OCEAN CITY MARYLAND INSHORE PRIVATE GUIDES – BAY FISHING

For a more personal fishing experience, Ocean City Maryland Inshore Private Guides offer fully guided bay fishing charters for smaller groups. Whether you’re a family looking to catch your first flounder or an experienced angler targeting rockfish, tautog, or red drum, these private bay guides deliver one of the best fishing experiences Ocean City has to offer.

WHAT IS INSHORE BAY FISHING?

Inshore private guides focus on fishing the calm waters of the bays, tidal rivers, back creeks, and sometimes nearshore wrecks. These boats are smaller, more maneuverable, and able to reach shallow areas that larger vessels cannot. Inshore bay fishing is perfect for:

  • Flounder
  • Rockfish (Striped Bass)
  • Tautog
  • Sea Bass
  • Red Drum & Black Drum
  • Trout & Bluefish
  • Seasonal clamming & crabbing

PRIVATE BAY GUIDE BOAT DETAILS

  • Typical boat size: 18′ to 25′
  • Capacity: 4 to 6 anglers maximum
  • Fully licensed captains with extensive local knowledge
  • Fishing licenses, bait, rods, and tackle included
  • Flexible trip durations and custom experiences

COMBINE CRABBING, CLAMMING, AND FISHING

Many inshore private guides also offer complete Eastern Shore experiences, allowing guests to split their trip between fishing, crabbing, and clamming. Fill your table with fresh seafood, enjoy calm water cruising, and experience a day on the bay like a true local.

POPULAR INSHORE PRIVATE GUIDE CAPTAINS IN OCEAN CITY

Captain Boats Specialty Season Notes
Captain Nick Clemente Get Sum & Ivy Sea Flounder, Rockfish, Tautog, Clamming, Crabbing Spring to Fall Family friendly, full Eastern Shore experience
Captain Brian Behe Buffalo Hunter Full coastline inshore runs & nearshore fishing Year-round Wider range of travel up & down MD/VA coast
Various Guides Smaller inshore skiffs Flounder, Sea Bass, Light Tackle Spring, Summer, Fall Great for families & casual anglers

OCEAN CITY FLOUNDER CHARTERS

Flounder is one of the main targets on these inshore charters, especially from late spring through October. The biggest flounder tend to be caught early and late in the season, but action remains steady all summer long. Most flounder are caught by drifting bait across the bay floor, but anglers also pick them up casting near bridges and structure—or even occasionally pulling one up in a crab trap!

Flounder is one of the tastiest fish caught locally, offering light, flaky filets that are perfect grilled, fried, or broiled. Regulations on size and daily limits change annually, and your captain will always keep you informed of current rules while guiding you to the most productive spots.

CATCHING ROCKFISH (STRIPED BASS) IN THE BAYS

Rockfish—locally known as stripers—are a year-round target in Ocean City. Fall and winter produce some of the largest migratory fish, but rockfish are caught nearly year-round in the bays, bridges, and inlet rocks. Early mornings around the Route 50 Bridge and inlet rocks are prime locations.

Techniques include drifting live bait, casting soft plastics or bucktails, and trolling light gear. Ocean City’s bay guides specialize in adapting to the conditions to put you on fish consistently.

BOOKING BAY FISHING CHARTERS IN OCEAN CITY

Pricing varies depending on the guide, trip length, and season. Some key tips include:

  • Private trips allow full customization of your day
  • Most charters run 3-6 hours depending on activity
  • Split trips (fishing + crabbing/clamming) are very popular
  • Book early for prime dates, especially spring & fall weekends
  • Gear, licenses, bait, and instruction are typically included

WHY CHOOSE AN OCEAN CITY BAY GUIDE?

Ocean City Maryland Inshore Private Guides provide a relaxed, hands-on experience perfect for both novice and experienced anglers. These smaller boats allow access to shallow waters that bigger vessels can’t reach, making them ideal for targeting species that stay close to shore. Whether you want to target flounder, chase rockfish, drop a crab pot, or rake some clams, these charters offer a complete day on the water with personal attention from your captain.

For other fishing options, don’t forget Ocean City also offers head boats, pontoon rentals, and small fishing boat rentals to fit every type of angler.