Maryland Saltwater Fishing

Maryland has a wide variety of saltwater fishing. From rockfishing on the Susquehanna Flats, down to the state line in the Chesapeake Bay, and From Fenwick Island to Virginia along the coast.

Chesapeake Bay fishing varies widely lots of different environments. Anglers in the bay can fish with bait, artificial lures, employ fly fishing or other techniques.

Over on the ocean side there is surf fishing, jetty fishing, inshore fishing for flounder, trout, bluefish and others. The open ocean offers anglers a chance to try wreck fishing, offshore fishing, deep dropping and other activities.

Ocean City Maryland is world famous for offshore fishing. Private boats and fishing charters target a variety of tuna, dolphin(mahi mahi), billfish, and other species.

In the summer months, fishing can be excellent. Inshore fishing spots include the Jackspot, Hot Dog, Parking Lot and other hot spots as well as deep sea structure including the Wilmington, Baltimore, Poor Man's, Washington and Norfolk Canyons. These hotspots vary from around 25 to over 100 nautical miles from port.

Anglers may target bluefin tuna and bluefish along the 20 fathom line in the early season. Yellowfin tuna are sought in deeper water for the most part, often being caught in water from 30 to 100 fathoms.In addition to bluefin and yellowfin tuna, anglers catch bigeye, skipjack and longfin albacore tuna, dolphin fish, wahoo, billfish and sharks.

Of interest to many anglers are the trips that reach the offshore canyons. Just before reaching the canyon walls are slopes that are often very productive areas. Near the canyon walls, the bottom becomes steeper and rockier. Fish congregate along the drop offs to catch food that is caught in the hard running current. Along the edges are lobster traps which are marked by orange buoys or "lobster balls". The buoys attract dolphin fish which in turn attract the larger marlin, swordfish and sharks which feed on them heavily. A trip by a buoy can be uneventful, or one or more lines might be attacked by mahi mahi, tuna, marlin or other fish.

Late August and September often feature the best fishing with anglers seeing larger numbers of tuna as well as an influx of wahoo and bull dolphin. Offshore fishing continues into October, when windy weather and falling water temperatures make fishing less productive.

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Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic croaker are popular saltwater fish caught in the Chesapeake and along the coast of Maryland. Croaker or "hardhead" are named because of the "croaking" noise they make. Croakers fight hard and prolific feeders. They are caught on baits such as squid, crabs, clams or bloodworms. Croakers are often caught in large numbers.

Bluefish

Bluefish are commonly caught in Maryland. They are sometimes found in large schools off the coast where they are known for their sharp teeth and ability to destroy even the strongest tackle. Anglers troll, jig, cast artificial lures and fly fish for bluefish. The fish have dark, oily meat but are excellent smoked.

Sea Bass

Sea Bass are among the most popular fish caught off the Maryland coast. Anglers fish year round for this exceptionally delicious fish, although the fish migrate to deeper water in winter. Peak fishing is usually May and early June and again in the fall. In the spring, wrecks, reefs and rough bottom in depths of 50 - 80 feet usually hold the most fish. Bigger fish can sometimes be enticed by using larger baits. Favorite rigs for bigger fish include single hook rigs with a whole squid for bait, large bucktail jigs with squid strips and large metal jigs. The larger baits often catch fish with a higher average weight. Black sea bass are excellent cooked. The meat is firm, white and delicious and can be fried, grilled, baked or broiled.

Spot

Spot occur in the Chesapeake Bay and along estuaries and coastal waters. Spot are fun to catch and a great fish for anglers of all ages. Spot are caught using standard 2 hook rigs, using small hooks and small pieces of bait. Popular baits include bloodworms, shrimp, clam and synthetic bloodworm type baits. Spot may also be caught with small jigs or Sabiki rigs. Anglers seek spot both as a baitfish and because of their excellent value as a seafood delicacy.

Tautog

Tautog live in structure such as rocky bottoms, wrecks and reefs. Their preference for structure makes them an ideal inshore species when fishing in the lower Chesapeake Bay and along the coast. Tackle and techniques are simple and no prior experience is needed to catch these tasty fish. They vary in size from about 12 inches to perhaps 12 lbs or more. They are very tough fighters and excellent table fare.

Red Drum

Red drum can be caught in a number of ways. A popular technique for catching red drum along the Maryland coast is to bottom fish with cut spot, menhaden, peeler crab or other baits. Anglers use a fish finder or other rig and sometimes fish into the evening for large bull red drum. A second fishery along the coast and the Chesapeake Bay exists for "puppy drum" which are smaller red drum. These fish are exciting to catch, usually by casting artificial lures around structure or by fishing baits in shallow water areas.

