Fishing 101 in Ocean City, MD
The most popular option for fishing in Ocean City is saltwater fishing, as there are only a few freshwater options nearby. Even the nearby Pocomoke River is still considered tidal. OC Vacations has your Fishing 101 in Ocean City, MD with everything you need to know about fishing in OCMD, and which vacation rentals are near the best fishing spots.
Where Do I Need a Fishing License in Ocean City, MD
The first thing you will need, a Maryland Tidal Saltwater Fishing License. These can be bought online through Maryland DNR’s website, or at the Berlin, MD Walmart in the sporting goods section, as well as most local tackle shops. It is $15 for an annual license for MD residents however they do offer a 7 day license as well $6 for MD residents $12 for out of state.
What Street is the Fishing Pier in OCMD On?
There are a couple locations in town like the public fishing bulkhead on 3rd Street where you do not need a license as the town covers that particular area. Also Oceanic Fishing Pier downtown at the inlet charges a fee to get out and fish, and your fishing license is covered in that fee. The license is only a concern if you are fishing from land, as all charter boats and head boats will have a license that covers the entire boat.
Best Local Head Boats and Fishing Charters in Ocean City, MD
Which brings us to the next option, for those who don’t have gear of their own to bring, or want a more guided experience, local head boats are another great option. There are some that stay and fish within the bay, like The Tortuga, The Bay Bee, The Happy Hooker, these boats primarily target flounder and other inshore species. Then you have the larger boats that go out for half day or full day deep sea fishing trips. The Miss Kathleen, The Ocean Princess, The Angler, and Capt. Monty on the Morning Star are some of the more popular head boats in OCMD.
These boats are primarily targeting black sea bass, flounder and tautog, but since it is the ocean they have been known to catch Mahi and Tuna sometimes as well. The head boats will provide everything you need from rental rods to bait, hooks and sinkers they have it all. You also can bring your own gear.
The last option, also the most expensive, would be a private charter. These boats usually can take up to 6 paying customers or a party of up to 6. They have smaller boats that fish primarily in the bay (similar to the smaller inshore head boats) and then larger boats up to 60-80 feet called sport fishing yachts that go offshore for tuna and marlin, and can cost $3,000-5,000 for a single trip. While some of the smaller inshore boats offer half day and full day trips from $500-1,000.
Whatever the right choice is for you, there are many ways to enjoy fishing here in Ocean City, Maryland.
Book A Fishing Trip and Vacation to Ocean City, MD
You can stay close to your favorite fishing spot, no matter where you choose, when you book with OC Vacations. Find options for rentals of all sizes, on the beach and the bay.