Ocean City?

[Jeffrey Rasband]

I'm going to Ocean City with the Family this Weekend and could use some advice regarding fishing in this area. I'll be fishing from the shore with a fly or spinning rod and am curious what to expect. I'm assuming a clouser minnow or jig will suffice but I am clueless when it comes to locations. i.e. should I fish the ocean or the bay? Also, what kind of fish should I expect to catch?

Thanks in advance. btw as you can tell im new to the saltwater game so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

- Jeff

[Salmo trutta]

It's pretty tough down there to say the least. In the Fall it kind of transforms into a decent fishing area but saying that you never know what you might catch fishing the jetty at night. There is some very cold water on the shore right now for some odd reason so this might help with the striper bite but might hurt the croaker/spot (usual summer fish) bite.

There should be snapper bluefish and shad in the inlet with a chance at a flounder or striper. Incoming tide with the water temp is probably best.

If you can get under the 50 bridge is another option. Limit your fishing time to night time because it won't be worth while in the day. Unless it's first and last light.

[Tissy Furnes]

Jeff,

Yup, when it comes to Ocean City in the summer, your best fishing will be at night. Plenty of fish with big hair and prominent tattoos cruising along the open bars and flats (but wearing pumps). Best lure will be the Cosmo. It helps to have a nice rig to take them out on as well as the promise of a future date at a Monster Truck Expo in LaPlata.

Good luck and let us know about any successful hook ups. Pics appreciated!

TF

[Jeffrey Rasband]

Tissy,

Sound like a different kind of catch than i'm after I'll be with my cousin who is not a fisherman so maybe well just buy some bloodworms/squid and try the bay for a few hours.

[HJS]

Jeff - I sent you some OC fishing information via email & bmail. Never sure whats acceptable on TF.

[HenryL]

Hey Jeff,
There's a lot available to you, depending on where you're staying, and how far you want to drive.
Let me start with the south and work north.
The Ocean City inlet is great for both spin and fly. With the fly rod, obviously, you'll have to walk out to where your cast isn't a public health concern. Intermediate or sinking line, clousers, (pick any color combination- they all work!), deceivers, eel patterns (drift these deep) and sand eels.
For the spinning rod, go to the rail, (across from the life-saving musem), toss a 1-oz. white bucktail with a Mr. Twister tail just past the seam, and let it drift about 40 yds., again going deep. The rockfish KILL this.
Around 45th (or 47th- I forget!), there's the remains of an old jetty. I've done really well there with both fly and spin.
All along the coast, keep a sharp eye on the contour of the beach- these will tell you where the holes are that hold baitfish, as well as their predators.
The Indian River Inlet is also a great place for both spin and fly. The abovementioned lines and flies work here. If you choose the north side, make sure you're wearing Korkers. The south side has flatter rocks and is much more accessible, but be mindful of the bathers behind you.
Cape Henlopen State Park is farther north, in Lewes, DE. You can park close to the fishing pier and either use your spinning gear there or wade to the left for the fly rod.
You can also fish the ocean here.
Let me conclude by saying the first and most important thing of all is moving water. Go two hours before the incoming or outgoing, and you're set.
Good luck, and please provide a report when you've returned.
Fish safe and God bless.

PS I don't believe I've crossed any lines here- these places are all common knowledge.

[Brandon]

There have been some stripers at the end of ocean city inlet on the north and south sides. A friend was there the other day, most fish were caught on bait with him, but he did throw some artificial plastics and manged a few in the 20-26 inch range. He also said he did the same thing at the rt50 bridge with decent success. He was in a boat, which if you can get access to one, will improve your chances.


Brandon

[Jeffrey Rasband]

Sounds good. I'll be with the family so I doubt I'll be able to get away for more than a couple of hours. Nevertheless I'll be sure to take pics and provide a report. And btw thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate it.

- Jeff