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Numerous surveys tell fishery managers that one of the principal reasons people go fishing is to relax with friends and family. The weekly mosaic of pictures and stories that readers find in the Coastal Fisherman paint the tapestry of what sportfishing represents to the visitors and residents of Ocean City; from inshore fishing and crabbing off the bulkheads, jetties and Rt. 50 Bridge to offshore action on party boats and the blue water fleet that travels to the offshore canyons. But often overlooked is the one of the most accessible fishing opportunities anyone could engage in during the summer months…surf fishing.
Every summer evening after the lifeguards go off duty, the “long sticks” appear on our beaches. For as far as the eye can see north and south along the beaches of Ocean City, and to the south on Assateague Island, there are stretches of beach to explore and fish. All told, from the Delaware border to the north to the Virginia line to the south, there are over 30 miles of beach available to surf fish. While ultra avid devotees of surf fishing yearn for the spring and fall runs of big striped bass, red and black drum, and chopper bluefish, summer represents a slower pace and an opportunity to catch an array of species found in waters of our surf. With that comes the chance to enlighten and educate through the curiosity of children and even inquisitive adults. Here is a profile of some of the many denizens of the summer surf in Maryland’s coastal waters some of which are underappreciated (except by fisheries biologists).
Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis): The State fish of Maryland, regionally known as rockfish or striper. Striped bass caught from the surf in summertime are typically smaller fish, in the 12 to 24 inch range, but an occasional larger fish does turn up from time to time.
Regulations require stripers to meet a minimum size of 28 inches, with a creel limit of two fish per person per day. This species was once depleted to the extent that a moratorium was implemented on all fishing in the late 1980’s. Now the species represents one of the modern day success stories of sustainable fisheries management. Look for these fish to travel in rapidly moving schools along the surf as they feed on schools of baitfish. They are most frequently encountered during the summer in the low light conditions of dawn and dusk. This is known as crepuscular feeding behavior.
Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix): Also known as blues, different size bluefish are often called (from smallest to largest) snappers, tailors and choppers. These top level predators are armed with a formidable set of teeth, so be careful when removing them from the hook. Like striped bass, they tend to travel in schools tight along the surf zone, and can often be seen “breaking” as they drive bait fish to the surface. Extremely aggressive by nature, they will hit almost any bait or artificial lure presented to them while actively feeding.
Considered good table fare, the smaller fish that are prevalent in the surf are considered among the tastiest. The minimum size for anglers to possess is 8 inches, and the daily creel limit is 10 fish per person.
Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus): Also known as croaker or hardhead. This smaller member of the drum family is related to the red drum, black drum and sea trout. Croaker use special muscles with their swim bladder to produce a croaking noise. Kids take delight in hearing this noise as they hold them. The minimum size for croakers is 9 inches and the daily creel is 25 per day. They are very good to eat.
Smooth Dogfish (Mustelus canis): Also known as smooth hound or dogfish, can grow up to 60-inches in length, but are typically encountered in the 18 to 30-inch range. One of the most commonly encountered species in the surf during the summer, this shark possesses plate like dentition, which allows it to crush the shells of its favorite food items, which include crabs, mollusks and small fish. The raspy plates are not sharp, but care should still be exercised when removing hooks from their mouths. This species prefers warmer, shallower waters and should not be confused with the spiny dogfish that prefers deeper, cooler waters, but can be found close to shore in autumn. The primary distinguishing feature is a prominent dorsal (top fin) spine, which is absent on the smooth dogfish.
Smooth dogfish are excellent to eat as long as they are properly cleaned and prepared. Dogfish gained some notoriety when a regional brewery bearing its namesake was opened some years ago. Anglers are allowed two smooth dogfish per person, per day. There is no minimum size requirement.
Clearnose Skate (Raja eglanteria): Named for the semi transparent areas on either side of this fish’s snout. Commonly mistaken for a sting ray. Clearnose and other skates are distinguished from sting rays by the lack of a barb or stinger. Skates also reproduce by producing eggs that are encapsulated in amber to black leathery cases. These cases, which often wash up on beaches, are sometimes referred to as mermaid’s purses. Sting rays give birth to live “pups”. Skates are cartilaginous fish, related to sharks and stingrays. They are harmless, but do have plate like teeth that can pinch and a rough skin surface. They fascinate kids and onlookers when they are brought in. They are of no value for food and live release is encouraged to allow these interesting creatures to remain in our marine environment.
Northern Sea robin: A bottom dwelling fish that resembles a bird in flight when it extends its brightly colored pectoral fins. It has the curious habit of using its pectoral (side) fins to crawl along the sea floor in search of food. It has the ability to produce sounds like fish in the drum family by using muscles associated with their swim bladder. It is not considered for table fare. This is a great species to show off to kids and be returned safely to the water.
Northern Puffer (Sphoeroides maculates): Also known as “Sea Squab” or “Sugar Toad”. A member of the puffer family known for their ability to take in water or air to enlarge themselves as a defense mechanism when threatened. Northern puffers have a strip of meat on either side of the backbone that is very tasty. It requires the angler to skin the fish to get to the meat. Northern puffers also make great aquarium pets, but they should be kept in a tank alone, as they can be very territorial.
Northern Whiting (Menticirrus saxatillis): also known as kingfish or sea mullet. This small member of the drum family rarely exceeds 15 inches in length, but is prized by surf fishermen for their white, tasty flesh. They are also fun and easy to catch for surf anglers of all skills. Another fish that bites well at dawn and dusk, often providing a rewarding experience for the evening surfisher.
With summer in full swing, take some time to enjoy some of the most relaxing, rewarding fishing on our coast. The surf beckons.
If you have any questions regarding fishing or fisheries management in Ocean City and Maryland’s Atlantic coast, please contact Keith Lockwood at 410-226-0078 or [email protected].
