5.0(2 Reviews)4 HR Crabbing & Fishing Adventure
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Expert crabbing and fishing techniques with lifetime local captainFamily-friendly inshore adventure targeting multiple fish speciesHands-on experience includes taking home fresh caught crabs
When you're looking for the perfect blend of hands-on crabbing and quality inshore fishing in Ocean City, Captain Dave's combo trip delivers exactly what local anglers and families have been raving about. This isn't your typical charter - it's a genuine Eastern Shore experience where you'll learn time-tested crabbing techniques while targeting some of the best inshore species the back bays have to offer. Captain Dave grew up working these waters, and his lifetime of local knowledge shows in every trap he sets and every fishing spot he picks.
Your 4-hour adventure starts in Ocean City's protected back bays, where calm waters make this trip perfect for kids and first-time anglers. Captain Dave kicks things off by teaching you proper crabbing techniques - you'll help set the traps and learn the secrets that locals have used for generations. While those traps soak and do their work, you'll switch gears to fishing for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Sheepshead, and other sought-after species. The beauty of this combo approach is that you're always doing something productive. When the fish aren't biting, you're checking crab traps. When the crabs are quiet, you're working a different fishing technique. Captain Dave keeps up to 4 guests engaged throughout the entire trip, making sure everyone gets hands-on time with both activities.
Captain Dave runs a well-equipped operation with everything you need for both crabbing and fishing. The crabbing gear includes professional-grade traps and all the necessary rigging - you'll learn how to bait them properly and check them at the right intervals for maximum success. On the fishing side, you'll use a variety of techniques depending on what's biting. Bottom fishing with chunk bait works great for Striped Bass and Sheepshead, while light tackle setups let you feel every fight from smaller species. Jigging comes into play when you're working structure or when fish are holding at specific depths. Captain Dave switches techniques based on conditions, tides, and what's been producing recently. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you can focus on learning and catching rather than worrying about gear.
"From the booking process to the excellent communication leading up to our trip, everything was seamless, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Captain David and First Mate Frank were outstanding. We brought our 12- and 9-year-old boys along, and David and Frank were fantastic with them—teaching them how to set the crab traps and letting them pull them up to check for crabs. We highly recommend Nanticoke Outfitters if you're looking for a top-notch charter experience in Ocean City, Maryland!" - Edward
"Captain Dave and crewmate Frank were fantastic to spend the day with on the bay. From setting up the pick-up location the night before to the end of our trip, they helped create an unforgettable experience for myself and my boys, who were out on a boat for the first time. Though it was a windy day, which made getting around a bit challenging, we made the most of it. We opted for the crabbing and fishing combo because we were eager to set traps and catch crabs, something we had never done before. Captain Dave got us right into it, allowing the kids to help set and check the pots, which they absolutely loved. The fish started biting quickly, but the weather turned, and we ended up with only one keeper. We also caught 10 keeper crabs, though most were sponges or pregnant, which was still fine by us. While the results weren't exactly what we hoped, it didn't take away from the wonderful time we had. Overall, we had great conversations and a fantastic outing. If we're ever back in the area, we wouldn't hesitate to choose them again—this is a perfect family-friendly setup!" - Jon
Southern Flounder are one of the most rewarding catches you'll target on this trip. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms, waiting for baitfish to swim by. In Ocean City's back bays, flounder typically run from 14 to 20 inches, with some bigger doormat-sized fish mixed in during peak season. Summer and early fall offer the best action, and when you hook one, you'll feel that distinctive headshaking fight that makes flounder so popular with anglers. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for folks wanting to take home a fresh dinner.
Striped Bass, or "rockfish" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Ocean City inshore fishing. These hard-fighting fish show up in the back bays year-round, with the best action typically from spring through fall. You'll find school-sized stripers in the 18 to 28-inch range, perfect for light tackle fishing. Striped Bass are aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live bait to jigs, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. When you hook a striper, get ready for multiple runs and some serious line-peeling action.
