Surf fishing

Late spring and fall draw many anglers, but Assateague surf fishing can be rewarding any season with the right bait, sinker weight, and patience.

Assateague guide Official NPS

Summary for Ocean City visitors based on National Park Service Assateague guidance. Fees, hours, closures, and permit prices change—confirm on nps.gov/asis before you go.

Overview

Surf fishing has been popular on Assateague for generations. A saltwater license is required and state size, season, and limit rules are enforced. Confirm current limits at visitor centers or the ranger station.

Fishing is not permitted within lifeguard-protected beach boundaries. Over-sand vehicle access to remote beaches requires a separate OSV permit when you drive the beach.

Common targets include summer flounder, croaker, spot, kingfish, weakfish, drum, striped bass, bluefish, and others—bait and gear weight vary by species and surf conditions.

Highlights

Pyramid or no-roll sinkers (often 3–4 oz) help hold bottom in typical surf; heavier gear for big drums and rough water.
Rinse salt and sand off gear after every session.
Take only fish you plan to eat; carefully release others.
In Maryland, small beach fires for groups of 25 or fewer may be allowed between high and low tide lines with full extinguishing—confirm current rules.

Official National Park Service links

More Assateague topics

Plan your visit

Directions, fees, hours, weather, visitor centers, and what to pack from Ocean City.

Camping

Oceanside and bayside campsites, reservations, and backcountry options on Assateague.

Wildlife & wild horses

Feral horses, birds, and viewing tips—keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Hiking

Short paved and unpaved loops plus 37 miles of beach—heat, insects, and tides matter.

Biking

Several miles of bike trails wind through Maryland and Virginia districts of the island.

Swimming & surfing

Swim at your own risk—strong surf and currents. Read beach and surf safety first.

Canoeing & kayaking

Launch from designated areas; respect weather, tides, and currents. Seasonal rentals in Maryland.

Crabbing & clamming

Blue crabs and bay shellfish—check size limits and seasons at the visitor center.

Horseback riding

Seasonal riding along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.

Over Sand Vehicles (OSV)

Beach-driving permits via recreation.gov—equipment rules, density limits, and nesting closures.

Ranger-guided programs

Seasonal guided walks and talks that unlock barrier-island ecology and history.

Safety

Surf, sun, insects, ticks, lightning, wildlife distance, and emergency basics.

Shell collecting

Limit collecting to a gallon or less of unoccupied shells so beach life keeps its habitat.

Hunting

Regulated hunting opportunities exist—confirm seasons, permits, and safety zones with NPS.