Ocean City Canyon Fishing: 8-Hour Deep Water Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targeting tuna, tilefish, and mahi mahiDeep canyon fishing adventure departing at 7:00 AM dailySmall group experience accommodating maximum four guests
There's something special about heading out to the deep canyons off Ocean City at first light, watching the coastline disappear as we chase the promise of world-class pelagic fishing. This 8-hour charter with Green Reaper & Reel Steel puts you right in the heart of some of the best offshore fishing the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. We're talking about the kind of fishing that gets your heart pumping – yellowfin tuna screaming drag, mahi mahi putting on an aerial show, and tilefish battles that'll test your stamina. With just 4 anglers max, you're not fighting for rod time or elbow room at the rail.
We kick off at 7:00 AM sharp, which means you'll want to grab coffee and breakfast beforehand since meals aren't included on this trip. The run out to the canyons takes us into some seriously productive water – we're talking 100+ feet deep where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish cruise. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, from the Norfolk Canyon to the Poor Man's Canyon, and they'll position us where the action's hottest based on recent reports and water conditions. Expect a mix of trolling spreads for the pelagics and some bottom fishing when the bite calls for it. The small group size means everyone gets personal attention, whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning to work a fighting belt.
Canyon fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be running a spread of high-speed trolling lures – think cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic baitfish schools. When we mark fish or hit a temperature break, that's when things get interesting. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear, but if you've got your own favorite setup, bring it along. For the bottom fishing component, we're talking about dropping rigs down 200+ feet to where the tilefish hang out. It's a different game than the high-speed stuff – more finesse, reading the bottom structure, and knowing when to set the hook on a subtle bite. The crew will have you rigged up with circle hooks and the right sinker weight to get down and stay down in the current.
The yellowfin tuna fishing off Ocean City has been absolutely on fire, especially during the warmer months when these fish push up from the south. We're seeing fish in the 30-60 pound range regularly, with some real bruisers pushing 80+ pounds when conditions align. These fish are pure muscle and attitude – they'll take you straight to the backing if you're not ready for them. What makes yellowfin special is their stamina; they don't give up easy, and that first run will remind you why anglers travel from all over the country to fish these waters. Best action typically happens from June through October, with peak season hitting in late summer when the water temps are just right.
Mahi mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world, and when we find them, it's game on. These fish love structure – weed lines, floating debris, or temperature breaks – and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit trolled baits with authority. What's cool about mahi is they often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. They put on a show too, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Size-wise, we're seeing fish from 10-30 pounds, with the occasional bull mahi pushing 40+. The vibrant colors – those electric blues and greens – make for some serious photo ops. Mahi season runs long here, from May clear through September, with the best action during the summer months.
Look, there's a reason this 8-hour canyon charter stays booked up – it delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. The combination of experienced crew, prime fishing grounds, and small group size makes this a top-rated option for serious anglers. Whether you're chasing that personal best yellowfin or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is about, this trip puts you in the game. Ocean City's canyon fishing is renowned up and down the coast, and there's no better way to experience it than with a crew that knows where to find them and how to put you on fish. The 4-angler limit means you're getting personalized attention and plenty of fishing time – no standing around waiting for your turn at a rod. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Ocean City's offshore fishing scene draws anglers from across the country.
Get ready to chase canyon giants aboard this solid 29-foot fishing machine! Built in 2004 and powered by twin 300HP Volvo Penta engines, she'll cruise at 30 knots to get you to the deep water fast. With room for 4 anglers, this offshore warrior is loaded with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard toilet means you can stay on the water longer without cutting your fishing day short. Perfect for targeting tuna, tilefish, and mahi mahi in Ocean City's productive canyon waters. This boat handles the offshore swells with confidence, giving you a stable platform to fight those hard-pulling pelagics.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there - golden sides with electric blues and greens that light up like a rainbow when they're hooked. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in warm surface waters. Late spring through early fall gives us our best shots when water temps are up. What guests love most is the aerial show - mahi will jump, tail-walk, and put on a real spectacle. They're also fantastic eating with mild, firm white meat. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and work the area - mahi often travel in schools, and that hooked fish will keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the gold standard for offshore fishing here. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 60 pounds but can hit over 400. They're warm-blooded speedsters that cruise at 50 mph in the upper water column, usually within 300 feet of the surface. We find them year-round in the canyons, but summer months bring the best action when water temps climb. What makes yellowfin special is their incredible fight - they'll peel line like nothing else and test your endurance. Plus, you can't beat the table fare - that's prime sushi-grade meat right there. Pro tip: when we're marking fish deep but the trolling spread isn't producing, switch to jigging. These fish often stack up below the surface, and a well-worked jig can trigger strikes when everything else fails.
Ocean City Maryland