Captain Dave's Weekly Ocean City Fishing Report

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May 15, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report
Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: 59°F
Best Bite: Back bay flounder & offshore sea bass
Other Opportunities: Tautog at the jetties and bridges & rockfish on the North Jetty
What’s Next: More keeper flounder showing throughout the area
Outlook: Multiple fisheries producing excellent spring action

Water temperatures around Ocean City have climbed to 59 degrees, and fishing opportunities continue to expand across the back bays, inlet, and offshore wrecks.

Flounder Bite Still Going Strong
Flounder continue to provide a good bite throughout the back bays of Ocean City. Anglers are finding fish spread across a variety of areas, with more keeper-sized flounder continuing to show up as water temperatures rise.

This spring has produced a very consistent early-season flounder bite, and conditions still look excellent moving forward.

Tautog Around Structure
Tautog are still being caught around the jetties and bridge structure, giving smaller boat anglers and shore fishermen good opportunities close to the inlet. Fishing crabs tight to the rocks and pilings continues to produce action.

Rockfish on the North Jetty
Striped bass action continues around the North Jetty, especially during moving tides. Anglers working soft plastics and bucktails around the rocks are finding steady catch-and-release action.

Sea Bass Season Off to a Strong Start
The offshore wrecks are producing good catches of black sea bass, and anglers are also finding some nice keeper flounder mixed in while fishing the wrecks.

With calmer weather and warming water temperatures, offshore fishing opportunities should only continue improving from here.

Captain Dave’s Outlook
We’re reaching that point in the season where anglers have a lot of options. Flounder are active throughout the back bays, sea bass season is off to a great start offshore, and there’s still plenty of action around the inlet and jetties.

If water temperatures continue rising, the fishing around Ocean City should remain excellent heading into late May.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

May 8, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report
Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: 57°F
Best Bite: Back bay flounder behind Assateague Island
Other Opportunities: Black drum in the surf & rockfish at the jetties
What’s Next: More keeper flounder showing up in the bays
Outlook: Excellent spring fishing continues around Ocean City

Water temperatures around Ocean City have climbed to 57 degrees, and the spring fishing action continues to improve across the area.

Flounder Bite Staying Strong
The flounder bite is still pretty hot, especially in the waters behind Assateague Island. Anglers are finding good action in the back bays, with more quality fish starting to mix in as water temperatures continue rising.

This has been one of the better early-season flounder bites we’ve seen in recent years, and conditions continue to look very promising moving forward.

Black Drum Surf Bite Continues
Surf fishing remains very good right now for black drum, especially along Assateague Island. Anglers fishing fresh clam and sand flea baits are finding solid action when conditions line up.

Rockfish at the Jetties
Striped bass are also being caught along the Ocean City jetties, giving anglers another good option for spring action. Working jigs and soft plastics around the rocks has been producing fish, especially during moving water.

Captain Dave’s Outlook
Fishing around Ocean City is in a great place right now. Flounder action remains strong in the back bays, black drum are active in the surf, and rockfish continue showing up around structure.

As we move deeper into May, expect more keeper flounder and even more consistent action across all fisheries.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

May 1, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report
Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: 55°F 

Best Bite: Back bay flounder
Other Opportunities: Tautog offshore, surf fishing for rockfish & black drum
What’s Next: Bigger doormat flounder moving into the bays

Outlook: Spring fishing is firing on all cylinders

Water temperatures around Ocean City have climbed to 55 degrees, and the fishing action is really starting to heat up across the area. Multiple fisheries are producing right now, giving anglers plenty of options whether fishing the back bays, offshore wrecks, or the surf.

Flounder Bite Still Going Strong
The flounder bite in the back bays of Ocean City is still hot, with anglers finding consistent action and more quality fish starting to show up.

We had our first charter of the season this week and managed to put 5 keeper flounder in the box. We also lost what may have been one of the biggest flounder I’ve ever seen hooked in the back bay—a true doormat that unfortunately won the battle right at the boat. (I know... sounds like a fish story, right? LOL)

That’s a sure sign that bigger fish are starting to move into the area.

Tautog Bite Remains Excellent
Tautog fishing continues to be very good at the offshore wrecks and reef sites. Anglers making the run offshore are still finding quality fish and steady action when weather conditions allow. We are also catching tog in the back bay as well.

