Wahoo fishing charters in Ocean City, MD

Ocean City, Maryland calls itself the “White Marlin Capital of the World,” and every August the White Marlin Open — one of the biggest billfish tournaments anywhere — fills the harbor. But there’s a lot more to fishing here than marlin: back bays, the inlet, nearshore wrecks and the deep offshore canyons all sit within reach.

Offshore and the canyons

About 60 miles offshore, underwater canyons such as the Baltimore and Washington canyons attract white and blue marlin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo in summer. Canyon trips are long days on the water, and they’re what made Ocean City famous.

Wrecks and nearshore

Closer to shore, wrecks and reefs hold black sea bass, tautog and flounder. Head boats run daily bottom-fishing trips at a per-person price — an easy, affordable way to get out.

Back bays and the inlet

Assawoman and Sinepuxent bays behind the island are known for flounder and are calm enough for kids. The inlet and the Route 50 bridge hold striped bass (rockfish), bluefish and tautog, especially in spring and fall.

Good to know

Maryland charter boats are licensed to cover their passengers; ask your captain to be sure. Seasons and limits for striped bass, flounder, sea bass and tuna change regularly — check Maryland DNR and NOAA Fisheries if you’re after a particular species.