Ocean City is famous for its summer-resort atmosphere, where the boardwalk, wide sand beaches, watersports, hotels, restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and world-class marlin and tuna fishing take center stage. But it has another side—a winter side—when the crowds are gone and colder weather has set in. It is more serene, a captivating experience for visitors who enjoy all the outdoors has to offer, in addition to the inviting hotels and eateries.
Ocean City offers trophy fishing of a different sort during the winter months, and when combined with inspiring wildlife encounters, some of the best surfing conditions of the year, and the beauty and solitude of Assateague Island—the jewel of the mid-Atlantic coast—it is a family-friendly destination.
Fishing and Wildlife: A Perfect Pairing
Ocean City’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination is anchored by its big-game fishery during the summer and fall months. The largest billfish tournament in the country, the White Marlin Open, is held here every summer and attracts crowds of spectators and fishing teams from distant ports of call to compete for millions of dollars in prize money and ultimate bragging rights. But did you know that Ocean City boasts record fishing that attracts anglers from far and near during the winter? The world-record 28-pound blackfish, aka tog, was caught aboard Capt. Kane Bound’s Fish Bound a few years ago. In most places, a 10-pound tog is an amazing catch, but in OC, it barely gets a nod. Charter and party boats that sail from area marinas share a reputation for producing the biggest blackfish found anywhere during the winter months.
However, the winter fishing is more diverse than just the hunt for monster tog. You can fish for striped bass in the sheltered waters around the city and between Assateague Island and the mainland. To enjoy that fishing, you can bring your boat, hire a light-tackle guide or charter boat, or fish from shore. Soft-plastic jigs are the top lures, especially around the bridges fished on an outgoing tide.
If your preference is surf-fishing, you can find red drum still patrolling the Assateague beaches, or you can target big-game fishing for bluefin tuna, which frequently are close to shore at this time of year. Ask Billy Zimmer, captain of the charter boat Ro-Sham-Bo, who hooked seven giant bluefins in a single day just 15 miles outside the inlet this December.
Ocean City’s surrounding waters and fields are the wintering grounds for millions of migratory birds, including beautiful snow geese and a variety of sea ducks. The proliferation of waterfowl provides an exciting opportunity called a “Cast and Blast” charter. Dusk Til Dawn charters is known for offering its clients the opportunity to experience a morning of duck hunting and an afternoon of light-tackle fishing for striped bass to round out a great day on the water. But if shooting ducks, geese, and other wildlife with a camera is more your style, plan on spending a few days exploring the Assateague National Seashore and Assateague State Park, where you can marvel at the island’s iconic wild horses. The southern area of the national park offers guided tours, or you can walk the many trails that put you in proximity to the horses. The parks are also home to a large population of whitetail and Seka deer, winter shorebirds and snow geese, and scenery that becomes even more enchanting in the winter months. Learning about the history and ecology of the island at an interpretive center can be a highlight of your time here. On those rare winter days when a light covering of snow graces the greenery and sand, the island sights delight the senses.
The dedicated surfer can take advantage of some of the best surfing of the year during the winter. The beaches on the island and the breaks around the inlet can produce ideal conditions. Check out the surf cams on the Malibu’s Surf Shop website, and talk to the owner, Lee Gerachis, to get the latest information on places to go and the gear you’ll need. Be sure to bring your wetsuit because this is not bathing-suit-weather surfing.
Remarkable Creature Comforts
With all these great outdoor adventures to experience, it’s nice to know that Ocean City’s many resort hotels—most just steps away from its famous boardwalk and wide, captivating beach—are ready to welcome you. Partake of heated indoor swimming pools and hot tubs after your days outdoors, and then head out to enjoy one of the city’s many culinary establishments. The shoreside seafood restaurants serving locally caught fish and crabs are not to be missed. The Winterfest of Lights can put a punctuation on your stay; it is open from late November through December 31, and if you plan your dates carefully, you can catch a show at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. Visit their website for the winter schedule.
Ocean City is a special place to visit year-round and a great winter getaway. With its varied fisheries, surfing, shooting, wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, along with great resort hotels right on the beach, it should be high on your list of places to visit.