Surf Fishing Turns On
Surf fishing for both striped bass and black drum has really turned on this week. Anglers fishing Assateague Island and the Ocean City beaches are starting to see more consistent action as migrating fish continue pushing into the area.

Sea Bass Season Starts Today!

On Thursday, April 30, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued an interim final rule that aligns federal and state fishing rules, allowing the season to open as planned on Friday across both state and federal waters.

While NOAA’s updated regulations were pending, we were facing two different sets of regulations depending on where we fished. Guidance from Maryland and Delaware had the season opening May 1 in state waters, but not until May 15 in federal waters. Catch limits and size requirements also differed significantly, with state waters allowing anglers to keep up to 15 fish at a minimum size of 12.5 inches, while federal waters were capped at five fish with a 15-inch minimum. Let's see how that bite turns out this week!

Captain Dave’s Outlook
This is the kind of week we wait all winter for. Water temperatures are climbing, the flounder bite is strong, tog fishing remains solid, and the surf is coming alive with rockfish and black drum.

If conditions continue like this, May should produce some outstanding fishing around Ocean City.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

April 24, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report
Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: Low 50s
Best Bite: Back bay flounder (It's really a toss up!)
Other Opportunities: Rockfish at the bridges & black drum in the surf
What’s Next: Bigger flounder (doormats) moving in

Outlook: Excellent spring fishing conditions

Water temperatures around Ocean City are holding steady in the low 50s, and the spring bite is in full swing across multiple fisheries.

Flounder Bite Remains Strong
Flounder fishing in the back bays of Ocean City has been very good and consistent this week. Anglers are finding steady action, and the bite continues to improve as water temperatures stay in that ideal early-season range.

This is a great time to get out and target flounder, with the potential for larger fish starting to show up.

Rockfish Still Hot at the Bridges
Striped bass (rockfish) action around the Route 90 Bridge and Verrazzano Bridge is still pretty hot. Anglers fishing structure are continuing to find good numbers of fish, making for exciting catch-and-release opportunities.

Black Drum Showing Up in the Surf
Surf fishing for black drum just got hot this week, especially along Assateague Island. This is a classic spring pattern, and we should continue to see strong surf action as more fish move into the area.

Captain Dave’s Outlook
Everything is lining up for a great start to the season. With flounder fishing strong, rockfish active, and black drum showing up in the surf, there’s no shortage of opportunities right now.

Our first charter is next Friday, May 1, and we’re excited to get back on the water and start chasing some big doormat flounder.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here:

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

April 17, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report
Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: Rising (low 50s)
Best Bite: Back bay flounder
Other Opportunities: Rockfish at Route 90 & Verrazzano Bridge
What’s Next: More keeper flounder as bite improves
Outlook: Strong spring bite developing

Water temperatures around Ocean City have continued to rise this week, pushing into the low 50s and really starting to wake things up across the board.

Flounder Bite Is Heating Up
The flounder fishing in the back bays of Ocean City is really good right now. These fish are active and feeding aggressively, and anglers are starting to see consistent action.

This is one of those early-season windows where flounder are very hungry, making it a great time to get out on the water. As temperatures continue to climb, we should start seeing more keeper-sized fish in the mix as well. Be sure to fish around the Verrazzano Bridge, Stinky Beach, and the Thoroughfare for consistent action.

Rockfish Still Around the Bridges
Striped bass (rockfish) are still being caught around the Route 90 Bridge and Verrazzano Bridge piers. While many of the fish are still under the minimum size, they’re providing steady action for anglers targeting structure.

Captain Dave’s Outlook
We’re officially into the spring bite. With water temperatures rising and flounder feeding aggressively, this is one of the best times of the year to get out on the water. Expect the action to continue improving, with more consistent catches and better-quality fish showing up as we move deeper into the season.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here:

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

April 10, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report
Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: 50°F
Best Bite: Back bay flounder improving
Other Opportunities: Rockfish at Route 90 & Verrazano Bridge
What’s Next: More keeper rockfish as temps rise

Outlook: Steady improvement across all fisheries

Water temperatures around Ocean City have reached 50 degrees this week, and that milestone is starting to bring more consistent fishing action across the board.

