Ocean City is a prime place for exciting sportfishing and casual fishing recreation. From bluefish to weakfish and lots in between, the fishing action occurs year-round.

Anglers working the surf land bluefish, flounder, sea bass, tautog (blackfish), kingfish, shark and the famous striped bass (rockfish). Fishermen flock to the beach when stripers pass through by the thousands. Spring and autumn bluefish runs are equally dramatic, as the feeding reaches frenzy proportions.

In the bays and creeks, weakfish (sea trout) are a favorite, along with sea bass, “snapper” blues, croaker and flounder. West of the county, the vast Delaware Bay yields more varieties, including drumfish, sheepshead, channel catfish and more.

Just north of town, parts of the old Longport Bridge has been converted to a fishing pier. South of town the Ocean Drive/Rush Chattin Bridge was designed specially to accommodate anglers.

New Jersey’s offshore waters are world famous for spine-tingling sportfishing action. Above the ridges, canyons, wrecks and reefs, anglers take prize-winning tuna, mahi (dorado), blue and white marlin, shark, wahoo and more.

Know the rules

You do not need a license to fish the saltwater surrounding Ocean City, but fishing is subject to quotas, size limits and other regulations. While no license is required, saltwater fishers are required to complete the FREE NJ registry

Surf fishing is allowed:

• Anytime on unguarded beaches
• Anytime in Corson’s Inlet State Park on the island’s southern tip
• On guarded beaches before and after lifeguards are on duty

Ask the experts

To learn what’s running and which baits and lures are doing the trick, Ocean City’s fishing docks and tackle shops are your best resource. News travels fast around here – especially when fish stories are the topic.