Best Boats For Assawoman Bay: A Guide

Assawoman Bay is a great spot for fishing and crabbing. The bay is located in Worcester County, Maryland, and offers acres of shallow-water habitat for fly fishing. With tidal creeks, ponds, and guts extending off the two bays, you can fish for days and still not cover all the fishable areas. The bay is also known for its new island, which is great for families, offering clean sand and moderately shallow water. When it comes to choosing a good boat for Assawoman Bay, there are a few options to consider. If you're looking for a boat to rent, you can find multiple kayak, canoe, and motorboat rentals available in Ocean City. Alternatively, if you're looking to purchase a boat, some fishing charters in the area use boats that are 24 to 30 feet in length and can accommodate 5 to 6 passengers.

Types of fish in Assawoman Bay

Assawoman Bay is a prime fishing spot in Maryland, with its shallow waters and tidal creeks, ponds and guts providing the ideal habitat for fly fishing. The bay is home to a variety of fish species, including:

• Flounder: A common catch in Assawoman Bay, flounder can be found throughout the year. They are a flatfish with both eyes on one side of their head, and they live close to the bay's sod banks, points of land, and pilings.
• Speckled Trout: Speckled trout are another fish that call Assawoman Bay home. They can be found in the bay's deeper waters, as well as in the tidal creeks and ponds.
• Croaker: Croaker are known for their distinctive croaking sound, which is produced by muscles rubbing against their swim bladder. They are a common catch in the bay during the summer months.
• Spot: Spot are a type of fish that can be found in the bay during the summer and fall seasons. They are often caught using bloodworms as bait.
• Striped Bass: Striped bass are a popular game fish and can be found in the bay throughout the year. They are known for their distinctive stripes along their silver bodies.
• Bluefin Tuna: Bluefin tuna are a highly prized catch and can be found in the deeper waters of the bay. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some weighing over 150 lbs.
• Stripers: Stripers, also known as striped bass, are a common game fish in Assawoman Bay. They can be found in the bay's deeper waters and require precise casting techniques to catch.
• Puppy Drum: Puppy drum, also known as red drum, are a type of fish that can be found in Assawoman Bay. They are known for their distinctive drumming sound, which is produced by muscle contractions in their swim bladder.
• Tog: Tog is a type of fish that can be found in Assawoman Bay. They are known to be aggressive feeders, making them a popular target for anglers.
• White Marlin: White marlin are a highly prized game fish that can be found in the waters of Assawoman Bay. They are known for their speed and agility, making them a challenging catch.
• Rays: Rays are a common catch for anglers shark fishing in the bay. They are known for their distinctive shape and can be a blast to fight with, providing an exciting fishing experience.

Types of boats in Assawoman Bay

Assawoman Bay is a great spot for fishing and boating. The bay is located in Worcester County, Maryland, with Ocean City making up its eastern shoreline. The bay is known for its shallow waters, tidal creeks, ponds, and guts, making it a popular spot for fly fishing.

When it comes to boating in Assawoman Bay, there are a few different types of boats that are commonly used. One option is a motorboat, which can be used to explore the various creeks and ponds that extend off the bay. Motorboats can be used for fishing, crabbing, or simply enjoying the scenery. Another option is a kayak, which is a great choice for those who want to get some exercise while exploring the bay. Kayaks can be easily manoeuvred through the shallow waters and around the sod banks, points, and pilings. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, canoe rentals are also available in Ocean City. Canoes can provide a stable and comfortable platform for fishing or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.

For those who want to try something a little different, stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) are also an option in Assawoman Bay. SUPs offer a unique perspective and can be a fun way to explore the bay. Additionally, jet skis are a popular choice for those who want to experience the thrill of speeding through the water. Jet skis can be launched from the various boat ramps in the area, providing easy access to the bay.

Finally, for those who want to try their hand at crabbing, a crabbing boat might be the best option. These boats are specifically designed for crabbing and can be equipped with traps and other necessary equipment. Crabbing is a popular activity in Assawoman Bay, and a dedicated crabbing boat can make the experience more enjoyable and productive.

Overall, Assawoman Bay offers a variety of boating options to suit different interests and preferences. From motorboats and kayaks to canoes and jet skis, there is something for everyone to enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities that the bay has to offer.

Boat launch spots in Assawoman Bay

Assawoman Bay is a great spot for boating, kayaking, and fishing. There are several boat launch spots in the area, depending on your preferences. Here are some options for boat launch spots in Assawoman Bay:

