Berlin Fishing Charters
Berlin fishing charters work the coastal bays, inlets, and nearshore Atlantic waters for flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and tuna.
Top Rated Charters in Berlin
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Berlin, MD Fishing Guide
Fishing out of Berlin, most charters run from nearby Ocean City Inlet, with quick access to Assawoman and Sinepuxent Bays for inshore species, and a straight shot offshore for tuna, marlin, and mahi when the season’s right. Half-day trips typically stick to the bays, channels, and inlets, working live bait rigs, bucktails, or soft plastics for summer flounder, sea bass, and bluefish. Full-day offshore runs target bluefin and yellowfin tuna, white marlin, and the occasional wahoo, often involving a 30–60 mile run to the canyons. Some captains offer night shark trips during summer, chumming for sandbar, dusky, and threshers.
The inshore fishery is defined by shifting sandbars, tidal channels, and shallow grass beds. These spots hold flounder, weakfish, croaker, and spot in warmer months, with striped bass moving in during the spring and fall migrations. Anglers drift with squid and minnows for flounder, cast light tackle around bridges for blues and stripers, or anchor and chum for mixed bottom species. Offshore structure—wrecks, reefs, and ledges—produces black sea bass and tautog, especially in cooler months.
Seasonal patterns drive most trips here. Spring sees the first flounder and stripers. Summer is peak for both inshore variety and offshore pelagics. Fall brings excellent striper fishing along the beaches and inlet rocks. Winter focuses on tautog and sea bass, with some hardy captains running when weather allows.
Primary launch points include the Ocean City Commercial Harbor and public ramps on the bayside. Run times vary—five to fifteen minutes for inshore, an hour or more for deep-water targets. Techniques range from drifting bait rigs, jigging metal or soft plastics, slow trolling for kings and Spanish mackerel nearshore, to high-speed trolling and chunking offshore. If conditions inside the bays turn muddy after a blow, captains may head north toward Indian River Inlet or south toward Chincoteague for cleaner water.
Fishing Seasons in Berlin
Spring (March–May)
Early spring focuses on striped bass migrating along the coast and staging near the inlet. Tautog are active on inshore wrecks and rocks, and flounder start showing in the bays as water temps warm. Anglers use bucktails tipped with squid or minnows for flounder and green crab rigs for tog. Runs are short, often under 20 minutes, with more stable weather arriving late in the season.
Summer (June–August)
Inshore, flounder, sea bass, bluefish, and croaker keep rods bent. Offshore runs target tuna, mahi, and white marlin, often trolling spreads of ballyhoo and lures in the canyons. Nearshore wrecks hold sea bass and triggerfish. Morning trips beat the heat and boat traffic, while night shark trips offer a cooler, exciting option.
Fall (September–November)
The striped bass bite ramps up, with fish feeding aggressively in the inlet and along the beaches. Flounder linger into early fall before moving offshore. Offshore fishing can still produce tuna and mahi early in the season, while sea bass and tautog take over on wrecks later. Casting plugs and soft plastics around jetty rocks is productive for stripers and blues.
Winter (December–February)
Cold weather fishing is all about tautog and sea bass. Captains run to wrecks and reef sites, anchoring and dropping green crab or clam baits. Trips depend heavily on weather windows, with some days blown out entirely. The bays are quiet, but a few local anglers still work for schoolie stripers when conditions allow.
Gamefish in Berlin
- Summer Flounder – 14–24 inches. Found in bays and channels spring through fall; best on squid-minnow rigs while drifting.
- Striped Bass – 20–40 inches. Caught spring and fall near inlet rocks and bridges using jigs or live eels.
- Bluefish – 2–10 pounds. Hit hard in summer around inlet rips and nearshore shoals on metal lures or trolled spoons.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–80 pounds. Offshore summer target, trolled or chunked in the canyons.
- White Marlin – 50–100 pounds. Late summer offshore draw, taken on trolled ballyhoo spreads.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 pounds. Found on wrecks year-round, best in spring and fall.
- Tautog – 3–10 pounds. Inshore wreck and rock specialist, peak in spring and winter.
Berlin Fishing FAQs
What’s the closest launch for Berlin fishing charters?
Most Berlin charters launch from Ocean City Commercial Harbor or bayside public ramps, giving quick access to the inlet and offshore waters.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day inshore trips run four to five hours, while full-day offshore runs can last ten to twelve hours depending on distance and target species.
Do charters provide fishing gear?
Yes, most captains supply all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, along with ice for your catch. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if preferred.
Is a fishing license required?
When fishing with a licensed charter, you’re covered under the boat’s permit. Shore or private boat anglers must purchase a Maryland fishing license.
When’s the best time to fish offshore from Berlin?
Late June through September is prime for tuna, mahi, and marlin, with the warm Gulf Stream pushing close enough for canyon runs.
What species can families expect in summer?
Primarily king salmon and rockfish. Halibut are closed in Flounder, sea bass, and croaker are common inshore, offering steady action for kids and beginners. Some families opt for short shark trips for added excitement. but otherwise available much of the year.
What techniques are most common here?
Inshore fishing relies on drifting bait rigs, jigging, and casting lures. Offshore trips focus on trolling, chunking, and sometimes kite fishing for pelagics.
How big are the groups on a typical charter?
Small-boat inshore trips usually take four to six passengers, while larger offshore boats can carry up to six or more depending on the vessel.
Are there night fishing options?
Homer excels in halibut and bottom fishing, with quicker access to deep water. Yes, some captains offer evening or overnight trips targeting sharks in summer or striped bass in fall when conditions are right.Seward offers great salmon runs and scenic glacier trips.