Maryland · Ocean Coast
FLUKE FISHING
IN OCEAN CITY
Ocean City is an excellent destination for fluke fishing, with peak season in July, August and good catches in May, June, September. Book a charter and target fluke with local experts.
About Fluke Fishing in Ocean City
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger size and left-facing orientation, fluke are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure.
Fluke — properly called Summer Flounder — are the premier flatfish of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Distinguished from Gulf/Southern Flounder by their larger size, left-facing orientation (both eyes on the left side), and distinct spot patterns with 5 large ocelli (eye spots) on the upper body. Fluke are ambush predators that lie buried in sand with only their eyes exposed, launching upward to grab prey. Their camouflage ability is remarkable — they can change color to match the bottom within minutes. Excellent table fare with sweet, firm white flesh.
Scientific name: Paralichthys dentatus
Fluke Seasonal Calendar — Ocean City
Month-by-month availability for fluke in Ocean City, MD.
How to Catch Fluke in Ocean City
Techniques & Bait
Drifting with bucktails (white, chartreuse, or pink) tipped with a strip of squid, fluke belly, or Gulp! Swimming Mullet along sandy bottom in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. "Fluke rigs" (a sliding sinker rig with a long fluorocarbon leader and wide-gap hook) baited with a live minnow and strip bait combination is deadly. Drifting over structure transitions — where sand meets rocks, mud, or wrecks — concentrates fish. Slow your drift with a drift sock for better bottom contact.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning rod (6'6"-7 ft), 3000-4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader, bucktail jigs (1/2-2 oz depending on depth/current), wide-gap hooks (3/0-5/0).
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Ocean City
Top spots where local captains target fluke 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.
Fluke Fishing in Ocean City — FAQ
The peak months for Fluke fishing in Ocean City are July, August. During these months, Fluke are most active and abundant in the Ocean City area.
Fluke 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 with bucktails (white, chartreuse, or pink) tipped with a strip of squid, fluke belly, or Gulp! Swimming Mullet along sandy bottom in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. "Fluke rigs" (a sliding sinker rig with a long fluorocarbon leader and wide-gap hook) baited with a live minnow and strip bait combination is deadly. Drifting over structure transitions — where sand meets rocks, mud, or wrecks — concentrates fish. Slow your drift with a drift sock for better bottom contact.
No — when you book a charter in Ocean City, your captain provides all required Maryland fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Fluke 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 Fluke in Ocean City, you may also catch White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Blue Marlin. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Fluke in Ocean City?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your fluke fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes