In the mid-1800s, a few fishermen from the mainland of Maryland set out in tiny rowboats to the strip of land now known as Ocean City. They came to fish off the shore since at the time there was no inlet with access to the ocean. To accommodate the anglers, a local farmer built a small inn on the beach in 1869. After that, more and more hotels and inns began to sprout up across the island, and the rest, they say, is history.

Fishing is a defining part of the history of Ocean City, as it has been one of the major commercial and recreational pursuits for hundreds of years. However, one momentous year gave the city a whole new reputation. In 1933, a major hurricane severed the sand barrier connecting Ocean City to Assateague, creating an inlet with direct access to the ocean. Now the area is comprised of hundreds of square miles of water, from gleaming waters of the bays, canals and rivers to miles and miles of open sea, and there is plenty of action in every square mile for fishermen. The recreational fishing industry in Ocean City is so popular, in fact, that it has earned the title "White Marlin Capital of the World."

To celebrate this title, Ocean City holds an annual White Marlin Open fishing tournament, the world's largest billfish tournament, in August. This event can be as fun and exciting for spectators as it is for anglers. All fish are weighed on the official scale at Harbour Island, and the weigh-ins are held each day of the festival and open to the public free of charge. As the week goes on, the suspense builds, as potential lottery-sized fortunes change hands with a tip of the scale. It's a terrific way to spend a few exciting hours during your Ocean City Vacation.

As popular as the white marlin is, it's just one of a numerous variety of fish that can be caught in Ocean City. The Gulf Stream is a short distance off shore and is full of large fish like tuna, mako, dolphin and more. The larger fish feed in and around the canyons of the Gulf Stream and haunt the relics of sunken ships and artificial reefs looking to make a snack out of smaller fish. There are dozens of charter boats that offer full-day off-shore fishing adventures, afternoon trips or even night fishing. Area captains know the best spots to drop a line, so you'll be reeling in a big one in no time. Most charters supply bait, rods, tackle and ice to keep your catch cold.

If you've brought your own boat along, there are several public boat ramps providing access to the area's bountiful waters. There are plenty of bait and tackle shops for all of your hooking and catching needs, and most of the owners are experienced fishermen themselves, happy to offer advice on which bait and materials to use as well as the locals' favorite fishing holes.

Fishing in the bay, piers and surf are also extremely popular and fruitful fishing adventures. Don't be surprised if you catch some quality flounder, tautog, bluefish or sea trout just a few minutes after you drop your line in the water.

A saltwater license is required for nonresident anglers, so check Maryland's Department of Natural Resources website to make sure you've got all the materials you need.
As soon as you drop your line in the water, you'll come to appreciate Ocean City fishing just as much as the mainland fishermen back in the 1800s. Whether you're a serious angler or family looking for a fun afternoon on the water, fishing in Ocean City is a great way to create memories for a lifetime.

Fishing Tournaments

Fishing Listings

Listings are being updated for summer 2012. Check back soon!

Advanced Marina 66th St. & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-723-2124 www.advancedmarina.com Angler Deep Sea Fishing 312 Talbot St. Talbot Street & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-289-7424 www.theangleroc.com Bahia Marina Located between 21st and 22nd Street Ocean City, MD 410-289-7438 888-575-DOCK www.bahiamarina.com Bay Bee Fishing Boats Ocean City Fishing Center Rt. 50, West OC Ocean City, MD 410-213-1121 www.OCFishing.com Caliente Offshore Adventures 410-289-2565 www.calienteadventures.com Flounder Magic 410-289-2565 www.floundermagic.com

Flounder Pounder 410-213-2FUN www.westocwatersports.com Happy Hooker Bay Fishing 311 Talbot Street & the Bay 1 Block South of Rt. 50 Bridge Ocean City, MD 410-289-3500 or 410-289-9125 www.fishhappyhooker.com Judith M Fishing Boat 22nd Street & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-289-7438 www.judithmfishing.com Ocean Princess Deep Sea Fishing Dorchester Street & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-289-6226 www.theoceanprincess.com Tortuga Fishing Boat 22nd St. & the Bay Ocean City, MD 410-289-7438 www.judithmfishing.com