Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Ocean City starts in early June and runs offshore, the same run boats make for yellowfin. This guide covers what is specific to leaving from this port.
Bluefin season out of Ocean City
The My Cin lists bluefin from early June onward, and that is the only start date we give. Plan offshore bluefin trips from early June.
For how the fish move along the coast, see the Atlantic Northeast bluefin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide).
When fish show
Bluefin are around from early June onward, per the My Cin listing.
Where boats run
Bluefin trips run offshore, the same run as yellowfin, and every run leaves through Ocean City Inlet. The Ocean City port guide covers the inlet, ramps and grounds. Anyone who knows the yellowfin run already knows the bluefin run, and yellowfin coverage is in our tuna fishing guides.
Offshore, as for yellowfin
Bluefin and yellowfin trips leave the same inlet and head the same way offshore.
Grounds and structure
Offshore, fish are found by reading the water rather than working through a list of spots. OBS SST shows the surface temperature picture, and Chart Contours shows the bottom beneath it. Used together, they help narrow where to look.
Chart layers are not for navigation. Check the official marine forecast before the run.
Reading the offshore water
Read the temperature picture and the bottom together on the day you go. We show the data and the reasoning, and the decision about where to run is yours.
How it’s fished and who fishes it
Bluefin out of Ocean City are fished by private boats and by charters.
Methods
Methods and tackle are covered in our Atlantic bluefin tuna guide.
The fleet
Bluefin from Ocean City are fished from private boats and from charters such as the My Cin.
FAQ
When do bluefin show up off Ocean City?
The My Cin lists bluefin from early June onward.
How far do boats run for bluefin?
Boats run offshore, as for yellowfin. The Ocean City port guide covers the grounds.
Do bluefin and yellowfin share the run?
Yes. Bluefin trips run offshore, the same run boats make for yellowfin.
Where are the rules for bluefin from Ocean City?
Maryland DNR and NOAA Fisheries Atlantic HMS rules both apply. The regulations pages linked above cover each, and both should be checked before fishing.
