March 2026 — Ocean City MD: First bass of the season at the inlets. March is a early spring month with water in the 44-54°F range — striped bass begin moving; spring tautog peak; perch in tributaries. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — March 2026
Primary targets this month: Tautog, Striped Bass, Flounder, Sea Bass.
Tautog
Tautog (blackfish) on the OC Inlet jetties, the Route 50 Bridge, the inshore wrecks (African Queen, Twin Wrecks), and offshore wrecks in 50-100 feet. Green crab is the gold standard bait; whole or half on a 4/0 octopus hook with minimal weight. Bites are subtle, sets must be sharp. Cold-water specialist — best Nov-May.
Striped Bass
Winter striper — limited fishery; some inshore wintering populations and offshore migratory schools. Verify state-by-state regulations.
Flounder
Flounder around Sinepuxent Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, the Thorofare, the OC Inlet, and the bayside channels. Bucktails with Gulp! trailers, live mud minnows, finger mullet on Carolina rigs. Slow on bottom.
Sea Bass
Black sea bass on the inshore wrecks and reefs (Bass Grounds, African Queen wreck), and the deeper wrecks 15-30 miles out. Drop squid strips, clams, or Gulp! on a high-low rig over wrecks and reefs. The deeper wrecks (80-150 ft) hold the bigger humpbacks.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 44-54°F. Striped bass begin moving; spring tautog peak; perch in tributaries. OC Inlet moves enormous water; strongest fishing on outgoing for bait and predators staging at the jetties. Bayside flounder fishing peaks on moving tide of late spring through summer.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Striped bass migration. Watch water temperatures — 50°F triggers the spring run.
- Pre-spawn tautog peak. Best blackfish window of the year — wrecks and rocky structure.
March Outlook
Spring transitions accelerate — water warming, fish moving onto flats, migrations intensifying.
Regulations Reminder
Flounder: 14″ minimum, 5 per day (FL). State-specific elsewhere. Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Tautog: 15-16″ minimum, 1-4 per day depending on state and season — strictly regulated. Black Sea Bass: 12.5-13″ minimum, 10-15 per day depending on state and season. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Oyster Bay Tackle (Ocean City, 410-524-3433); Akers (Ocean City); Sunset Marina pier shop; Bahia Marina.
Public Boat Ramps: Oceanic Pier ramp, Public Landing (south of OC), Sunset Marina, Bahia Marina (private launch fee).
Charter Fishing: $450-$700 inshore; $1,200-$2,500 offshore canyons; $700-$1,100 nearshore.
More Ocean City MD Resources
Ocean City MD Fishing Guide · Ocean City MD Seasonal Calendar · All Ocean City MD reports →
Reports updated every Thursday on fishing.digital.
Where to focus this month
March marks the turn of the season in Ocean City, and the headline is the first striped bass. As the back bays and the inlet warm ahead of the ocean, holdover and early bass show up around the Route 50 bridge, the inlet, and the Thorofare, feeding on whatever bait is available. Bloodworms and clam on the bottom, and light bucktails and soft plastics worked slowly through the warm pockets on the moving tide, produce the first fish of the year. It is light-tackle, patient fishing, but the first bass is the moment every local waits for.
Tautog and offshore
Tautog are still catchable on the inlet jetties and the inshore structure in the cold water as the spring season winds down — green crab on a tight rig remains the play. The offshore wrecks hold the last of the deep-water sea bass and tog for the boats picking the calm days. Both fill the gap until the bass and the flounder turn on in earnest.
The month ahead
April warms the bays further and brings the striped bass bite to life around the inlet and back bays, with the flounder following as the water climbs. March is the time to gear up, scout the warm-water spots, and check the current striped bass regulations before you keep a fish.