November 2025 — Ocean City MD: Trophy Stripers Through Mid-Month, Giant Bluefin at the Canyons. November is a late fall month with water in the 48-58°F range — striper migration south; tautog on the move; bluefin offshore late. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — November 2025
Primary targets this month: Striped Bass, Tautog, Sea Bass, Tuna.
Striped Bass
Fall striper run. Target the OC Inlet jetties, the Route 50 bridge, the Thorofare, Sinepuxent Bay, Assateague Island surf, and the offshore tuna grounds in spring. Bunker chunks, live eels, paddle tails, and topwater during blitzes. Schools of breaking fish under bird activity.
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.
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.
Tuna
Yellowfin tuna on the canyons (Norfolk, Washington, Poormans) 50-70 miles offshore — yellowfin summer, bluefin spring and fall. Chunking (cut sardine, butterfish) at anchor, live bait drifting, or trolled feathers and cedar plugs. Heavy stand-up tackle (50-80 lb class) for the bigger grades.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 48-58°F. Striper migration south; tautog on the move; bluefin offshore late. 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
- Fall blitz season. Striped bass and bluefish push schools of bait — surface action everywhere. Carry topwater plugs.
- False albacore arrive. Light tackle and epoxy jigs — chase breaking fish for explosive runs.
November Outlook
Late fall — final striper runs, flounder migration peaks, first sustained cold fronts.
Regulations Reminder
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 →
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