5.0(2 Reviews)Local's 4-Hour Inshore Hunt in Ocean City Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trips targeting bluefish, mackerel, and flounderMorning and afternoon sessions available May through NovemberPrivate charters accommodate up to six guests with expert guidance
Looking for a solid half-day of fishing without the commitment of an all-day charter? This 4-hour private inshore trip with Reel Naughty Sportfishing hits the sweet spot for families and anglers who want quality fishing time in Ocean City's productive nearshore waters. Captain George Lamplugh knows these Maryland waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're after a relaxing morning bite or an action-packed afternoon session. Running from May through mid-November, these trips target some of the area's most popular species while keeping things comfortable and fun for up to 6 guests.
You'll meet Captain George at the marina and head out to his proven inshore spots where the fish stack up during different parts of the season. The beauty of a private charter means the day revolves around your group's preferences and skill level. Want to try your hand at trolling for blues and Spanish mackerel? He's got the gear rigged and ready. Prefer to anchor up and drop lines for flounder and sea bass? Captain George knows exactly where to position the boat for the best bottom structure. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to try different techniques and locations without feeling rushed. Morning trips often start around sunrise when the bite is hot, while afternoon sessions can be perfect for families with kids or anglers who aren't early risers. The boat stays in the inshore zone, so you won't deal with the rough seas that can come with offshore fishing, making this a great choice for first-timers or anyone prone to seasickness.
Captain George runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and what the group wants to target. When trolling for bluefish and mackerel, you'll pull spoons, umbrella rigs, and diving plugs through the water column while covering ground to locate active schools. The captain handles the technical stuff like setting the spread and adjusting speeds, but you'll get hands-on experience fighting fish and learning how to work the rods. For bottom fishing, you'll drop rigs baited with squid, clams, or cut bait down to structure where flounder and sea bass hang out. The key is reading the fish finder and positioning over wrecks, rocks, and drop-offs where these species ambush prey. All tackle and bait come included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites. The captain provides everything from light spinning tackle for smaller fish to heavier conventional setups when the big blues are running. One heads up - there might be a fuel surcharge if marina prices spike above $4 per gallon, so check with Captain George when you book to get the current rate.
"Our day with Reel Naughty Sportfishing was incredible! Captain George Lamplugh's knowledge of the best fishing spots made our trip unforgettable. We caught several big fish and enjoyed every moment on the water. Highly recommend!" - Michael
"Captain George was a fantastic guide! He knew all the best spots and helped us catch some impressive fish. The boat was comfortable and the trip was well worth it. A great day out on the water!" - Yushin
Summer flounder are the crown jewel of Ocean City's inshore scene, and these flatfish provide some of the most rewarding fishing you'll find in Maryland waters. Also called fluke, these ambush predators lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish, crabs, and other prey to swim overhead. The best flounder fishing typically runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to doormat fluke pushing 5+ pounds. What makes flounder so exciting is their aggressive strike and the way they fight - they'll use that flat body to pull hard and try to get back to the bottom. Captain George knows the specific pieces of structure where these fish concentrate, from artificial reefs to natural rock piles.
Atlantic mackerel show up in good numbers during their spring and fall migrations, offering fast action on light tackle that's perfect for kids and novice anglers. These silver bullets travel in schools and hit trolled lures with authority, often resulting in multiple hookups that get everyone on the boat involved. Mackerel typically run 1-2 pounds but make up for their size with speed and numbers. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish cakes.
Sea bass are the bread and butter of Ocean City's bottom fishing scene, and these chunky fighters are available throughout most of the season. Black sea bass love hard structure like wrecks and rocky bottom, where they feed on crabs, worms, and small fish. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but the area produces plenty of jumbo sea bass over 4 pounds that really test your tackle. They're scrappy fighters that use their broad body and powerful tail to try to get back into the rocks, and they're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat.
Bluefish are the ultimate inshore gamefish, known for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that can test even experienced anglers. These toothy predators travel in schools and go on feeding frenzies that create some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. Blues range from small snappers up to chopper bluefish over 10 pounds, and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. They hit both trolled lures and bottom baits, and watching them crash surface lures is a sight you won't forget. Just watch those teeth when bringing them in - Captain George will handle the netting and unhooking to keep everyone safe.
This 4-hour private trip offers the perfect balance of fishing time and flexibility, whether you're introducing kids to the sport
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are speed demons that travel in massive schools, making for fast action when you find them. These sleek fish average around 12 inches and rarely top 3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and energy. Look for them in open water during summer months when schools move close to shore. They're silver with distinctive dark wavy bars across their backs that make them easy to spot. The bite is best on small shiny lures or sabiki rigs with multiple hooks. Guests enjoy the non-stop action - once you hook into a school, everyone on board stays busy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you mark a school on the fish finder, use light tackle with small jigs or spoons. Keep your lures moving fast since these fish are aggressive feeders that respond to speed.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - fast, mean, and always hungry. These silver-blue fighters typically run 3-15 pounds around here and put up a serious battle on light tackle. You'll find schools roaming nearshore waters from late spring through fall, often feeding so aggressively they churn the water white in what we call a "bluefish blitz." They'll hit just about anything that moves - spoons, plugs, cut bait, you name it. Guests get hooked on the hard strikes and strong runs these fish deliver. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids learning to fish. Fresh blues make great table fare when handled right, though the bigger ones can be a bit strong. Watch those teeth - they're razor sharp! Best tip: when you see birds diving and water boiling, get there fast. Use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon since they'll bite through regular line without thinking twice.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses of our nearshore trips, hanging around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 20-60 feet of water. These chunky fighters average about a foot long and pack serious strength for their size. They've got big mouths full of sharp teeth and aren't picky eaters - crabs, squid, and small fish are all on the menu. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around structure where they school up. Guests love them because they bite hard, fight tough, and taste even better on the dinner table. You'll often catch multiple fish once you find the right spot since they travel in groups. The meat is firm and white, perfect for any recipe. Local trick: drop a bucktail jig tipped with squid strip right to the bottom near structure, then work it with short hops. When you feel that solid thump, set the hook fast - these guys have hard mouths but they're worth the effort.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the "doormat" flatfish everyone wants to catch. These masters of camouflage lie on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush baitfish. Most run 15-20 inches, but the bigger females can hit that prized 26-pound mark. You'll find them in shallow bays and nearshore waters during warmer months, then they move deeper as it cools. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavy before winter. Guests love them because they fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish and make some of the best eating you'll find. Here's the key trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or live minnow, and drag it slowly across the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they grab sideways and need time to turn the bait.
5.0 out of 5.0Our day with Reel Naughty Sportfishing was incredible! Captain George Lamplugh's knowledge of the best fishing spots made our trip...
Captain George was a fantastic guide! He knew all the best spots and helped us catch some impressive fish. The boat was comfortabl...
Ocean City, MD