Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Ocean City MD fishing report for the week of November 12 draws on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources fishing report published November 11, plus the current forecast. DNR reported striped bass around the inlet and the Route 90 and Verrazano bridges, tautog on the inlet jetties and bridge piers, and black sea bass on wreck and reef sites with improvement expected. A coastal storm moving up the Northeast coast late this week will shape when boats can get offshore.
What’s Hitting
Striped bass are the most talked-about inshore species, with DNR noting fish around the inlet and the coastal bay bridges, mostly on soft-plastic jigs and paddle tails. Many are undersized, though some keepers are being reported. Tautog are the steadiest structure bite, found along the inlet jetties, the Route 50 Bridge piers and inlet bulkheads, as well as on inshore and offshore wrecks. Black sea bass are being caught on wreck and reef sites, and DNR expects that action to improve over the next couple of weeks. Flounder have largely moved offshore.
Where to Find Them
Inside, the Ocean City Inlet, the Route 50 Bridge and the Route 90 Bridge are the key structure points for stripers and tautog. The Verrazano Bridge, which connects to Assateague, is another striper location. Offshore, wreck and reef sites hold black sea bass and tautog, while canyon boats are targeting swordfish and tilefish when seas allow, according to DNR. The fall bluefin tuna run is anticipated but not yet established.
Tides & Conditions
DNR noted above-average tidal currents from Wednesday through Sunday, a result of the November 9 new moon. Expect strong flow through the inlet, which helps stripers on the bridges but makes tautog fishing harder outside slack water. A coastal storm moving up the East Coast late this week may bring wind and rain, so plan offshore trips around weather windows. Water in the coastal bays is cooling quickly.
Tackle & Tactics
For stripers at the bridges, use soft-plastic paddle tails or swim shads on 1/2- to 1-ounce jig heads, worked along the shadow lines and pilings at night. Tautog respond to green crabs or sand fleas on a short, strong leader and a single hook, fished tight to the structure. For black sea bass on wrecks, use two-hook bottom rigs with clam or squid, or vertical jigs. Bring heavier sinkers for the strong current near the inlet.
Local Intel This Week
The Ocean City Inlet jetty at the south end of the Boardwalk provides direct access to tautog and stripers. The Route 50 Bridge offers fishing access along its walkway. The Assateague side of the Verrazano Bridge has parking and fishing areas. The West Ocean City commercial harbor has public ramps. DNR notes a 28-inch minimum for striped bass in the Atlantic inlet area. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish, and note that store-bought Sabiki rigs are limited to two hooks in Maryland.
This Week’s Tip
Fish the Route 50 Bridge for tautog during slack tide, when the current eases and you can keep crabs pinned to the pilings. Switch to soft plastics for stripers as the tide begins to move.
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