What to bring to an Ocean City pier
- Hand line or stout twine with a clip for bait
- Small weight so bait stays near the bottom
- Long-handled dip net
- Measuring gauge and a cooler with ice
- Chicken necks or oily fish scraps (pack out leftovers)
How to handline for crabs in Ocean City, Maryland
The classic dock method: line, bait, weight, and a dip net. Perfect for kids and first-timers on Ocean City’s public bay piers.
Quick facts
| Best OC spots | Northside Park pier · 9th Street Fishing Pier |
|---|---|
| Gear | Hand line, bait, weight, long-handled dip net, measuring gauge |
| Skill level | Beginner — active and fun for kids |
| Verify | License & keeper rules |
Step-by-step
- Bait the line and lower it until you feel bottom, then ease up a few inches.
- Hold light tension—you want to feel the tug when a crab grabs on.
- When the line loads, lift slowly and steadily so the crab stays clamped.
- Net from below before the crab sees daylight and drops.
- Measure immediately; release undersize, females, or sponges per current DNR rules.
Ocean City tips
- Moving water usually outfishes dead slack—check tide tables.
- Give neighbors space; tangled lines start pier drama fast.
- Keep bait off the walkway—gulls and barefoot tourists will thank you.
Beach Blog on Hand lines
Trip reads written for this hub—pacing and advice, not a second directory.
