Maryland · Ocean Coast
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN OCEAN CITY
Ocean City is a solid destination for flounder fishing, with good fishing in May, June, July, August. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in Ocean City
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey from below. Gulf flounder and Southern flounder are the primary species in southern waters, while Summer Flounder (fluke) dominates from the Carolinas northward. Both eyes migrate to the top (left) side as juveniles, creating their distinctive flat profile. The "eyed" side is brown-green with irregular spots and blotches that change to match the surrounding bottom — a remarkable camouflage ability.
Scientific name: Paralichthys albiguttata
Flounder Seasonal Calendar — Ocean City
Month-by-month availability for flounder in Ocean City, MD.
How to Catch Flounder in Ocean City
Techniques & Bait
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads or Carolina rig with 1/0-3/0 wide-gap hooks. Patience is key — flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so wait for the second thump before setting the hook.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Ocean City
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
Ocean City Inlet
Ocean City Inlet was created by a hurricane in 1933 and is now the primary passage between the Atlantic Ocean and the back bays, funneling massive tidal flows that concentrate gamefish. Flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and sheepshead hold along the inlet's rock jetties and channel edges during every tidal change. The inlet's south jetty is one of the most popular shore-fishing locations in Maryland for targeting flounder and tautog.
Isle of Wight Bay
Isle of Wight Bay lies between Ocean City and the mainland, connected to Sinepuxent Bay and the greater coastal bay system. Flounder, speckled trout, striped bass, and bluefish patrol the bay's shallow grass flats, channel edges, and around the Route 90 bridge pilings. The bay's sheltered waters and multiple access points make it the backbone of Ocean City's inshore fishing scene throughout the warm season.
Assawoman Bay
Assawoman Bay stretches north from Ocean City toward the Delaware border, offering miles of productive shallow-water fishing for flounder, striped bass, and bluefish. The bay's grass beds, sand flats, and channel drop-offs create diverse habitat that holds fish from spring through late fall. Light-tackle and fly anglers wade the bay's firm sand flats to sight-fish for flounder and striped bass cruising the shallows on incoming tides.
Sinepuxent Bay
Sinepuxent Bay lies south of Ocean City between the barrier island and Assateague Island National Seashore, providing pristine inshore fishing in undeveloped surroundings. Flounder, speckled trout, and red drum feed along the bay's grass edges and oyster bars, with the adjacent Assateague shoreline limiting development and fishing pressure. The bay's clear water and natural setting make it one of the most scenic inshore fisheries on the mid-Atlantic coast.
Other Species in Ocean City
More fish you can target while visiting Ocean City.
Flounder Fishing in Ocean City — FAQ
Flounder fishing in Ocean City is productive during May, June, July, August.
Flounder fishing charters in Ocean City are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
No — when you book a charter in Ocean City, your captain provides all required Maryland fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Flounder regulations in Maryland include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Flounder in Ocean City, you may also catch White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Fluke. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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