Exploring Ocean City: A Saltwater Sportsman Adventure with Cody and Kelly
Ocean City, Maryland, one of America’s most historic fishing towns, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning boardwalk, and world-class fishing. This summer, I was fortunate to join a Saltwater Sportsman Adventure along with Cody and Kelly Oden from the YouTube channel Cody and Kelly, to explore everything this vibrant town has to offer over three exhilarating days.
Arrival in Ocean City
My adventure began with a flight from Tampa, arriving in the charmingly small Salisbury Airport. From there, it was a scenic 45-minute drive to our accommodation, The Edge Hotel. This beautiful hotel, located on the water, boasts a pool, stunning rooms with heart-shaped tubs, and breathtaking views of the bay. I arrived early and was eager to meet our captain for the trip, Captain Tony Batista, for dinner. Despite the breezy conditions that evening, we looked forward to the next three days of perfect weather for fishing.
Day 1: Fishing on the “Angler”
Our first day of fishing took place on the “Angler,” a popular headboat in Ocean City. Captain Chris Mizur from the Angler, with over 20 years of experience, guided us through a day of wreck and reef fishing. Our targets were flounder and seabass. Equipped with rods, jigs, and a positive attitude, we set out for a day filled with exciting catches.
The experience was phenomenal. The thrill of catching double seabass, the friendly competition for the heaviest fish, and the sheer joy of being on the water made it an unforgettable day. We ended the day with five keeper seabass and one keeper flounder.
Dinner at Fager’s Island
After a successful day of fishing, I reunited with Cody and Kelly for dinner at Fager’s Island. The transformation from a sports bar atmosphere to an elegant dining experience was remarkable. We indulged in delicious dishes, including scallops, crab cakes in lobster cream sauce, steak and cake, and surf and turf. It was a perfect way to wrap up our first day in Ocean City.
Day 2: Ponies of Assateague Island and More Fishing
The second day started early with a visit to Assateague Island to see the famous wild ponies. This was a dream come true for Kelly, who had always wanted to see these majestic creatures. We then headed out with Captain Tony for another day of fishing. Using artificial bait and mud minnows, we aimed for flounder and bluefish. Kelly, a natural angler, caught her first flounder, much to everyone’s delight.
The highlight of the day was Kelly’s epic battle with a large fish, which turned out to be the biggest catch of her life. The excitement and adrenaline were palpable, and it was the perfect end to another fantastic day on the water.
Dinner at Ocean 13
That evening, we headed to Ocean 13 for a catch-and-cook dinner. Jeremy, the owner, and his talented chefs, Jackson and Jason, prepared our catch. The stuffed flounder with homemade imperial sauce and blackened seabass with pineapple pico de gallo were culinary masterpieces. Sharing these meals with Captain Tony and my new friends made the evening even more special.
Day 3: Offshore Adventure and More Culinary Delights
Our final day began at the crack of dawn as we embarked on a 50-mile offshore fishing trip. Captain Tony and his friend Skip guided us in search of blue line and golden tilefish. The deep-sea fishing experience was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. The sight of whales and basking sharks added to the adventure.
After a successful day of catching tilefish and seabass, we headed back for another catch-and-cook dinner at Fish Tales. This time, we enjoyed fried seabass and blackened tilefish with cilantro lime garlic sauce. The flavors were extraordinary, and it was a perfect way to celebrate our catches.
Exploring the Boardwalk
No trip to Ocean City would be complete without a stroll along the famous boardwalk. We rode the Ferris wheel, sampled local treats, and soaked in the lively atmosphere. The view from the top of the Ferris wheel was the perfect way to conclude our adventure.
Conclusion
This Saltwater Sportsman Adventure in Ocean City was an unforgettable experience. From the thrill of fishing to the joy of sharing meals with new friends, every moment was filled with excitement and discovery. Huge thanks to Saltwater Sportsman Magazine, Captain Tony Batista, the “Angler,” Ocean 13, and many others who made this trip possible. Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing! #swsadventures #swsportsman