Maryland is well known for excellent flounder fishing opportunities. Many anglers target flounder and some fish exclusively for these delicious fish. Some anglers target flounder only in certain seasons while others choose to fish the entire season. Fishing varies with season, weather, tides, location and water quality.

Flounder fishing is a spring ritual for many anglers. Locals and visitors alike begin the fishing season each year by drifting the bays and creeks for flounder. The first flounder may arrive along the coast in April, but the main spring run usually peaks in May.

Several key factors affect spring flounder fishing. Water temperature seems to play a critical role in the spring. A rule of thumb is to find water temperature above 55 degrees although fish are sometimes caught in cooler water. Tides and currents are also big factors and every serious angler has their preferred state of tide for a given location.

Flounder fishing changes as the water warms. The movements of flounder decrease and anglers settle into a summer pattern, enjoying the warm days on the bay. Visiting local tackle shops are an excellent way to get up to date information on local fishing. Tackle shops have flounder fishing rigs, tackle, bait and up to date reports. In addition, some shops rent boats, book fishing charters, guided trips, nature cruises or other adventures.

In mid-summer, flounder are sometimes caught on the many wrecks, shoals and artificial reefs along the coast. Fishing is sporadic but catches can be good when flounder are located. The Artificial reefs off the coast of Maryland yield some excellent catches of flounder.

In summer, flounder are also caught by anglers fishing the surf. This fishery requires only a rod, rod holder and basic tackle, no boat is needed!

he Chesapeake Bay Watershed includes more than 400,000 acres of land and thousands of miles of open bay, rivers and streams, making the Chesapeake Bay the largest estuary in North America.

The Chesapeake Bay begins in Pennsylvania, as a small part of the Susquehanna River. It passes thru Maryland and Virginia, emptying into the Atlantic near The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

The estuary is a vital breeding ground and sanctuary for thousands of fish, shellfish, reptiles, birds and mammals.

The Chesapeake Bay is famous for its crabs, oysters, and fish. Known for its importance as a major breeding ground for striped bass or "Rockfish", one of the most important sport and food fish of the USA east coast.

Striped bass are the most popular inshore saltwater fish in Maryland. Also known as striped bass or stripers, these are very hardy fish, and even take to life in freshwater and are also stocked in some lakes. Rigs and baits for striped bass vary with location and season. Anglers fish live baits such as spot and eels or troll, jig, cast artificial lures and fly fish for striped bass around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and other spots. The action is nearly year round with populations of local fish as well as surges of migrating fish.

Striped Bass vary from around 18 inches to over 50 lbs. During the cooler months anglers come to Maryland from all over to enjoy some of the best striped bass fishing in the world.

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On June 4, 2009 at an Ocean Summit in New York City, the State of Maryland joined with the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia to announce a new Mid-Atlantic ocean partnership designed to address the region's priority ocean issues including offshore energy, climate change, water quality, and habitat protection. The states' governors, through the newly formed Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean, will advocate in one voice to leverage greater state influence on the management of offshore areas and help guide federal and interstate actions and resources.

"This new regional partnership with New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia is an exceptional opportunity to create a more effective and efficient path to our shared environmental and economic goals," said Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. "Working together with our sister States -- pooling our resources and our expertise -- we can and will ensure that our ocean is healthy, resilient and productive for our children and theirs."

Working together, the Mid-Atlantic Governors have agreed to act to: protect the region's ecologically significant offshore habitats; reduce the region's reliance on fossil fuels and increase its energy independence by making the Mid-Atlantic a leader in the appropriate development of offshore wind energy; strive to protect coastal residents, property, and economic and environmental infrastructure from climate change impacts; support the health of the region's tourism and fishing industries by addressing threats to water quality; and engage the region's diverse ocean and basin interests as partners in advancing the Mid-Atlantic States' shared agenda by hosting a stakeholder summit.

Maryland's ocean jurisdiction extends three nautical miles offshore however, the State - like its neighbors - has a vast interest in the ecological and economic resources located both within and beyond that jurisdiction.

"While we Marylanders are capable of meeting many challenges, the efforts of one State are not enough to protect and restore the Ocean we treasure," said Governor O'Malley. "This is why we have joined forces with our neighboring Mid-Atlantic States to embrace a new regional approach to its protection, restoration and management."

source: DNR press release

These are a few tips and techniques for tautog fishing in Maryland:

* Fish directly over structure, including shipwrecks, rocks, rubble, bridge pilings and artificial reefs.

* Use a basic top and bottom fishing rig when snags and hang ups are not a problem.

* Switch to a single hook rig in areas of extremely rough bottom.

* Carry a wide selection of sinkers ranging from 3-8 oz.

* Choose a rod and reel that can handle depths from 15-120 feet, and 3-8 oz. sinkers.

