Whether you are a sport fisherman or out for a once in a lifetime adventure, Ocean City, Maryland, is the place for you. This seaside community is filled with fishing opportunities -- from its local fishing piers to surf fishing along the coast as well as chartered ocean fishing trips. Known as the White Marlin Capital of the World, Ocean City is filled with deep sea fishing action. Choose a charter boat for a group of six, or hop aboard a party boat which accommodates a crowd for a day on the Atlantic.
Location
Ocean City is located on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast of Maryland. Ten miles of white sand beaches along the coastline invite tourists to relax, swim or even cast their lines into the surf for fishing. Visitors will find easy access to Ocean City from Virginia, Baltimore and Washington, DC using the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel. Year round fishing is available in Ocean City because of the temperate climate with summer highs averaging 84 degrees and winter highs averaging 41 degrees.
Charter Boats
Fishing charter trips into the Gulf Stream provide plenty of excitement and adventure. The fish are plentiful and you can expect to bring some in on your trip. For the excitement of the big catch you can fish the canyons of the Gulf Stream for the larger fish that reside in the deeper waters. You can charter a boat for the day for up to 6 passengers at the marina of the Ocean City Fishing Center. Moore Bill's and Game Over are two charters leaving there for Gulf Stream fishing. The boats are piloted by licensed operators with knowledge of the waters to take you to the best fishing spots. On board, these fishing charters offer air conditioned cabins when you want to get in out of the sun. Bring your own rods and reels if you wish, or use the ones provided on the boats.
Party Boats
Party boats carry large numbers of passengers out for fishing excursions. The Judith M leaves from Bahai Marina daily May through October, fishing the wrecks, reefs and rocks along the Delmarva coast. November until May the boat goes out only on weekends. There are no fishing trips during December, however. The boat is equipped with state of the art equipment including fish finders to make your trip safe and productive. There is plenty of seating for passengers on the spacious deck with individual built in rod holders all around. On the upper deck passengers will find a sun deck for taking in the sun or the sights. The Judith M also includes a heated and air conditioned cabin with tables for relaxing or just getting in out of the sun for awhile. The galley serves up hot and cold food, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine. On the Judith M you can bring your own rod and reel if you wish or rent one on board. All bait and tackle is provided, but you may bring your own if you prefer.
The Catch
The catch will vary depending on the time of year and where your boat goes. On the Judith M you can expect to catch Black Sea Bass and Tog, but Triggerfish, Trout and Flounder are also possibilities. On the fishing charters you can look to catch larger sport fish such as Marlin,Tuna, Dolphin, Shark and Wahoo. Boat crews will clean your fish for a fee or you can clean them yourself at the marina. Bring along a cooler with ice to take your catch home with you.
What To Bring
Fishing charters recommend that you bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks. Beer is allowed, but no hard liquor. On the party boats you are welcome to bring along your own snacks and drinks as well, although the boat has a full galley. Be sure to bring along a jacket or rain gear. It will definitely be cooler on the water than it is on shore, even in the heat of the summer. Most boats request white soled shoes to prevent marring the boat surface. It is a good idea to come prepared with an over the counter seasickness medication, such as Bonine or Dramamine, just in case. Nothing can ruin the day like a bout of seasickness. Guests usually like to have a camera on hand for photos of scenery along the way as well as to capture the moment of the big catch. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for protection from the sun and glare off the water.
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