Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Maryland
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Striped Bass (Striper)
Verified
World Record
81 lb 14 oz
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Gregory Myerson / 2011
Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Signature Fact
Their eggs must stay drifting for about 48 hours-sink once, and the entire spawn suffocates.
2
Redfish
Verified
World Record
94 lb 2 oz
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
David R. Deuel / 1984
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
Males literally drum-low booms you can feel through the hull on calm spawning nights.
3
Bluefish
Verified
World Record
31 lb 12 oz
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
James Hussey / 1972
Hatteras, North Carolina
Signature Fact
They practice brutal "surplus killing": slashing dozens of baitfish even with bellies bulging to the gills.
4
Tautog
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
25 lb 0 oz
Robert A. Michelson / 1998
Ocean City, Maryland
Robert A. Michelson / 1998
Ocean City, Maryland
Signature Fact
In winter, they slip into months-long torpor, wedged under structure and barely moving-or eating-at all.
5
Tarpon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
286 lb 9 oz
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Signature Fact
They breathe air using a lung-like swim bladder, so those surface "rolls" are actual gulps of oxygen.
6
Snook
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
53 lb 10 oz
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Gilbert Ponzi / 1978
Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica
Signature Fact
Born male, many later switch sex-so that 40-incher tugging back is almost certainly a she.
7
Gafftopsail Cat
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
16 lb 8 oz
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Joseph W. Bailey / 1996
Texas, USA
Signature Fact
Dad does daycare the hard way: he mouthbroods marble-sized eggs and hungry babies, fasting for weeks.
8
Bluefin Tuna
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
1,496 lb 0 oz
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Signature Fact
Bluefin run a built‑in furnace, keeping muscles, eyes, and brain up to 20°C warmer than seawater.
9
Goliath Grouper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
680 lb 0 oz
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Signature Fact
It "booms" like a subwoofer-swim-bladder muscles thump so hard divers feel it in their ribs.
10
Queen Snapper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
28 lb 6 oz
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
John L. Wilson / 1992
Bahamas
Signature Fact
Haul one up and its eyes glow neon blue, throwing your headlamp back like deep-sea headlights.
FAQs
What fish can you catch in Maryland?
You’ll find striped bass, redfish, bluefish, and everything from tarpon to bluefin tuna in Maryland’s saltwater.
What is the best time of year to fish in Maryland?
Spring through fall brings the most action for species like striped bass, redfish, and bluefish in Maryland.
Where are the best places to fish in Maryland?
Look for productive saltwater spots along Maryland’s coast, bays, and inlets. The mix of habitats brings in everything from catfish to snapper.
What gear do you need for fishing in Maryland?
Bring medium to heavy rods and strong tackle. You’ll need it with species like striper, tuna, and grouper on the menu.
What are the easiest fish to catch in Maryland?
Bluefish, gafftopsail catfish, and tautog are some of the more accessible saltwater targets in Maryland.
