Rockfish (Striped Bass) Fishing in Ocean City, Maryland
Experience Maryland’s State Fish with Get Sum Charters
Rockfish, also known as striped bass or stripers, are not just any fish—they’re Maryland’s official state fish and a prized catch for anglers along the Atlantic coast. In Ocean City, these hard-fighting fish offer thrilling action nearly year-round, making them a top target for both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.
At Get Sum Charters, we specialize in delivering unforgettable rockfish experiences, whether you’re casting lines from the Get Sum or embarking on a custom adventure aboard the Ivy Sea.
Prime Seasons for Rockfish in Ocean City
Rockfish are a migratory species, and their presence in Ocean City varies throughout the year:
Spring (May): As water temperatures rise to around 50°F, stripers begin their northward migration. This period offers excellent opportunities, especially around structures like the Route 50 Bridge.
Summer: Our local rocks are still around, every season is different but many of these fish love to call OCMD home!
Fall (October–December): The fall migration brings larger fish closer to shore. Cooler waters and abundant bait make this a peak time for trophy-sized catches.
Winter (January–February): Yup, they are still here! Large striper in bothe the Ocean, Inlet and bay areas. Custom striped bass fishing trips are avalible all year long!
Fishing with Get Sum Charters and the Ivy Sea
Our fleet offers versatile options to target rockfish effectively:
Get Sum: Ideal for inshore fishing, this vessel excels when conditions are right, especially during tidal movements that bring stripers into the bays and near bridges.
Ivy Sea: A custom 25′ center console designed for agility and speed, perfect for reaching productive spots quickly and efficiently.
Captain Nick Clemente brings decades of experience, ensuring each trip is tailored to current conditions and your fishing preferences.
Techniques for Targeting Rockfish
We employ a variety of proven methods to maximize your chances of landing rockfish:
- Casting
Casting lures near structures like bridges, jetties, and drop-offs is highly effective, especially during low-light conditions when stripers are actively feeding. - Drifting with Live Eels or live Spot
Live eels are a time-tested bait for enticing larger stripers. Drifting eels over submerged structures during nighttime or low-light periods can yield impressive results.Live spot are like ROCKFISH. CANDY, when they are available, the fish can not resist! - Trolling
Trolling allows us to cover more water and locate schools of stripers. We use a combination of lures to match the prevailing conditions and fish behavior.
Top Rockfish Hotspots in Ocean City
Ocean City offers numerous productive areas for targeting rockfish:
- Route 50 Bridge: Known for holding stripers, especially during tidal changes.
- Ocean City Inlet: A prime location where bay and ocean waters converge, attracting baitfish and predators alike.
- Assateague Island: The surf and nearby channels can be productive, particularly during migrations.
- Nearshore: Areas right off the beach are productive in the colder months. Anglers will normally troll or jig.
What Does Rockfish Taste Like?
A Delicious Bonus to a Great Day on the Water
After an exciting day chasing rockfish (striped bass) in Ocean City, Maryland, the reward doesn’t end at the dock. Rockfish are one of the best-tasting fish in local waters — a favorite of chefs, home cooks, and seafood lovers alike.
Rockfish fillets are:
- Mild and slightly sweet
- White, flaky, and moist
- Low in oil but rich in flavor
- Extremely versatile for cooking
This makes them a crowd-pleaser, even for people who say they “don’t usually like fish.”. At the end of your charter, Captain Nick will clean and fillet your catch, so it’s ready for your cooler — or for cooking that same night.
BOOK A ROCKFISH CHARTER IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Custom Trips Aboard the Ivy Sea – or Tide-Driven Opportunities on the Get Sum
If you’re ready to hook into one of Maryland’s most iconic fish, now is the time to book your rockfish (striped bass) fishing trip with Get Sum Charters.
For anglers who want to chase stripers hard and hit multiple productive spots, we offer custom rockfish charters aboard the Ivy Sea. This 26′ high-performance Pathfinder is fast, maneuverable, and perfect for casting trips near the bridges, jetties, and inlet. These custom charters allow us to adjust to tides, bait patterns, and fish activity in real time — giving you the best shot at landing quality fish.
For guests aboard the Get Sum, rockfish are often caught when the conditions line up just right — especially during early morning or late afternoon tide changes in the spring and fall. While the Get Sum isn’t booked exclusively for rockfish, it offers plenty of opportunities to hook into stripers while targeting other species in the bay and inlet.
What to Expect:
- Custom targeting of rockfish aboard the Ivy Sea with casting, live bait drifting, or trolling
- Seasonal opportunities aboard the Get Sum during ideal tides and conditions
- All bait, gear, and tackle included
- Fish cleaned and bagged at the dock by Captain Nick
- Flexible scheduling and trip lengths based on your goals
WHAT WE CATCH
While rockfish might be the Maryland prize, they’re far from the only action in Ocean City’s waters. Our charters regularly reel in flounder, bluefish, tautog, speckled trout, black drum, spot, and even the occasional shark or skate. Every trip is a chance to hook into something exciting.