Sheepshead are the trickiest fish you'll target, but also one of the most satisfying to catch. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need perfect timing to set the hook. Sheepshead typically range from 12 to 18 inches in these waters, and they're most active around pilings, docks, and rocky structure. Spring and fall offer the best sheepshead fishing, and catching one requires skill and patience that makes the victory even sweeter.
Picked Dogfish are small sharks that provide constant action when they're around. These spiny fish typically run 2 to 3
Your fishing platform is a beautifully restored 25-foot MayCraft center console that's built for serious angling in Ocean City's back bays. This classic boat seats up to 6 but we keep it intimate with just 4 guests, giving everyone plenty of room to work the lines and haul in crabs. The 350HP Suzuki pushes us smoothly to the best fishing spots at speeds up to 40 knots, while the fish finder helps locate those prime underwater structures where stripers and flounder love to hang out. When you're battling a nice bluefish or checking crab traps, the spacious deck layout gives you freedom to move around safely. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your fresh-caught dinner perfectly chilled for the ride home. GPS and radar ensure we can navigate confidently even when morning fog rolls in off the Atlantic. This boat handles Ocean City's shallow waters like a dream, getting you into those productive back-bay spots where the crabs are thick and the fish are biting.
Dipturus LaevisBarndoor skates are the giants of the skate family - these flat, diamond-shaped bottom dwellers can reach 4-5 feet across. They cruise sandy and muddy bottoms in 100-500 feet, using their wing-like fins to "fly" through the water. Fall and winter bring them closer to shore where we target them. What hooks people is the sheer power - once hooked, they use those broad fins like a parachute and give you a bulldozer fight that'll test your tackle. They're also curious looking with their pointed snouts and spotted brown tops. While catch-and-release is common due to regulations, the fight alone makes them worthwhile. They're not picky eaters - cut mackerel, squid, or crab will do the trick. My advice: use heavy tackle with good drag and plenty of line, because when they decide to run, they'll take you for a ride.
Squalus AcanthiasSpiny dogfish are small sharks that show up in good numbers, especially in fall. They're scrappy fighters that usually run 2-3 feet long with sharp spines on their backs - handle with care! These bottom dwellers cruise in schools over sandy and muddy areas, typically in 50-200 feet of water. While not everyone's target species, they're fun to catch and surprisingly good eating when prepared right - firm, white meat similar to other sharks. What's interesting is they'll eat just about anything, making them easy to catch on cut bait, squid, or shrimp. The real entertainment comes from their attitude - they arch their back and try to spine you when brought aboard. Pro tip: use a 15-20 pound setup since they're strong fighters, and always grab them behind the head to avoid those defensive spines.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are their human-like teeth. These guys typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - bridge pilings, docks, jetties. They're year-round residents, but spring is when they really turn on. What makes them special is they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, plus they put up a solid fight for their size. The challenge is they're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and steal your bait without getting hooked. My trick is to use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel them pecking, set the hook hard and fast. They've got those crushing teeth, so don't hesitate or they'll steal your lunch.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms and change color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-18 inches, but we've seen some push over 2 feet. They're ambush predators with both eyes on one side of their head, which always gets a reaction from first-timers. You'll find them in shallow bays and around structure during warmer months, then they head offshore in winter. What makes them popular is the sweet, flaky meat - some of the best eating fish around here. They're also tricky to catch since they're notorious bait stealers. My tip: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit before setting - they like to mouth the bait first.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our local fishing scene. These silver fish with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we catch smaller schoolies and bigger cows too. They love structure - bridge pilings, drop-offs, and channel edges in our back bays. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What guests love about stripers is the fight - they're strong runners that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. They travel in schools and follow baitfish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Here's a local secret: early morning and late evening are magic hours, and if you see birds working the water, get your lines in there fast - stripers are probably feeding underneath.
5.0 out of 5.0From the booking process to the excellent communication leading up to our trip, everything was seamless, and we couldn't have aske...
Captain Dave and crewmate Frank were fantastic to spend the day with on the bay. From setting up the pick-up location the night be...
Easton