Maryland Anglers Seeing Unprecedented Marlin Action Near Ocean City

Annapolis, Md. (September 2, 2010) —  Over the past 10 days, fisherman in the waters off Ocean City, Md. have experienced a frenzy of white marlin action. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service encourages anglers to take advantage of this unprecedented catch and release opportunity.

“It appears the ‘perfect storm’ of conditions came together off the Maryland coast,” said Val Lynch, DNR Sport Fish Advisory Commissioner and veteran offshore angler. “Warm water gyres off the Gulf Stream appeared and held large numbers of baitfish for the marlin to feed on.”

Beginning August 23, the Ocean City record for catch and release white marlin was broken by multiple boats on multiple days culminating on August 30, when Captain John Duffie and his crew on the Billfisher out of Sunset Marina caught and released 57 of these feisty billfish. On the same day, nine boats combined for 267 released white marlin. The action has been documented by Hooked on OC here.

“This is the best white marlin bite I’ve ever experienced,” said Steve Linhard of Annapolis, Maryland’s representative on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and Captain of the Hot Tuna. “Fishing with Captain Sylvain Cote and Karl Bieberich onboard Espadon out of Ocean City last week, we raised 30 and had 11 bite. At one time we counted seven fish in the spread. Ocean City continues to prove itself to be the White Marlin Capital of the World.”

“With fair weather to follow this passing tropical event, the timing looks good to book a charter with any of the excellent captains sailing from Ocean City to enjoy the fishing of a lifetime,” said DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell.

As Hurricane Earl approaches, DNR and the Natural Resources Police would like to remind anglers to protect their property and lives. During the storm, people should not be aboard boats and should stay away from waterways and in safe shelters. Remember, storm conditions may delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.

For coastal charter information go to www.ocean-city.com/fishing/marinas.php, www.ocfishing.com/charter_ocfc_fleet.php and www.ocsunsetmarina.com/our_fleet.php.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov