Ocean City, MD – Unsettled surf conditions and strong northerly winds are anticipated to challenge anglers this week, but opportunities remain for diverse catches along the maryland coast, from sheepshead at the inlet to yellowfin tuna in the Hudson Canyon.
Maryland anglers are navigating changing conditions as large red drum migrate through the area, the black sea bass season prepares to reopen, and offshore fleets continue to find success. The latest Maryland Fishing Report, compiled by Keith Lockwood of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, details these opportunities and cautions for the week of October 8.
Surf fishing will be difficult due to the anticipated winds, but heavier sinkers and cut mullet are recommended for those targeting the migrating red drum. Rough wave action at the inlet requires caution for sheepshead anglers fishing the jetty rocks, while striped bass and bluefish are being caught with soft plastic jigs or cut bait. Flounder remain available in the inlet and channels,though cloudy water presents a challenge.
The black sea bass season reopens October 10,and boats are expected to head to wreck and reef sites. Prior to the closure, inshore wrecks and reefs yielded large flounder.Offshore, the largest sportfishing boats are making 150-mile runs to the Hudson Canyon, returning with limit catches of yellowfin tuna, alongside bigeye tuna, longfin albacore, and dolphin. Closer to shore,yellowfin tuna and dolphin are being caught,with white marlin releases reported. Deep-drop anglers are finding blueline and golden tilefish.
William Sonneman recently caught a sheepshead, as pictured in the report.
Anglers are encouraged to participate in DNR’s Volunteer angler Surveys to contribute valuable data to fisheries monitoring and management.
“The fisherman fishes. It is indeed at once an act of humility and a small rebellion. And it is something more. To him his fishing is an island in a world of dream and shadow.” – Robert Traver, 1960.
This report is written and compiled by Keith Lockwood, fisheries biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Click Before You Cast is written by Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Director Tom Parham.
