late week trip and boxed eight yellowfin tuna while trolling deep. We did hear a report from the fishing center of a boat who fished around nine miles off the beach and found good fishing for sea bass, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and a few flounder. Whether you stay at the inshore grounds, or head offshore, there are good bites happening up and down the coast.

Please note that the information provided has been paraphrased from the original article found at FishTalk Magazine - Coastal Fishing Reports.

This is the summary of the fishing report from "Coastal Fisherman" (Vol 48 | Num 9 | Jun 28, 2023), written by the original author. The article can be found on the Coastal Fisherman Newspaper website.

Last Week's Conditions

• Last week in Maryland brought a good start followed by storms.
• Flounder fishing nearshore has been improving daily, with many limits being caught.
• The sea bass fishing, although slow with smaller fish on the wrecks, has been decent, with around 6-10 keepers per 8-hour trip.

Nearshore Reefs

• The nearshore reefs have been highly productive, with an abundance of smaller sea bass and flounder on all the wrecks.
• Sheepshead have started showing up, mainly on the southern reefs like the Marine Electric site.
• Reports of successful fishing trips include limits of sea bass caught on fresh clam and squid, as well as spearfishing for flounder on the tops of wrecks.
• "The Angler" headboat has had good trips early in the week with nice sea bass catches and many anglers reaching their flounder limits.
• "Bad Wind Charters" had successful flounder trips with clients catching their limits.
• "The Judith M" reported a strong sea bass bite and an increasing amount of triggerfish and flounder.
• "Double Trouble Charters" has been working hard to put together catches of flounder, with most anglers returning with coolers full of fish.
• Other charters and anglers have reported good catches of flounder, sea bass, and triggerfish.

Back Bay Areas

• In the back bay areas, anglers have caught flounder, Spanish mackerel, rockfish, and bluefish.
• Fishing with minnows in the East Channel resulted in a nice 18" flounder catch.
• Spanish mackerel were caught on Gotcha Plugs, while rockfish and blues were caught off the Route 50 Bridge.
• There have been reports of triggerfish, short stripers, and Spanish mackerel caught in both nearshore and back bay areas.
• "The Happy Hooker" has started their season and has caught nice flatfish in the inlet area and behind Assateague Island.
• The Oceanic Fishing Pier offers rod and reel rentals and is open 24 hours a day for fishing.
• Anglers have caught bluefish and rockfish inshore, with the biggest blue measuring 31" and a keeper rockfish at 29".
• The "Bay Bee" has had successful four-hour trips with anglers pulling in nice fluke.

For more information and updates, visit the Coastal Fisherman Newspaper website.

Tuna Fishing and Challenging Sea Bass Bite

The coastal areas are experiencing a return of windy conditions and occasional rain, which are less than ideal for fishing. However, anglers are resilient and always find a way to fish. Prior to the arrival of unfavorable weather, tuna fishing at the tuna grounds was excellent this week. Captain Alex Beane of the Boss Hogg had a successful trip, landing six bigeye tuna weighing up to 130 pounds, 13 yellowfin tuna, and two mahi. Other offshore boats also had quick success at the canyons, with abundant catches of yellowfin tuna and reports of bigeye tuna. Most of the reports are coming from the Wilmington and Poorman's Canyon.

Sea Bass Bite and Inconsistent Surf Action

Captain Monty of the Morning Star reported that sea bass fishing has been challenging lately, requiring anglers to move around frequently to locate fish. While many spots would mark fish, only a few bites were produced. However, there was one exceptional day at the sea bass grounds, although it appears to be an outlier.

Surf Fishing and Productive Inlet and Back Bay Areas

Coastal correspondent John Unkart mentioned a decline in surf action at Assateague last weekend, as small fish nibbled on bait, preventing larger fish from taking the opportunity. Similar reports of lackluster action came from the OSV areas, with one angler reporting no bites over two full days of fishing. Fortunately, the OC inlet and back bay areas are proving to be more productive. Angler David Moore from Shark Whisperers experienced nonstop action on tautog, under-slot stripers, and triggerfish that showed interest in sand fleas. He even spotted some Spanish mackerel jumping around. Fish In OC has received reports of good fishing for rockfish and bluefish near the Route 50 bridge. Anglers using soft plastics and Gotcha plugs have successfully landed blues weighing into the mid-30s.

Flounder Fishing in Coastal Bays

Coastal bay anglers are still catching a few flounder, but the main challenge lies in finding clean water and avoiding heavy boat traffic in Ocean City. Sea Hawk Sports Center hosted the first annual Mike Taylor Flounder Frenzy tournament, where the top three places recorded flounder weighing over four pounds, with the largest fish tipping the scales at over four and a half pounds. Successful methods have included using flounder rigs tipped with Gulp! baits, minnows, or silversides.

People have been catching flounder using traditional techniques long before jigging became popular. These old-school tactics still prove to be effective in modern times. Whether you prefer fishing with bait or want to have an additional line set in a rod holder while working with a more active rod, here's how to do it the traditionalist way.

Flounder Fishing with Bait

Yes, flounder still enjoy feasting on squid and minnow sandwiches. Rig up your fishing gear with a Fluke Killer, Spin-N-Glo, or a similar rig. Cut squid strips approximately half an inch wide and three to four inches long, then slide one onto the hook. Next, take a large bull minnow and add it to the hook by going in through the lower jaw and out through the upper jaw.

Drift your squid and minnow combination along the edges of channels and shoals. Pay attention to the depth when you get a bite and focus on similar depth ranges.

When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Flounder tend to grab the tail end of the bait first, resulting in a nibble-nibble-nibble sensation. If you set the hook at this moment, you'll likely just rip the bait off. Instead, wait until you feel the slow thump-thump-thump of the fish swimming away, and then you can make a solid hook-set.

For more information and tips on old-school flounder fishing, check out the RUDOWS Fishtalk blog.