Top-Rated 4-Hour Inshore Fishing | Ocean City

Ocean City's 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Trip Overview

Looking for a quick fishing fix in Ocean City? Our 4-hour inshore trip is just the ticket. From May to November, we'll get you out on Maryland's coastal waters for a focused session of angling action. Whether you're an early bird or prefer an afternoon outing, we've got you covered with flexible departure times. This trip is perfect for families or anglers who want to pack a lot of fishing into a shorter timeframe. We'll hit the nearshore hotspots where bluefish, mackerel, seabass, and flounder are biting. With room for up to 6 guests, it's an ideal way to spend half a day on the water without committing to a full-day charter.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we push off from the dock, we'll cruise to some of Ocean City's most productive inshore fishing grounds. Depending on what's running, we might start by trolling for bluefish or mackerel. These species often school up near the surface, so we'll drag lures behind the boat to entice strikes. If the bottom fishing is hot, we'll switch gears and drop lines for seabass and flounder. I'll show you how to work your bait along the seafloor to tempt these tasty bottom-dwellers. Throughout the trip, I'll be right there to help you set hooks, land fish, and hopefully snap some photos with your catch. Just remember, the fish aren't always cooperative, but that's all part of the fun!

Top Catches This Season

Ocean City's inshore waters are teeming with a variety of gamefish, and our 4-hour trips give you a shot at some of the best. We'll tailor our approach based on what's biting, but here's a rundown of what you might hook into:

Bluefish: These toothy predators are known for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature. We often troll for them using spoons or plugs.

Mackerel: Fast and feisty, mackerel are a blast on light tackle. They often show up in big schools, so when we find them, the action can be non-stop.

Seabass: These structure-loving fish are prized for their flaky white meat. We'll drop baits near wrecks or reefs to target them.

Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. We'll drift or slow-troll with bait to coax them off the bottom.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Our day with Reel Naughty Sportfishing was incredible! Captain George Lamplugh's knowledge of the best fishing spots made our trip unforgettable. We caught several big fish and enjoyed every moment on the water. Highly recommend!" - Michael

"Captain George was a fantastic guide! He knew all the best spots and helped us catch some impressive fish. The boat was comfortable and the trip was well worth it. A great day out on the water!" - Yushin

Species You'll Want to Hook

Summer Flounder: These flatfish are the chameleons of the sea, able to change their coloration to match the bottom. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up passing prey. In Ocean City, we typically catch them from May through September, with the biggest fish often showing up in August. Flounder are prized for their delicate, white flesh, making them a favorite target for many anglers. When you hook one, be ready for a unique fight as they use their flat body to resist being reeled in.

Atlantic Mackerel: These streamlined speedsters are a blast to catch on light tackle. They typically show up in our waters in the spring and fall, often in large schools. Mackerel are known for their oily, nutrient-rich flesh, which makes them excellent eating when fresh. They're also a favorite bait for larger gamefish. When a school of mackerel moves in, the action can be fast and furious, with multiple hookups at once not uncommon.

Sea Bass: Black sea bass are structure-loving fish that hang around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom areas. They're available year-round in Ocean City, but the biggest specimens are usually caught in the cooler months. Sea bass are strong fighters for their size and are highly sought after for their firm, white meat. When you're reeling one up, keep steady pressure to prevent them from diving back into their rocky lairs.

Bluefish: These aggressive predators are the bullies of the inshore waters. They're known for their powerful runs and sharp teeth, which can make short work of lighter fishing lines. Bluefish typically show up in Ocean City waters from spring through fall, with the biggest "choppers" often caught in the late summer. They're fun to catch and put up a great fight, often leaping clear of the water when hooked. While some anglers find them too oily for eating, others swear by smoked bluefish as a delicacy.

Time to Book Your Spot

Our 4-hour inshore trips out of Ocean City are the perfect way to squeeze in some quality fishing without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids out for their first fishing adventure, these trips offer a great mix of action and accessibility. Remember, while we can't guarantee the fish will always cooperate, we can promise a fun, safe day on the water with plenty of opportunities to wet a line. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online to reserve your spot on one of Ocean City's top-rated fishing charters. We'll take care of the gear and the know-how – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two. See you on the water!