Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
This past week in Ocean City we saw some big storms and a definite cool down in air temperatures. Flounder, in the back bays and inlets, has slowed compared to the huge blitzes we saw last week; however many keepers can be found in the channels and back bays. Just a reminder to anglers that as of June 1st the new size limit for flounder in Maryland will become 17½” minimum size for keepers. The nearshore wrecks are producing some quality sea bass along with a few nice flounder. Surf fishing is still producing, although the end appears to be coming with less big fish being caught each day.
Nearshore Wrecks and Reefs
The areas around Ocean City are producing good catches of sea bass with several anglers reporting catching limits. Several undersized fish must be weeded though to find the keepers but the action is very steady with multiple fish coming in on each drop. The deeper wrecks near the Jack’s Spot and Great Eastern Reef are producing the best. The African Queen and Bass Grounds are producing decent catches with a few nice flounder now also being caught. Targeting the down current sides of these wrecks are the key spots for finding the flounder which sit just off the wrecks. “Fish Bound Charters” reported several good sea bass trips this past week with hard fishing anglers achieving limits when doing their due diligence. “Bad Wind Charters” reported they had much calmer days as the wind laid down later in the week. They hosted Laurel’s Elite Fishing trio and landed a limit of sea bass. They said the competitive nature among these anglers helped spur them on even when fishing was tough. Captain Victor of the “Ocean Princess” reports the 2025 sea bass season is off to a good start. Anglers stayed active throughout the day reeling in some quality fish with many being hooked two at a time. Despite canceling a couple trips due to storms captain Monty stated the “Morning Star” had some good trips delighting their anglers with coolers full of black bass and flounder. “Ocean City Girl” also got in on the nearshore fishing, catching a triple limit of blues, bonita, and sea bass while guiding the Capital View Construction Company. Walter Moore stated the bass Grounds looked as busy as a late July day with boats everywhere and on every wreck and snag. The fishing was tough but limits could be had. “Wreck Dog Sportfishing” is preparing to run spadefish trips in the upcoming weeks. Many anglers have never had the opportunity to target these hard fighting beautiful fish.
Back Bays and Inlets
The OC Inlet and back bays are still continuing to produce nice flounder. The larger blitzes of last week may be gone however fluke can still be found on the south side of the inlet as well in the main thoroughfares and further up the bay. Squid and minnow were the most productive baits with Gulp being a close second. “Coastal Guide Services” reports they had a heck of a week in the back bays catching flounder and blues. Many of the fluke would have been legal even in the upcoming weeks when the limit minimum size will become 17½”. Nick Hulver had a good day with friends catching some decent blues along the inlet rocks. Craig Cropper was out with his buddy Phil throwing surface poppers and landed a double limit of blues and then some while fishing near the Rt. 50 Bridge. Blake Gunther hit the back bays early Tuesday and returned to the docks by 7:30 am with a limit of flounder. Lionel from Lancaster, PA, caught numerous rockfish, bluefish, and tog while fishing at the Oceanic Motel. Most of the fish were caught using a 5” Gulp on a 1 oz. bucktail. Capt. Nick, daughter and son had a fun family day on the water catching a few nice flat fish to bring home for dinner. Don King had a great day on Tuesday catching big flounder near the inlet Jetty. The “Happy Hooker” reeled in its first keeper of the year last week. For our visitors wishing to see Ocean City from the water as well as catch a few fresh fish for dinner the bay head boats are a family friendly and affordable option. Most of the bay boats offer 2-3 or 4 hour trips and provide knowledgeable crew as well as rods and bait. The “Miss Ocean City” stated that water temps were the key to finding keeper flounder in the back bays. The group ended the day with 4 keepers which for this early time of the year is a great haul. Just a reminder, on June 7th at the Oceanic Fishing Pier the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association will be hosting the kids fishing derby. This is a great event introducing our youth to recreational fishing in our area.
Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is still very productive, however, as the weather and water continue to warm, surf fishing will begin to dwindle. Many anglers are finding more sharks and skates around making targeting the drum and rockfish more difficult. Early morning time frames are producing the best catches of black drum and rockfish. Fresh clams tipped with Fishbites are the best baits. Shawn O’Brien stated although he could not find any black drum willing to attack his baits, he did find a nice sheepshead. The fish measured 16” and is the first one from the beach I have heard of this year. Corey Zirkle had a good weekend last week landing several undersized rockfish and blues. He also hooked a nice eater size black drum. Roxane Marie reported having so much fun fishing with friends on Assateague Island catching several blues and stripers. The best part of the day was landing a nice black drum. Eddie Schaufert caught his biggest black this year landing a 36” on fresh clam and Fishbites. Sean McNelis and his fiancee scanned the beach and rips to find the perfect spot. After several stops they settled on what he thought to be a good spot. This spot proved to be just what he needed when he hooked and landed a beautiful big black drum. Judy Ridenour and hubby were out on the island and landed a huge drum using clam and fish bites. Guo Lukasz fished the north side of the island on Saturday with sand fleas and landed a nice black drum. Rob Gibson landed his first black drum using a slider rig with sand fleas. The fish was photographed and returned safely to the water to live another day. Jim Welsh hooked 3 nice drum over his 3 day trip to the beach. Michael Hornberger landed the first kingfish we have seen from the beach last week. He also caught a few spot fish.
Until next week,
Tight Lines and Fins Up
