If you’re considering a trip to Ocean City, Maryland, for some marlin fishing, you’ll want to know when the best time to go is. In Ocean City, marlin fishing season generally runs from late spring to early fall, with different peak times for each species of marlin.
Having visited and fished Ocean City myself, let me share some additional information below:
White Marlin Season
Ocean City is known as the “White Marlin Capital of the World” for a reason. White marlin season typically starts in late July and runs through September, with the peak of the season occurring in August. During this time, anglers flock to the waters off the coast of Ocean City to participate in various marlin fishing tournaments and to try their luck at catching one of these highly sought-after fish.
Blue Marlin Season
While Ocean City is primarily known for its white marlin fishing, blue marlin can also be found in the area. Blue marlin season typically overlaps with the white marlin season, running from June to September. Although blue marlin are not as abundant as white marlin in Ocean City, they are still a prized catch for many anglers.
Marlin Fishing Tournaments
Ocean City hosts several marlin fishing tournaments throughout the season, attracting both professional and amateur anglers alike. The most famous of these is the White Marlin Open, which takes place in August. This prestigious tournament offers large cash prizes and is considered one of the largest billfish tournaments in the world.
If you’re planning a marlin fishing trip to Ocean City, Maryland, be sure to visit during the peak season and take advantage of the many fishing tournaments and events that take place during this time. Good luck, and tight lines!
FAQ
You can catch White Marlin and Blue Marlin while fishing out of Maryland, however, you will have to ride a considerable distance offshore
The white marlin open dates do fluctuate, but generally, the tournament is held the first or second week of August and goes from Monday through Saturday where teams choose 4 out of 6 days to fish.
Basic entry into the tournament is only $1300 per boat until June 1st when it goes up to $1600; however, that does not include the Calcutta’s (side pots) that can be tens of thousands of dollars