• Assawoman Recreation Area (ARA): This launch spot provides access to the top of Little Assawoman Bay in the Miller Creek estuary. From here, you can explore the many salt marsh cuts and creeks of the Assawoman Wildlife Area (AWA). The launch is located on Route 1, a quarter-mile south of South Bethany. There is a $10 parking fee for out-of-state vehicles and $5 for in-state vehicles.
• The Assawoman Canal: This is a four-mile-long, dredged waterway connecting Indian River Bay to Little Assawoman Bay. It offers protection from wind and sun and is lined with gum trees and loblolly pines. There are three launch options for the canal: off Kent Avenue east of the Jefferson Bridge, on Town Road off Route 26, and out of Harbor View Marina on Eliot Drive.
• 64th Street Boat Ramp: This boat launch is located in Ocean City, Maryland, and provides access to Assawoman Bay. It is a great spot for fly fishing, with acres of shallow-water habitat and tidal creeks to explore. The boat ramps are free to use, but there is a fee for parking watercraft.
• Guy Street Kayak and Paddleboard Boat Launch: This launch ramp is located less than half a mile from the Ocean View Beach Club community entrance. It provides immediate access to the 97-acre Assawoman Canal, which connects to Indian River Bay and Little Assawoman Bay. It is part of the Delaware State Parks and offers a gorgeous, natural waterway to explore.
• Savage's Ditch Road: Launching from here will put you in the southern portion of Rehoboth Bay, where the waterways weave through the salt marshes. This area is close to the inlet, ensuring a constant water flow that attracts a wide variety of wildlife. The launch site is off Route 1, four miles south of Dewey Beach, and there is a $10 fee for out-of-state vehicles and $5 for in-state vehicles.
• Isle of Wight: Launching from Isle of Wight will put you in the middle of Assawoman Bay if you paddle east or north. Circumnavigating the isle is possible but requires a longer trip. The area south of Route 90 is a free public park with a crabbing pier and a non-motorized launching area.

These are just a few of the boat launch spots in Assawoman Bay. Each offers a unique experience, from exploring nature and wildlife to enjoying water sports and fishing.

Fishing tips in Assawoman Bay

Assawoman Bay is a great spot for fishing, with its shallow-water habitat and acres of tidal creeks, ponds and guts. Here are some tips to make the most of your fishing experience in the bay:

Know the fishing spots

The bay has numerous fishing spots, including the 64th Street Boat Ramp, Isle of Wight Park, Stinky Beach, and the Route 50 Bridge. The 64th Street Boat Ramp offers access to both Assawoman Bay and Isle of Wight, providing a variety of fishing options.

Understand the best seasons for different fish

Assawoman Bay is home to a variety of fish species, and knowing the best seasons to target specific fish can improve your chances of a good catch. Spring is ideal for flounder, bluefish, and striped bass, while summer offers a wider range of species, including flounder, croaker, spot, striped bass, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and speckled trout. In the fall, you can target flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and speckled trout.

Choose the right equipment

For fly fishing in Assawoman Bay, a 5 to 8 weight fly rod is recommended, along with no. 4 or no. 6 Clouser minnows or shrimp patterns. A 10' to 12' fluorocarbon leader on floating line or a shorter leader with a sinking line can also enhance your chances of success.

Check tide conditions

Tides play a crucial role in fishing. High tide is generally considered better for fishing, as it provides easier access to deeper water and can attract more fish to the area. Additionally, checking tide conditions can help you plan your fishing trip and maximise your chances of catching the desired species.

Be adaptable

The bite can change frequently in Assawoman Bay, so it's important to remain flexible and be open to targeting different species. This will increase your chances of a successful fishing trip, even if it means adjusting your techniques or bait choices.

Consider a charter

If you're new to fishing in Assawoman Bay or simply want a more guided experience, consider booking a fishing charter. Charters like Bottom Bouncer Fishing, Local Hooker Charters, and Day on the Bay Charters can provide valuable insights, take you to the best fishing spots, and enhance your overall fishing experience.

Crabbing in Assawoman Bay

Choosing a Location

When it comes to crabbing in Assawoman Bay, you have the option to crab from docks, piers, or a boat. Any dock or pier on the bay in Ocean City will work for crabbing. Remember to always get permission to use these crabbing locations or visit one of the public crabbing piers in the area. The pier at Northside Park is one of the most peaceful places to crab in town, and it's free and spacious. Other good options include the 9th Street Fishing Pier and the pier in Assateague State Park. If you want to try crabbing from a boat, you can rent one or book a crabbing charter that provides all the necessary equipment and bait. Calm waters are generally preferred when crabbing from a boat.

Techniques and Equipment

There are several techniques you can use for crabbing in Assawoman Bay, depending on your preferences and experience level. Here are some common methods:

• Collapsible crab traps: These traps are commonly used by recreational crabbers and can be set in a row and checked periodically, or you can anchor in one spot and use both traps and handlines.
• Trot lines: This method involves setting a line of traps and scooping up the crabs with a net as the line rises.
• Handlines and bait: This simple method can be effective, especially when combined with other techniques.

Regulations and Licensing

Before you go crabbing in Assawoman Bay, make sure you are familiar with the local regulations and licensing requirements. In Ocean City, Maryland, you need a crabbing license to crab in public areas. Be sure to use the correct equipment that accompanies your recreational license. Additionally, some locations may have specific rules and restrictions, so it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or experienced crabbers in the area.

Best Times to Go Crabbing

While crabbing can be done year-round, certain times of the year may offer more success. In Ocean City, crabbing is best during late summer through fall. Additionally, high tide tends to be a more productive time for crabbing, as it provides better access to deeper water where crabs may be more abundant.

Frequently asked questions