A Fishing Guide to Catching Flounder in Ocean City, Maryland

Flounder fishing is one of the most popular inshore fishing opportunities along the Mid-Atlantic coast, and few places offer it as consistently as Ocean City, Maryland. With productive back bays, deep channels, and an inlet connecting directly to the Atlantic Ocean, the area provides ideal habitat for summer flounder (often called “fluke” or "flatties").

Whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or a public pier, this guide will walk you through where to fish, what gear to use, and the best techniques for catching flounder around Ocean City.

Understanding Flounder Behavior

Flounder are bottom-dwelling ambush predators. They lie buried in sand or mud with only their eyes visible, waiting for baitfish or shrimp to swim by. Because of this behavior, the key to catching flounder is keeping your bait near the bottom and moving naturally with the current.

They often position themselves in areas where water movement brings food to them, such as:

• Channel edges

• Inlet currents

• Bridge pilings

• Drop-offs in the bay

Flounder are known for their subtle bite. Often they will grab a bait and hold it before swallowing, which is why patience is important when setting the hook.

Best Time of Year to Catch Flounder

Flounder migrate into the coastal bays each spring as the water warms after spending the winter in 200+ feet of water where they spawn.

Typical season around Ocean City:

• April – May: First flounder arrive in the bays

• June – August: Peak numbers and consistent fishing

• September – October: Fewer fish, but often larger ones

Water temperatures between 60°F and 75°F usually produce the best bite.

Best Places to Catch Flounder

Several areas around Ocean City consistently produce flounder.

1. Ocean City Inlet

Ocean City Inlet

This is one of the most reliable spots. The strong tidal current pulls baitfish through the inlet, attracting flounder that wait along the bottom.

Best spots include:

• Along the rock jetties

• The channel edges

Fish here during moving tides.

2. Route 50 Bridge

Harry W. Kelley Memorial Bridge

The bridge pilings create structure and current breaks that hold flounder.

Tips:

• Drift along the pilings

• Use heavier jigs to stay on the bottom

• Fish during slack to moderate current

3. Back Bay Channels

Isle of Wight Bay

The channels in the back bay are excellent for drifting.

Look for:

• Drop-offs from shallow flats

• Edges of marked channels

• Areas with baitfish on fish finders

This area is ideal for small boats and kayaks.

4. Public Piers and Shoreline

Good access points include:

• Oceanic Fishing Pier

• 2nd to 4th Street Bulkhead

• 9th Street Fishing Pier

These spots allow anglers without boats to target flounder effectively.

Best Gear for Flounder Fishing

Flounder don’t require heavy tackle, but sensitive gear helps detect subtle bites.

Rod

• 6’6” to 7’ medium-light spinning rod

Reel

• 2500–4000 size spinning reel

Line

• 10–20 lb braided line

Leader

• 15–25 lb fluorocarbon

Braided line is preferred because it allows anglers to feel the light bite of flounder on the bottom.

Best Rigs for Flounder

Bucktail Jig

One of the most popular rigs in Ocean City.

Setup:

• 3/4–2 oz bucktail

• Tipped with a Gulp Mullet, Grub or squid strip

Fish it by slowly bouncing it along the bottom.

Flounder Hi-Low Rig

A classic bait rig.

Typical setup includes:

• Two hooks on short droppers

• Sinkers from 1/2–3 oz

• Bait such as minnows or squid

This rig works especially well for beginners.

Jig and Teaser Combo

Many experienced anglers use:

• Bucktail jig on the bottom

• Small teaser hook above it

This presents two baits at different heights, increasing hookups.

Best Baits

Flounder feed primarily on small fish and crustaceans.

Top baits include:

• Live minnows (killifish/mummichogs)

• Finger mullet

• Squid strips

• Frozen Shiners

• Gulp swimming mullet

Many anglers combine live bait with artificial lures for added scent and action.

Best Tides and Times

Timing can dramatically improve success.

Best conditions:

• Moving tide (incoming or outgoing)

• Early morning or evening

• Overcast days with moderate current

Outgoing tides are often best because they pull bait from marshes into deeper channels where flounder wait.

Pro Tips

• Drift slowly. Ideal drift speed is around 0.5–1 mph.

• Stay on the bottom. If you’re not occasionally touching bottom, increase sinker weight.

• Wait before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait first.

• Fish structure. Bridge pilings, rock jetties, and channel edges are key.

• Cover water. Drifting helps locate active fish.

Final Thoughts

Flounder fishing in Ocean City is both accessible and rewarding. With productive bays, strong tidal currents, and plenty of public access points, anglers of all skill levels can find success.

Focus on fishing near the bottom, around moving water, and with natural bait, and you’ll greatly increase your chances of landing one of these prized flatfish.

If you would prefer to have someone guide you in fishing Ocean City's bays please get in touch with me at Running Tide Charters.

I hope you enjoyed this guide and find this helpful in locating your personal best flounder,

Tight Lines,

Captain Vince

Running Tide Charters