Catch sea bass while targeting flounder in Ocean City’s bays
If you’re booking a flounder fishing trip aboard the Get Sum, don’t be surprised if a few black sea bass show up on the end of your line. These opportunistic feeders often hang out near the same structure and bottom contours that flounder love, especially around the Ocean City inlet, Route 50 bridge pilings, and underwater channel edges.
What Makes It Work
While flounder is the primary target on most bay drift trips, Get Sum Charters outfits each trip with versatile rigs and bait setups that appeal to a variety of species. Black sea bass are naturally aggressive and curious—when they see a squid strip, minnow, or jig dancing along the bottom, they don’t hesitate to strike.
When to Expect Them
During the spring, summer, and fall, sea bass frequently mix into the action while drifting in 10–25 feet of water. While many of these fish are undersized “throwbacks,” it’s not uncommon for keepers to make it into the cooler—especially in May, June, October, and November, when they’re most active.
Even though the Get Sum doesn’t specifically target sea bass on its standard flounder trips, these mixed-bag opportunities add to the fun—especially for families and new anglers who enjoy reeling in “surprise” catches throughout the day.
Great for Families and First-Time Anglers
Get Sum drift trips are family-friendly, smooth, and stable, making them ideal for kids and beginners. You don’t need any experience — the mate and captain are always ready to help, whether it’s baiting a hook, unhooking a fish, or teaching proper bottom-bouncing technique. With all gear provided, guests can just show up and fish.
Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) are a bottom-dwelling species found along the Atlantic Coast from the Gulf of Maine down to Florida. In Ocean City, Maryland, they’re especially common around natural and artificial reefs, wrecks, rock piles, and any submerged structure where baitfish gather.
Sea bass are short, stocky, and powerful fish that usually range from 12 to 18 inches but can grow larger. Their dark, bluish-black coloration, tall spiny dorsal fin, and brilliant iridescent scales make them a beautiful — and unmistakable — catch.
Black sea bass are aggressive feeders and strike a wide range of baits, including squid, clams, crabs, and jigs. They’re notorious for their hard thumping bites and pound-for-pound strength, often giving anglers a strong, vertical battle from the ocean floor. On light tackle, they’re a blast to catch.
What makes them even more fun? They’re often found in schools, meaning once you hook one, there’s a good chance more are waiting below. That’s why fishing near wrecks or reefs is so productive — and why custom wreck fishing charters aboard the Ivy Sea are a top choice for serious sea bass trips.
Black sea bass is a favorite among chefs and anglers alike for its firm, flaky, and mild-flavored white meat. It’s considered one of the best-tasting saltwater fish on the East Coast and is incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
How to Prepare It
After your charter, Get Sum Charters will clean your fish dockside — so you’ll leave with fresh fillets ready to cook. If you’d rather let someone else do the work, Micky Fins Bar & Grill, located right at the marina, may even prepare your catch for you!
IMAGE: Black sea bass. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Pro Tip:
Black sea bass freezes well, so if you catch more than you can eat right away, vacuum seal and freeze your fillets for a fresh-tasting dinner weeks later.
Want the best chance at catching both flounder and black sea bass in Ocean City, MD? Book a drift fishing charter aboard the Get Sum. While we rig for flounder, we’re always ready for a surprise bite from sea bass, trout, bluefish, or whatever else the tide brings in.
📍 Located at the Ocean City Fishing Center in West Ocean City, Get Sum Charters is convenient, family-friendly, and trusted by locals and visitors alike.
📞 Call (410) 430-5709 or request a charter online to reserve your spot and experience the best Ocean City flounder fishing this season.
Wondering what else is biting in Ocean City, Maryland? While flounder might steal the spotlight, our fishing charters regularly reel in a variety of species throughout the season. From striped bass to tautog, bluefish, crabs, and clams, there’s always something exciting tugging at the line. Explore more of what we catch → and find your next favorite fishing trip!