Rockfish Action at the Bridges
Striped bass (rockfish) are being caught around the Verrazano Bridge piers and Route 90 Bridge, providing steady action for anglers fishing structure.

Most of the fish being caught right now are under the 28-inch minimum size, but the action is there and improving as more fish continue moving into the area.

Flounder Bite Getting Consistent
The flounder bite in the back bays of Ocean City is becoming more consistent this week. Anglers are starting to see regular catches, which is a great sign as we move deeper into spring.

As water temperatures continue to rise, this bite should only get better, with more fish showing up and the potential for keeper flounder increasing in the coming weeks.

Captain Dave’s Outlook
We’ve officially hit that early spring turning point. With water temperatures reaching 50 degrees, we’re seeing more consistent action for both rockfish and flounder.

Expect things to continue improving week by week as more fish move into the area and the spring bite builds momentum.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

April 3, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report

Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: 49°F
Best Bite: Offshore tautog
Other Opportunities: Striped bass at Route 90 Bridge & surf action starting
What’s Next: Flounder bite beginning in the back bay
Outlook: Fishing heating up quickly with rising water temps

Water temperatures around the Ocean City Inlet have jumped up to 49 degrees this week, and that increase is really starting to show in the fishing. Spring has officially arrived, and things are beginning to change fast.

First Black Drum & Surf Activity Starting
The first black drum of the season was caught this week surf fishing on Assateague Island. This is a big seasonal marker, and we should start to see more surf anglers showing up along the beaches.

Even more importantly—the big migrating striped bass won’t be far behind.

The Back Bay Flounder Bite Has Started

It’s official—the first flounder of the season was caught this week in the back bays of Ocean City. That means the flounder bite has officially begun, and we should see more fish caught in the coming days as water temperatures continue to rise.

Striped Bass Action Improving
Striped bass are providing exciting catch-and-release action right now around the Route 90 Bridge, and there should also be some action starting around the Verrazzano Bridge piers.

Just a reminder for anglers:
The current slot size is 28–31 inches.

Tautog Still Going Strong (For Now)
Tautog fishing remains excellent at the offshore wrecks and reef sites, continuing to be one of the most consistent bites available.

As water temperatures continue to warm throughout the month, we’ll start to see tautog moving into the Ocean City Inlet, creating more opportunities for anglers fishing from smaller boats.

Sea Bass Season Reminder
Don’t forget—black sea bass season opens May 1 this year instead of May 15. However, I say this with concern and the reason is. The word on the street from some very trustworthy resources is that the season has changed and it will start on May 1st. HOWEVER, on the MD DNR Fisheries website, it still says May 15th. So let's keep an eye on that one!

Captain Dave’s Outlook
Things are changing fast right now. With water temperatures pushing into the 50's, we’re seeing the start of multiple fisheries at once—flounder in the back bays, striped bass heating up, and surf action beginning.

This is one of the most exciting times of the year in Ocean City, and it’s only going to get better from here.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

March 27, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report
Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: 43°F
Best Bite: Offshore tautog
Other Opportunities: Rockfish at Route 90 Bridge
What’s Next: First back bay flounder any day now
Outlook: Fishing improving with rising water temps

Water temperatures around Ocean City are continuing to rise this week, now sitting around 43 degrees. As we move further into spring, fishing conditions are steadily improving and we’re getting closer to more consistent inshore action.

Offshore Tautog Fishing Continues
Tautog are still being caught out in the ocean at the wrecks and reef sites, with a fair portion of fish measuring over the 16-inch minimum. This continues to be the most reliable bite in the area right now, especially when weather allows boats to get offshore.

Rockfish Moving to Route 90 Bridge
We’re starting to see more striped bass (rockfish) activity shifting toward the Route 90 Bridge. This is a good sign as water temperatures rise, and we should continue to see this bite improve in the coming weeks.

Sea Bass Season Update
There’s a big update this week—black sea bass season will now open on May 1 instead of May 15. This gives anglers an earlier opportunity to target sea bass, and we already have a number of openings available due to the change.

First Flounder Any Day Now
We’re still on track to see the first back bay flounder caught any day now. With water temperatures climbing, it’s only a matter of time before that first fish hits the deck here in Ocean City.

