Where to Go Fishing in Ocean City: Piers, Boats, and Beaches

May 25

2 min read

Silhouetted people fish on a pier at sunset. The sky is orange, the ocean is calm, and multiple fishing rods are visible. Peaceful mood.

Ocean City, MD, boasts a rich fishing heritage—from family‑friendly piers to deep‑sea charters and surf‑fishing beaches. Whether you’re seeking striped bass off the inlet, a trophy tuna offshore, or a relaxing day surfcasting, OC offers diverse fishing opportunities. Below, discover the top locations, key details, and tips for making the most of your next catch.

1. Oceanic Fishing Pier

2. Jolly Roger OC Fishing Pier

3. Public Bay Piers (9th, 3rd Street & Inlet Park)

4. Sportfishing Charters: Deep‑Sea & Inshore

5. Surf Fishing Beaches & OSV Access

1. Oceanic Fishing Pier

People fishing on a wooden pier under a pastel sunset sky, with fishing rods lined up along the railings. Sign reads "CAMEDY."

Oceanic Fishing Pier stretches 450 ft into the inlet, offering 24‑hour access from May through September with no Maryland saltwater license required (oceanicpier.com). Anglers target bluefish, striped bass (“rockfish”), flounder, and even sharks, while on-site amenities include rod rentals, cleaning tables, and a full tackle shop (oceanicpier.com). Daily admission is $10 for 12 hours, with weekly passes and rod/reel rentals available for novice and seasoned fishermen alike.

2. Jolly Roger OC Fishing Pier

People on a boardwalk at sunset, with a lit-up pier and Ferris wheel in the background. The sky displays soft pink and orange hues.

The OC Fishing Pier at Jolly Roger Pier offers ocean‑front fishing right off the Boardwalk, no license needed (jollyrogerpieroc.com). Located at the inlet parking lot, this pier provides easy access for beachgoers who want to drop a line between rides—expect catches of sea bass, bluefish, and tautog along with spectacular sunset views.

3. Public Bay Piers (9th, 3rd Street & Inlet Park)

People fish on a sunny pier over blue water. Signs read "9th Pier" and "Sparmion." Kids in bright hats enjoy the scene. Relaxed mood.

Free public piers along the bay include:

Pier Location	License Required?	Amenities	Species Commonly Caught
9th Street Pier	Yes (license)	Cleaning tables, benches	Flounder, spot, perch, croaker (Ocean City, MD)
3rd Street Pier	No	Benches, scenic views	Bluefish, croaker, spot (OC Groups)
Inlet Park Pier	Yes (license)	No-fee access, benches	Striped bass, bluefish, croaker (OC Groups)

These piers are ideal for families and casual anglers seeking a convenient, shore‑based fishing experience without boat rentals.

4. Sportfishing Charters: Deep‑Sea & Inshore

People on docked boats at sunset, surrounded by buildings. Fishing rods and seagulls in view. Warm glow reflects on the water.

Ocean City’s charter fleet caters to every angler’s dream:

Ocean City Fishing Center: Coast Guard‑licensed captains, target tuna, marlin, wahoo—hosts the annual White Marlin Open(ocfishing.com).
Ocean Princess: Family‑run charters focusing on black sea bass, flounder, and reef fishing(theoceanprincess.com).
Chasin’ Tides & Sunset Marina: Bay wreck trips, shark night‑fishing, and full‑day offshore excursions(oceancityfishing.com, ocsunsetmarina.com).Charters include gear, bait, and expert guidance—perfect for those seeking trophy catches or a guided fishing adventure.

5. Surf Fishing Beaches & OSV Access

People collect seashells on a sunny beach. Kids and adults stand near buckets filled with shells. Fishing rods and a green vehicle are nearby.

For surfcasters, beaches south of the inlet allow Over‑Sand Vehicle (OSV) access with permits:

OSV Beaches (30th–42nd St): 4WD required; prime for striped bass and bluefish at dawn(Ocean City Fishing Reports).
Convention Center & Inlet Beaches: Walk‑on surf fishing with catches of croaker, spot, and weakfish(OC Groups).Permit fees and regulations vary by zone—check Maryland DNR for up‑to‑date fishing rules and safety tips.