Nearshore Bottom and Trolling Fishing

If you’re ready to book a nearshore fishing charter in Ocean City, the waters 1-10 miles off Ocean City and Assateague Island are where the action is. These nearshore fishing charters offer some incredible bottom fishing off of Ocean City. Flounder, sea bass, tautog, triggerfish, porgy, spadefish, trout, croaker, and even cobia—there’s an incredible variety out here, and you’ll have shots at multiple species depending on the season and what’s biting.

What makes Saltwater Adventures nearshore wreck fishing charters different? It’s simple: Capt. Tony wants you to catch fish, learn something new, and have a great day on the water. Whether you’re brand new to bottom fishing or you’ve been doing it for years, Tony tailors every charter to meet you where you are. These nearshore trips go beyond the bay and give you a real offshore experience without the long run or rough seas—you’re fishing structure and reefs where the fish stack up, and you’re back at the dock in four hours.

Our Charter Rates - Different Options for Different ANglers

4-Hour Nearshore Wreck Fishing – Morning

Perfect for anglers who want to get after it early

The morning bite can be fantastic on the wrecks. You’ll head out at first light and fish through mid-morning when the fish are most active. Tony targets a mix of structure—natural bottom, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks—putting you on the spots that are producing. These trips are great for anyone who wants to maximize their catch and be back in time for lunch.

Trip time: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Cost: $598 for up to 4 guests

Book Your AM Charter

4-Hour Nearshore Wreck Fishing – Afternoon

Perfect for families and anyone who doesn’t want an early start

Not everyone wants to be up at dawn, and that’s fine. The afternoon trips let you sleep in and still get great fishing. Tony runs the same game plan—hitting the productive wrecks and reef sites—but you get to enjoy your morning and still have an adventure on the water. These charters work great for families with kids or groups that want a more relaxed schedule.

Trip time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $598 for up to 4 guests

Book Your PM Charter

4-Hour Nearshore Trolling – Morning or Afternoon

Perfect for those who want to keep moving

Trolling is another fishing option for all types of anglers. It involves deploying rods in the water and having the boat move forward to simulate fish swimming in the water. These trips are good for all types of fisherman, especially those that want to feel the wind in their hair and don’t want to stand still.

Start times: 6:30 AM & 1:00 PM
Cost: $598 for up to 4 guests

Book Your Trolling Charter

Not sure which charter is right for you? Give Captain Tony a call at 443-235-9696—he’ll help you pick the perfect trip for your group.

Successful day roughly 30 fish caught

AM 4 Hour Near Shore Wreck Fishing on July 30, 2025 • 3 adults

We had a great day out on the water, the ocean was flat calm. As soon as we dropped lines the fish were biting. Capt Tony wants everyone to get involved he has a line in as well, and once there’s a fish on he hands it off to the closest person for them to reel in. He is very knowledgeable of the area and what the fish are doing. He is an excellent teacher for those starting out who have little to no experience.

John Ernst / Google Reviews

Great day of wreck fishing for flounder

4 Hour Trip – Wreck Fishing on August 15, 2023 • 1 adult • 1 child

Booked the trip two weeks in advance for the day with the best forecast. Unfortunately, as the date approached, the forecast changed, so Captain Tony contacted me and we changed the date. Ended up with perfect weather, calm seas, and great fishing, including two keeper flounder. I have been trying to add pictures to the review, but the website keeps rejecting them. Great boat, great captain, and great fishing for my 10 year old son and I. Will be back again next year.

Ashley Moran / Google Reviews

Details About Our Nearshore Trips

Three anglers showing off their triggerfish catch dockside after a nearshore wreck fishing trip with Saltwater Adventures in Ocean City, MD
Flounder and sea bass catch displayed after a nearshore wreck fishing charter in Ocean City, MD
Family holding flounder caught on a nearshore fishing charter at Bahia Marina in Ocean City, MD

What You Can Expect On Your Nearshore Fishing Charter?

Tony’s been running Ocean City fishing charters since 2007, and he’s fished these nearshore waters for decades. He knows which wrecks are holding fish, how the tides affect the bite, and what techniques work best for each spot. But more importantly, he loves sharing that knowledge with you.

There’s a good chance you’ll spend time fishing over Russell’s Reef—a site that’s special to Tony. Back in the late ’90s, he and his friend Joe Hall created the very first fundraiser for the Ocean City Reef Foundation in memory of Russell Sindler. That artificial reef site, about 5 miles southeast of the inlet, and has become a very productive site close to shore. 

Tony uses a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish want. Sometimes you’ll drift over structure, other times you’ll anchor up or use the trolling motor to lock spot over productive pieces. Bottom fishing with a basic chicken rig (two hooks and a sinker) is simple enough for complete beginners—you just drop it down, wait for a bite, and reel up. If you want to try jigging to target bigger fish, Tony will show you how. Before each trip, he’ll discuss the game plan so you know exactly what to expect.

 

Before You Book – Motion Sickness

Even on light-wind days, there can be small swells out here. About 90% of people handle it just fine, but if you’ve never been on the ocean before, take over-the-counter motion sickness medicine as “trip insurance”—Tony recommends Bonine, but please check with your physician before taking any medications.

 

What is Included with Nearshore Fishing in OCMD?

  • No fishing license needed – Captain Tony has you covered
  • All equipment provided (You can bring your own too!) – premium rods, reels, tackle, and bait
  • Ice and Bait provided – And if you want we’ll bait your hook – focus on fishing, not the messy stuff
  • Bring your own food and drinks – Cold water is provided. Coolers and snacks welcome (no glass bottles)
  • Alcohol permitted in moderation – No glass bottles
  • Weather guarantee – if Capt. Tony cancels due to weather, he’ll do his best to reschedule the trip during your stay in Ocean City
  • Fish cleaning available – the marina offers cleaning services (additional fees may apply)

Ready to Book Your Ocean City Nearshore Fishing Charter?

Captain Tony runs a limited number of charters each day to ensure every group gets the attention and instruction they deserve. Trips fill up fast during peak season, so don’t wait to secure your spot.

Book Your Charter Now or call 443-235-9696