So you are looking to fish in Ocean City, but are wondering about needing a fishing license? This will help you out because there are free fishing area and areas a license is required.
FREE FISHING AREAS– Ocean City Maryland has a few free fishing areas. The first is 125th Street park– you can fish in the park and on the town owned pier in the back. The water is very shallow, generally the fish you can expect to catch here are spot and croaker. You may be able to get a clear nose skate too. The other area is the bulkhead along 2nd Street to 4th Street. This spot can get busy during the summer season, but you can expect to catch tautog, flounder, sheepshead, trigger, puffers, bluefish, dogfish sharks and stripers.
Paid Areas With No License Required– There are 2 location that dont require a license, however an entrance fee IS required. The Oceanic Pier is one location. Here is their website for more info. At this spot you can expect to catch tautog, flounder, sheepshead, trigger, puffers, redfish, black drum, bluefish, stripers, dogfish sharks and sting rays. Another paid area is the OC Fishing Pier. This is the iconic pier that extends out into the ocean. More info can be found here. Their website isn’t always up to date but the info is a good guideline to follow. You can expect to catch stripers, bluefish, croaker, sand perch, sea trout, ling cod,
kingfish, spot, cobia, flounder and sting rays.
License Required Areas– Ocean City has plenty of places to fish, but all other areas require a license. This also includes the beach, and remember, you can’t fish while the lifeguards are on duty. You can only fish before and after they leave. Areas like behind the Cambria Hotel, the Route 50 bridge, along the inlet sea wall…these all require a license.
Where Can I Buy A License? Buying a license is easy and affordable. You can create an account and buy online directly from Maryland Department Of Natural Resources (DNR). Here is the link to their website. You can also buy one at Walmart on Route 50 and local tackle shops. If your looking to buy a license and gear from a tackle shop, I recommend All Tackle or Atlantic Tackle
Plan To Keep Your Catch? It’s always enjoyable catching your dinner, just make sure your fish are within regulations. As a reminder, we ARE NOT part of the Chesapeake Bay. They have different regulations than us. We are part of the Atlantic Coast. Here is a link to the regulations for Ocean City. Don’t forget, if you are looking for rigs, check out my shop to buy the rigs I use while fishing in Ocean City.
