Ocean City's Best 8-Hour Inshore Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour nearshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesProfessional crew guides bottom fishing and trolling techniquesMaximum 4 guests aboard Green Reaper vessel
When you step aboard the Green Reaper for this 8-hour charter, you're signing up for serious fishing action off Ocean City's productive waters. Captain and crew know these Maryland waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish from the moment we clear the inlet. This isn't some quick tourist trip – we're talking about a full day of working different spots, switching techniques, and really getting after it. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to fish and the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
We push off at 8:00 AM sharp, so show up ready to fish with your game face on. The beauty of this 8-hour window is we can adapt to what's biting and where they're holding. Some days we'll start working the inshore structure for tautog, other times we'll head to the nearshore wrecks where the black sea bass are stacked up thick. The crew reads the conditions and fish movement daily, so you're always fishing the hot bite. Expect to move around – that's how you stay on fish all day. We'll work everything from shallow water drops to deeper structure, and the captain won't hesitate to run and gun if that's what it takes to keep your rod bent.
This is real fishing, not just dropping a line and hoping for the best. We'll be bottom fishing with quality tackle – heavy enough to handle the current but sensitive enough to feel those light tautog bites. The crew sets you up with the right rigs for each spot, whether that's high-low rigs for sea bass or specialized tog rigs when we're hunting blackfish around structure. You'll learn to feel the bottom, work your bait properly, and read your rod tip like a pro. Don't worry if you're newer to this style – the crew loves teaching and you'll pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler for life. We carry everything you need, but if you've got your own favorite setup, bring it along.
Grey triggerfish are the wildcards of this fishery and absolute blast to catch. These guys show up in good numbers during late summer and fall, usually hanging around structure in 60-100 feet of water. What makes them so fun is they're smart – they'll steal your bait, test your drag, and generally drive you nuts until you figure out their game. When you hook a nice trigger, they'll pull hard and fight dirty, using that flat body to their advantage in the current. The meat is fantastic too – firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Best part about Ocean City triggers is they tend to run bigger than in other areas, with fish pushing 3-4 pounds not uncommon when conditions are right.
Tautog fishing is what separates the weekend warriors from the serious stick. These black and gold bruisers live around hard structure – wrecks, rocks, and pilings – where they use those crusher teeth to demolish crabs and mussels. A big tog will test every bit of your tackle and skill. They bite light, hold tight to structure, and if you don't get them up and away fast, they'll wrap you around something and break you off. Ocean City's tog fishery is legendary, with fish over 8 pounds caught regularly in fall and winter. The key is keeping a tight line, setting the hook hard at the first tap, and cranking like your life depends on it. Once you master tog fishing, every other species feels easy.
Black sea bass are the workhorses of the bottom fishing world around here. These chunky fighters are abundant around Ocean City's artificial reefs and wrecks, especially during summer and early fall. What's great about sea bass is they're aggressive – once you find a school, you can catch them steadily until you've had your fill. They hit hard, fight harder, and taste even better. A good sea bass will double your rod over and strip some drag before you get it to the boat. The regulations change yearly, so we always stay current on size and bag limits, but when they're open, few fish are more fun to catch or better to eat.
Look, good fishing doesn't wait for anyone, and neither do the best dates on the calendar. This 8-hour trip gives you the time and space to really fish hard and learn the waters that make Ocean City famous. With Green Reaper & Reel Steel Fishing Charter, you're getting local knowledge that can't be bought – just earned through years of working these waters. The crew's reputation speaks for itself, and word gets around fast when the fishing's hot. Don't be the angler telling fish stories about the trip you should have booked. Grab your spot now and get ready to see why Ocean City keeps drawing anglers back year after year. The fish are there, the crew knows where to find them, and all that's missing is you.
Meet the Green Reaper, your gateway to Ocean City's best fishing grounds! This solid 29-foot motorboat cuts through the water at 30 knots thanks to twin 300HP Volvo Penta engines, getting you to where the fish are biting fast. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS and radar keep you on course, while the fish finder helps locate schools of Flounder, Black Seabass, Tautog, and Triggerfish lurking below. The onboard refrigerator and icebox keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long 8-hour trips. With comfortable seating for 4 anglers and a private head, you can focus on what matters most - landing fish. Whether you're dropping lines in deep water or working the inshore structure, this boat handles Ocean City's waters like a champ, bringing you back to the dock with coolers full of dinner.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable crowd-pleasers that show up consistently around our local structure. These chunky members of the grouper family average 1-4 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing 8+ pounds. You'll find them year-round in 40-120 feet around wrecks, jetties, and hard bottom, though they're most active late spring through summer when they move closer to shore. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and solid fight until they hit the surface. They're also top-shelf table fare. Here's something cool - they're all born female and change to male as they grow larger. The big blue-colored males with humped heads are the real prizes. Local tip: when bottom fishing, use a two-hook rig with squid strips and keep your bait moving slightly off bottom. They'll grab live bait but also hit bucktails and small jigs worked near structure.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are some of the most entertaining fish you'll encounter on our nearshore trips. These medium-sized fighters average 12-17 inches but can reach up to 2 feet, packing surprising strength in their compact, laterally compressed bodies. You'll find them around hard bottom structure, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water where they use their beak-like mouths and razor-sharp teeth to crush crabs, sea urchins, and shellfish. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're most active. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior and decent fight, plus they're excellent table fare. Here's a local trick: when they start nipping your bait instead of taking it, drop near other fish like snapper - their competitive nature kicks in and they'll charge the bait to steal it from the competition. Use squid chunks and keep that line tight!
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish, as we call them locally, are the ultimate structure fighters that'll test your skills and tackle. These chunky members of the wrasse family typically run 1-3 pounds but can push 10+ pounds around our local wrecks and jetties. They live tight to rocky bottom, bridge pilings, and artificial reefs where their thick, slimy skin protects them from getting cut up. Best fishing happens spring through fall, especially April through June when they're feeding heavily before spawning. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with crushing jaws built for shellfish. The fight is strong but short, and they're outstanding eating. My go-to trick: use green crab bait, crush up the legs and claws, then scatter the pieces around your fishing spot. That scent drives them crazy and triggers a feeding frenzy. Just remember to change your bait every 5 minutes or it loses effectiveness.
Ocean City Maryland