Ocean City MD fishing report for the week of October 1, 2026. October is the changeover month in Ocean City. The summer fish are heading out, the fall fish are moving in, and the inlet becomes the center of the action. With the crowds gone, it is also one of the most pleasant times of year to fish the resort.
What’s Hitting
This week on the water, flounder are the top target. The big fish are stacking up at the inlet and along the channels as they get ready to move offshore for the winter. Tautog are moving onto the jetties, the bridge pilings, and the nearshore structure as the water cools. The first fall stripers are showing in the back bays and around the Route 50 bridge at night. Bluefish and a few late Spanish mackerel are in the inlet, and sea bass are on the offshore wrecks.
Where to Find Them
For flounder, fish the Ocean City Inlet, the Thorofare, and the channel edges in the back bays on the moving tide. For tautog, the South Jetty, the inlet walls, and the Route 50 bridge pilings. For stripers, the shadow lines of the Route 50 (Harry Kelley) bridge at night, along with the inlet. For sea bass, the nearshore wrecks and reefs.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are moderating with the last quarter moon this weekend, which makes the inlet easier to fish. Water temperatures are in the upper 60s to low 70s and dropping. Northeast winds become more common in October and can make the ocean rough. The inlet current is strong, so plan your trips around the slack tides when fishing the jetties.
Tackle & Tactics
For flounder, a bucktail jig tipped with a Gulp strip or a squid strip, bounced along the bottom. Go heavier on the jig weight to hold bottom in the inlet current. For tautog, a green crab or a piece of clam on a tog jig or a short rig, fished tight to the rocks. For stripers at night, a soft plastic swimbait or a bucktail worked along the bridge shadow lines.
Local Intel This Week
Public launches include the Ocean City Commercial Harbor ramp in West Ocean City, the 87th Street ramp in Ocean City, and the Assateague area ramps. Shore anglers have good access at the inlet walkway, the Route 50 bridge, and the Assateague beaches for surf fishing. Fish are concentrated at the inlet and around the structure. Check current Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations and seasons before keeping fish, since flounder, tautog, and striped bass rules all have specific seasons.
This Week’s Tip
Tautog live in the rocks and will pull your line into them if you give them a chance. When you feel the bite, set the hook hard and crank the fish away from the structure immediately. Expect to lose rigs; bring plenty of extra jigs and sinkers.
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