Captain Dave’s Outlook
Everything is continuing to trend in the right direction. As water temperatures rise, we’ll see more consistent rockfish action and the start of the flounder bite in the back bays.

Spring fishing is just getting going—and it’s about to heat up quickly.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

March 20, 2026 – Captain Dave’s Weekly Report

Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: 41°F  

Best Bite: Offshore tautog  

Other Opportunities: Rockfish at Route 50 Bridge  

What’s Next: First back bay flounder any day now  

Outlook: Fishing improving with rising water temps

Water temperatures around Ocean City are starting to inch upward this week, with readings now around 41 degrees. It’s still early in the season, but as we always say—fishing will continue to improve as those water temps rise.

The most consistent inshore action right now has been for striped bass (rockfish) around the Route 50 Bridge. Anglers fishing the bridge structure are finding a steady bite, especially when working jigs and soft plastics along the pilings and current.

As conditions continue to improve, we should also start to see more fish showing up around the Route 90 Bridge in the coming weeks.

If you're looking for the most reliable action right now, tautog fishing offshore is still the way to go.

The wrecks and reef sites continue to produce solid catches, with anglers reporting good numbers of quality fish. As long as the weather allows boats to get offshore, this bite should remain steady.

Here’s a sign that spring is knocking on the door—the first flounder of the season has already been caught down in Chincoteague.

That means it’s only a matter of time before we see the first back bay flounder caught here in Ocean City. I’d expect that to happen within the next week or so if water temperatures continue trending upward.

And remember…
📸 If you catch the first flounder in Ocean City—you better take a picture for proof!

Everything is trending in the right direction. As water temperatures continue to rise, we’ll see more consistent inshore action for rockfish and the start of the back bay flounder bite.

Spring fishing in Ocean City is just getting started—and it’s about to get good.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter by clicking here!

Weekly Fishing Snapshot

Water Temperature: ~40°F

Best Bite: Offshore tautog

Other Opportunities: Striped bass around the inlet

Outlook: Fishing should steadily improve as water temperatures rise.

As we head into mid-March, the waters around Ocean City, MD are still holding onto winter. Inshore ocean temperatures are barely reaching 40 degrees, which keeps most of the early-season fishing activity pretty limited.

That said, there are still a few opportunities for anglers willing to bundle up and put in the time, especially for those looking for fishing trips in Ocean City, MD.

Striped Bass Around the Inlet

A handful of anglers have already started working the Ocean City Inlet and nearby bridge structures targeting striped bass. Most are throwing bucktails and soft plastic jigs, slowly working them along the rocks and current seams.

The bite isn’t wide open yet, but anglers putting in the effort will likely pick up a few early-season stripers. As water temperatures start creeping up over the next few weeks, this bite should gradually improve, making it a great time for those interested in Ocean City fishing charters.

Offshore Tautog Bite Is Strong

Right now, the most consistent fishing action is happening offshore at the wreck and reef sites. Party boats heading out to the deeper structure are reporting very good tautog catches, with plenty of quality fish coming over the rails. Some of these fish are pushing into the double-digit weight class, which always gets anglers excited.

Tautog are one of the toughest fighting bottom fish we have in our area, and they’re also some of the best eating fish you’ll find.

Current Tautog Regulations

If you're planning to target tautog, remember the current Maryland regulations:

Creel limit: 4 fish per angler

Minimum size: 16 inches

Season: Open through May 15

Always double-check Maryland DNR regulations before heading out, as limits and seasons can change.

As water temperatures continue to rise, we’ll see more consistent inshore action for rockfish and the start of the back bay flounder bite. We didn't gain as much warmth as I had hoped and next week we might get lucky to go about 1-2 degrees but with the cooler night time temps and the winds, it's going to be tough. Let's just hope for some more bright sun shiny days!

Looking Ahead

Spring fishing will begin to pick up as soon as water temperatures start climbing. Over the next several weeks, we should see more consistent action around the inlet and nearshore waters as the early spring bite develops. For those planning a family trip to Ocean City this summer, now is a great time to get your fishing trip on the calendar with an Ocean City guide service.

Book your Ocean City fishing charter: https://ocmdfishing.com and view our trips here!