Maryland Fishing Charters
Maryland fishing charters bounce between Chesapeake Bay stripers and deep-dropping for tilefish offshore, with plenty of tidal rivers and freshwater lakes in the mix.
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Top Rated Charters in Maryland
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Maryland Fishing Guide
Fishing in Maryland is built around the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S. From spring to late fall, rockfish (striped bass) are the star of the show. Most inshore charters run out of places like Kent Island, Solomons, and Deale, targeting stripers around ledges, bridge pilings, and channel edges using live spot, bucktails, or umbrella rigs. These trips usually stay inside the bay and run 5–20 miles roundtrip, depending on water temp and fish movement. Half-days are common, especially in summer, though full-day trips can get you more shots at multiple species like bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and red drum.
Offshore, boats head out of Ocean City to hit the canyons for tuna, mahi, and deep-drop species like golden tilefish and blueline tile. It’s a long run—anywhere from 40 to 80 miles—so full-day and overnight charters are standard. Most crews use trolling spreads with ballyhoo early in the season, shifting to chunking or jigging when tuna school up tighter.
Freshwater guys stick to reservoirs like Deep Creek Lake, Liberty, and Loch Raven. Bass boats and kayaks are the tools of the trade here, with largemouth, smallmouth, crappie, and walleye all in the mix. Tidal rivers like the Potomac and Susquehanna offer a mix of freshwater and brackish action—great for bass and catfish.
Maryland fishing spans a lot of water types in a small footprint, so whether you’re drifting eels for a fall cow striper or pitching jigs to structure in a tidal creek, the options are close at hand.
Regional Fishing Highlights
Chesapeake Bay
This is striper country. From the flats up north near Havre de Grace to the mid-bay ledges and bridge structures, most boats focus on trolling, chumming, or live-lining for rockfish. Spring trophy season (when open) brings out the big gear and deep rigs, but summer and fall offer steadier action. Spanish mackerel, blues, and the occasional red drum round things out. Charters usually leave from places like Annapolis, Edgewater, or Chesapeake Beach.
Ocean City
Offshore crews target yellowfin tuna, bigeye, mahi, and marlin out in the canyons like Baltimore and Poor Man’s. Deep-drop trips for tilefish run year-round, weather permitting. Nearshore, you’ll get sea bass, flounder, and tautog. Full-day charters dominate due to distance, though some half-day bottom fishing happens closer in. Inshore around the inlet, small boat guides chase flounder, blues, and puppy drum.
Western Maryland Lakes
Deep Creek Lake is the main draw. You’ll find smallmouth, largemouth, walleye, and the occasional musky. Boats drift live bait or troll worm harnesses and crankbaits. Loch Raven and Liberty Reservoir fish best early and late in the day with finesse plastics or jerkbaits. Not many guides operate here, but serious DIY anglers can do well.
Dauphin Island
Fishing Seasons in Maryland
Spring
Striper season kicks off in the bay with trophy fish migrating in. Trolling big rigs with mojos and parachutes is standard. Shad run thick in the upper rivers. Offshore, sea bass starts to open, and tuna show up late in the season. Bass in freshwater are pre-spawn and hungry—good time to fish plastics and jerkbaits.
Summer
Bay fishing shifts to live-lining spot for schoolie stripers. Spanish mackerel and bluefish mix in mid-Bay. Ocean City goes full-send on tuna, mahi, and marlin offshore. Tilefish deep drops happen when the wind allows. Lakes fish best early morning or dusk—topwater action picks up for bass.
Fall
Rockfish turn on hard as the water cools—light tackle jigging gets hot around structure. Bigger reds and blues still hang near the Bay Bridge and southern sections. Offshore fishing tapers, but tilefish and swordfish stick around. Bass feed heavily in lakes and rivers, and catfish bite strong on the Potomac.
Winter
Bay fishing slows down but never stops—deep jigging for schoolies can still produce. Offshore crews bottom-fish for tautog and tile when the weather lines up. Lakes get cold, but walleye and crappie are still doable. Not many charters run, but local diehards stay on the water when they can.
Most Popular Gamefish in Maryland
- Striped Bass – 18–40+ inches. Caught in the Chesapeake Bay spring through late fall. Trolled, live-lined, or jigged around structure and channel edges.
- Bluefish – 2–10 pounds. Show up in summer in the bay and nearshore. Hit spoons, bucktails, and topwater plugs.
- Spanish Mackerel – 1–5 pounds. Fast summer action trolling spoons and planers mid-Bay.
- Red Drum – 20–50+ inches. Found in lower bay areas and surf zones in summer/fall. Caught on cut bait, crabs, or jigged.
- Flounder – 14–24 inches. Found in Ocean City’s inlet and bays. Fished with live minnows or Gulp on jigheads.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–100+ pounds. Offshore May–September. Trolled with spreader bars or chunked with butterfish.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–30 pounds. Offshore summer months near weedlines and floats. Hit ballyhoo or jigs.
- Tilefish – 5–25 pounds. Deep dropped offshore in 300–800 feet. Caught with squid and heavy bottom rigs.
- Largemouth Bass – 1–6 pounds. Caught in reservoirs and tidal creeks. Hit jigs, spinnerbaits, or frogs.
- Blue Catfish – 5–40+ pounds. Found in tidal Potomac and rivers. Caught on cut bait near ledges and drop-offs.
- Flathead Catfish – 10 to 50 lbs. Fished with live bait in slow-moving rivers and tailraces. Nighttime bite is best.
Maryland Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in Maryland?
Yes, unless you’re on a licensed charter boat. There are separate licenses for tidal and non-tidal waters, so check where you’re fishing.
What’s the best time of year for striped bass?
Mid-May to early July is great for schoolies, but October and November are best for jigging up bigger fish.
Where do Maryland offshore charters leave from?
Ocean City is the main port for offshore trips. Most boats fish the canyons and deep bottom grounds offshore.
Can I keep rockfish (striped bass) from the Chesapeake Bay?
Yes, but seasons and size limits change often. Always check current regulations—they’re strict and heavily enforced.
What should I bring on a Maryland charter trip?
Sunscreen, layered clothes, snacks, and a cooler for your catch. Most captains provide rods, bait, and licenses.
Is there good fishing for kids in Maryland?
Yes. Many half-day charters target schoolie stripers, perch, or flounder—great for beginners and kids.
Do any guides fish Maryland lakes?
There are a few, mostly on Deep Creek Lake and Liberty Reservoir. Most freshwater trips are DIY or with local bass clubs.
What rigs work best in the Chesapeake Bay?
Umbrella rigs, tandem bucktails, and live-lining spot are top producers depending on season.
Are night fishing trips available in Maryland?
Some striper guides offer evening or night trips in summer for topwater action near lit docks and bridges. Always ask.