Night Surf Fishing in Ocean City, Maryland: Rules, Spots, and Tips

Ocean City, Maryland permits surf fishing 24/7, making it a prime destination for nocturnal anglers targeting striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and more. Understanding regulations and prime locations maximizes success and compliance.

Legal Framework

• License: Maryland Saltwater Angler Registration (free online) required for 16+
• Regulations: Follow MD DNR size/bag limits (e.g., striped bass: 1 fish 28-31" or 1 fish >28" depending on season)
• Gear restrictions: No more than 2 hooks per line; circle hooks required for bait fishing striped bass
• Beach rules: No fires, glass, vehicles (except permitted), camping. Remove all trash.

Prime Night Fishing Locations

Ocean City Fishing Pier (24/7, Lighted)

• End of Wicomico St, boardwalk access
• Lights attract baitfish → predators
• Striped bass, bluefish, flounder, croaker, spot
• Fee: $10/day (ages 12+), $5/seniors; annual pass available
• Amenities: Bait shop, cleaning station, restrooms, snack bar

Northside Park (125th St)

• Beach access, parking, restrooms
• Less crowded than pier; good structure (sandbars, troughs)
• Popular for striped bass fall run (Oct-Dec)
• Free access

Assateague Island National Seashore (MD portion)

• OSV (over-sand vehicle) zone with permit—access remote beaches
• Excellent night fishing for stripers, red drum, sharks
• Permit: $70-150/year; equipment requirements (shovel, jack, boards, etc.)
• Camping available (reservations)

Inlet/Route 50 Bridge Area

• Bulkhead and jetty fishing (walk-on)
• Strong currents—heavy tackle needed
• Striped bass, tautog, bluefish, flounder
• Parking at inlet lot

Night Fishing Tactics

• Tides: Fish 2 hrs before/after high tide; moving water triggers feeding
• Moon phase: Full/new moon springs tides; many prefer 3 days around new moon
• Baits: Fresh bunker (menhaden), bloodworms, sand fleas, clam, squid, eel
• Lures: Bucktails, SP minnows, poppers, soft plastics (white/chartreuse)
• Light: Headlamp (red mode preserves night vision); pier has lights
• Safety: Buddy system, life jacket, aware of surf/slippery rocks, phone charged

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (Apr-Jun): Striped bass migration, bluefish arrival
• Summer (Jul-Sep): Flounder, kingfish, croaker, spot, sharks (night)
• Fall (Oct-Dec): Peak striped bass run (trophy size), bluefish blitzes
• Winter (Jan-Mar): Holdover stripers, tautog at inlet

Local Knowledge

Check OC Fishing Reports (Facebook, websites), MD DNR fishing report, local tackle shops (Fish in OC, Westside Bait & Tackle). Respect other anglers' space. Practice catch-and-release for oversized stripers (breeding stock).