* Fish with braided lines for added sensitivity.

* Use baits such as blue crabs, green crabs, mole crabs, fiddler crabs, shrimp and clams.

* When fishing whole blue crabs or green crabs, some anglers imbed both hooks in a single bait and remove or crack the shell of the crab.

* When using cut crab, leave the legs on and check baits often. Replace baits that have had the meat sucked out of the shell.

* Avoid excessive tension on the line and pay attention for minute signs of nibbling. Give a short tug upward when movement is felt. If the fish appears to be in the line, set the hook, lift the fish away from structure and then reel in gently.

* Tag and release undersize fish.

* Take no more fish than needed. Release female fish when possible.

* Identify sexes - Male tautog have blunter heads and darker, more solid coloring with a faint lighter spot on their flank. Females have a more mottled appearance and sloping forehead.

* Support Artificial Reef programs

* Morningstar, a party boat based in Ocean City Maryland has a reputation for offering excellent tautog fishing trips.

To book a tautog fishing trip, visit Morningstar - Ocean City MD.

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The Board of Public Works approved the naming of the Choptank River Fishing Pier in Dorchester County in honor of Bill Burton, a reporter, writer and fisherman who has for more than 50 years chronicled outdoor opportunities for Maryland citizens. The Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park offers a perfect tribute to Bill's life and work - the pier is a destination fishing sport for anglers, and a popular access point for many working families of Maryland - and he was instrumental in preserving the Choptank River Bridge for a fishing pier when the new bridge was constructed.

Bill's commitment to the promotion, sustainability and prosperity of fishing and hunting in Maryland is unquestioned by those that know him, especially during the past two years as he has continued to write professionally while fighting cancer. Despite many physical setbacks, he continues to fish and write about fishing, hunting and the great outdoors. In April, Burton was inducted into the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association Hall of Fame. The year's Maryland Fishing Challenge also celebrates Bill's life and career.

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A Maryland angler, Chris Toner of Joppa, MD, has set a new Atlantic Division state record with a 72 pound cobia. The catch eclipsed the previous record of 67 pounds, 12 ounces set in 2007 by Mike Horsey.

"This record is evidence of the great fishing opportunities Maryland has to offer," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "You never know what surprises you will come across while enjoying a day of fishing in Maryland's waters."

Chris and friends were aboard the charter boat "Fish Finder," captained by Mark Sampson, who specializes in shark charters. The group was catch and release fishing at the Great Gull Shoal for sharks when the cobia appeared in the chum slick. The captain was prepared for such an encounter and had a baited rod ready for Chris Toner. The fight was on and was touch and go for a while as fishing line quickly disappeared off the fishing reel to a point where there was little left.

"The cobia eventually was brought into the boat and when it hit the certified scale at the Ocean City Fishing Center, everyone realized that this was a very special fish," said Keith Lockwood, of DNR's Fisheries Service.

The catch was verified by Fisheries biologist Steve Doctor and will be listed as the new state record for the Atlantic Division of the Maryland in the Maryland Sport fish Tournament records.

In August, two lucky anglers who broke state records at the White Marlin Open Fishing Tournament in Ocean City. Bob Farris of Charlotte, NC, caught a 1,062-lb. blue marlin, making history as the first blue marlin caught in Maryland weighing over 1,000 pounds. A second new record was set by Jamie Gill of Crofton, MD, who caught a 254-lb scalloped hammerhead shark.

"Maryland's proud fishing tradition dates back to the earliest days of our State," said Governor O'Malley. "I want to congratulate all the anglers who participated in this tournament, which is truly a celebration of our exceptional recreational opportunities and our great sportfishing industry."

Farris was fishing in the tournament in Ocean City on August 5 when he hooked a large blue marlin near the Baltimore Canyon while trolling a lure on the charter boat No Problem.

"After a grueling three-hour fight, Bob was able to bring the huge fish to gaff, and the rest is, as they say, 'history,'" said Keith Lockwood, of DNR Fisheries Service.

Blue marlin over 1,000 pounds are very rare, and often fishermen travel to remote places all over the world for a chance to fish for one.

Meanwhile, Gill and his friends were chunking for tuna at Massey's Canyon when the scalloped hammerhead shark took a butterfish bait and the fight was on. After a three-hour struggle, the shark was brought to the gaff for weighing. Fishing stories often have colorful twists of how the big fish almost "got away," and Gill's story has a rather novel twist to that old adage.

"The shark was weighed and entered as a common smooth hammerhead shark, but two sharp-eyed Maryland fisheries biologists; Angel Willey and Allison Luettel, realized that it actually was a scalloped hammerhead," said Lockwood.

Gill's catch eclipsed the previous state record of 194-lbs set by Gregory Garman in 2004.

source: MD DNR press releases