OCEAN CITY FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Morning Bay Fishing off Ocean City Aboard the Calico Jack
A comfortable, 2.5-hour headboat outing in Ocean City targeting flounder and other bay species—this guide lays out departure details, gear options, and what to expect on the Calico Jack.
Morning Bay Fishing off Ocean City Aboard the Calico Jack.
The Calico Jack is a 40' Coast Guard–inspected Chesapeake custom headboat running public 2.5-hour bay trips out of Ocean City, Maryland; with bench seating, a restroom and radio, it’s set up to make short, productive outings comfortable for anglers of all ages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A purpose-built 40' headboat
The Calico Jack is a Coast Guard inspected Chesapeake custom headboat with bench seating, onboard restroom and radio—designed to keep small-group bay trips comfortable and straightforward.
Short, targeted bay fishing for flounder and more
Trips generally bottom-fish for flounder and, depending on season, anglers may also encounter seabass, croaker, trout or rockfish as the captain works Ocean City’s productive bay spots.
All ages and simple gear options
The operation emphasizes accessibility: no fishing license is required, tackle and frozen bait are provided free, and low-cost rod rentals and live minnows (when available) keep the trip convenient for novices and families.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Aboard the Calico Jack you’ll load quickly at the bayside dock and head a short distance to the bay’s fishing grounds for a focused 2.5-hour session. The rhythm is compact—depart, fish productive bottom spots chosen by a local captain, then return to the 32nd Street bayside dock within the same morning or afternoon window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips are 2 hours and 30 minutes long with scheduled departures at 9:00–11:30 AM, 12:00–2:30 PM and 3:00–5:30 PM.
Tackle and frozen bait are provided free; rod rental is available for $5 and unlimited live minnows can be purchased for $5 when available.
Fare is $35 for ages 13 and up and $25 for ages 12 and under; rod rental $5; ticket policies allow transfers or refunds if minimum capacity isn’t met.
The Calico Jack offers bench seating and an onboard restroom; the captain is local to Ocean City and selects productive bay spots for the short trips.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a Maryland fishing license?
No—no fishing license is required for these public Calico Jack headboat trips.
Where does the boat depart and is parking available?
The Calico Jack departs from 32nd Street bayside next to Jolly Roger Amusement Park, and there is plenty of free parking along 32nd Street.
How long is the trip and when do departures run?
Each trip is 2 hours and 30 minutes; typical public departure windows are 9:00–11:30 AM, 12:00–2:30 PM and 3:00–5:30 PM.
What does the fare include and what extra costs are there?
The fare includes use of free tackle and frozen bait; rod rentals are $5 and unlimited live minnows are $5 when available.
Are there minimum passenger requirements or age restrictions?
Yes—the Calico Jack needs a minimum of 10 people to run a trip; if the minimum isn’t met you can transfer your ticket, get a refund, or purchase extra add-on tickets. A 13-year-old or older may ride alone with a parent/legal guardian waiver completed at check-in.