Early June has Ocean City transitioning into its summer fishery. The flounder bite is building in the back bays, sea bass season is open on the offshore wrecks, and there are still stripers working the beach. Here is what to expect on the water this week.
What’s Biting
Flounder (fluke) are the inshore headline, with keeper fish coming from the back bays and the inlet on the moving tide. Sea bass are open and stacking up on the offshore wrecks and reefs. Striped bass are still around the beach and the inlet, and the first bluefish have shown along the surf. Offshore, the canyon troll is starting to produce early tuna and the first mahi of the season.
Where to Find Them
Drift the back-bay channels, the East Channel, and the inlet for flounder. Sea bass are on the wrecks and reef sites in 60–100 feet. Work the surf and the inlet jetties for stripers and blues. Offshore crews are running to the canyon edges and the Hot Dog and Hambone for early tuna and mahi on the troll.
Tides & Conditions
Fluke fishing is best on the moving tide in the bays and inlet. Water is warming into the upper 60s inshore. Keep an eye on the offshore forecast for a settled window to make the canyon run. Mornings remain the most reliable surf window.
Tackle & Tactics
For flounder, drift a Gulp-tipped bucktail or a squid-and-minnow combo along the bottom with just enough lead to tick the sand. Sea bass eat clams and squid on a high-low rig over the wrecks. Surf anglers should soak cut bunker for stripers and toss metal for blues. Offshore, pull a spread of ballyhoo and spreader bars along the temperature breaks.
This Week’s Tip
For early-season fluke, cover water until you find them. Keepers are scattered this time of year, so make long drifts across varied bottom rather than anchoring. When you catch one, mark the spot and reset the drift — flounder relate to subtle bottom changes and they group up where the bait collects.