Atlantic Ocean (MD)

If you want to fish in a saltwater haven where each day the sunrise is breathtaking and the fish so plentiful that they jump into your boat, you should bring your favorite rod to Ocean City, Maryland - the White Marlin Capital of the World, and see what you can reel in.

The Gulf Stream is a short distance offshore and easily reached by boat to work the waters that are teeming with tasty fish including bigeye, yellow fin tuna, mako and dolphin, plus trophy fish such as blue marlin, white marlin and an occasional sailfish. The larger fish feed in and around the canyons of the Gulf Stream and haunt the relics of sunken ships and artificial reefs seeking a snack of smaller fish.

Headboats and chartered craft go out every day as early as 5:00 a.m. in search of mako shark, wahoo, tuna, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and trophy billfish and return in the early afternoon with flags billowing from the rigging, announcing their catch of the day. Smaller charter fishing boats take bookings well in advance so it is important to call and reserve a boat to avoid disappointment. Headboats for the most part, operate on a first come, first served basis but you can call and make a reservation, just to be sure.

Great catches have also been pulled from the piers and other fishing areas throughout Ocean City, including the Route 50 Bridge. Surf fishing off both Assateague and Ocean City beaches yield fine catches of bluefish, sea trout, kingfish and more. And the good news is you don't have to have a license to fish in thesaltwater bays and inlets in and around Ocean City or in the ocean.

If you have your own boat with you, several public boat ramps provide access to area waters.

Whether you are casting a line for dinner or fishing for that tail-dancing billfish, you'll find the waters in and around Ocean City filled with action. Ocean City is world-famous for deep sea fishing, sailing, pleasure boating, bottom fishing in the bay, recreational fishing and an endless array of other watersports.

The larger fish feed in and around the canyons of the Gulf Stream and haunt the relics of sunken ships and artificial reefs seeking a snack of smaller fish. Fish ledges!!! Piers, pilings.