SHARK ENCOUNTERS IN THE INLAND WATERWAYS OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
While Get Sum Charters does not specifically target sharks during inland fishing trips, small sharks are occasionally caught in the bays, inlet, and near bridges in Ocean City, Maryland. These unexpected catches often turn into exciting and educational moments — especially for kids who get the unique opportunity to see, and sometimes safely hold, a real shark up close.
WHERE WE SEE SHARKS INSHORE
Sharks can occasionally be caught in a variety of inland waterways around Ocean City, including:
- Isle of Wight Bay
- Assawoman Bay
- The Ocean City Inlet
Around the Route 50 and Route 90 bridges
Channels near marsh islands and deep cuts
These waters provide warm, shallow, food-rich environments where smaller species of sharks — and even juvenile larger sharks — may pass through.
COMMON INLAND SHARK SPECIES
The most frequent shark catches in these areas are dogfish sharks, including:
- Smooth Dogfish (Mustelus canis) — harmless, slender sharks often caught while bottom fishing.
- Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) — identifiable by their sharp dorsal spines and smaller size.
Dogfish are non-aggressive, educational, and offer a hands-on learning experience for young anglers and families. They’re often caught while fishing for flounder, bluefish, or sea bass, especially when using squid or cut bait.
OTHER SHARK SPECIES THAT WANDER IN
Although rare, larger sharks do sometimes venture into the bays and inlets.
- Juvenile hammerhead sharks have been reported near Assateague Island and the Ocean City Inlet during birthing season in late summer, when they move into shallower, protected waters.
- Other coastal species like sandbar sharks and Atlantic sharpnose sharks may also cruise through the back bays when conditions are right.
These sightings aren’t everyday occurrences, but when they happen, they make for unforgettable stories and photos.
A FUN AND EDUCATIONAL CATCH
Catching a small shark in the bay isn’t just a thrill — it’s also a teachable moment. Kids and curious anglers often walk away with a deeper appreciation for the diverse marine life that calls Ocean City home. Captain Nick and the crew are always happy to explain the species, talk about conservation, and help guests safely interact with the shark before it’s released.Catching a small shark in the bay isn’t just a thrill — it’s also a teachable moment. Kids and curious anglers often walk away with a deeper appreciation for the diverse marine life that calls Ocean City home. Captain Nick and the crew are always happy to explain the species, talk about conservation, and help guests safely interact with the shark before it’s released.
While sharks are not a targeted species on inland charters, they are a welcome surprise and part of what makes every trip different.
FISHING ON OCEAN CITY, MD
BOOK A FAMILY FRIENDLY FISHING TRIP TODAY
Book a family-friendly fishing trip with Get Sum Charters and enjoy the chance to reel in everything from flounder to the occasional shark — all while exploring the scenic back bays and inlets of OCMD.
📍 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.
WHAT WE CATCH IN OCEAN CITY’S BAYS, INLET & NEARSHORE WATERS
Every day on the water is different — and that’s part of the fun. From spring through fall, the inland waters around Ocean City, Maryland come alive with a wide variety of fish species. At Get Sum Charters, we fish the bays, inlet, bridges, and nearshore wrecks, giving our guests the chance to catch everything from popular sport fish to surprise bonus species.
Here’s a look at some of what we reel in:
