UTERBlue marlin fishing in Delaware Bay and Ocean City
In Delaware Bay and Ocean City, blue marlin peak August and are around July–September, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. August: Blues in the deep canyons off Ocean City — the tournament fish.
Not in Delaware Bay and Ocean City this month.
Blue marlin in Delaware Bay and Ocean City, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyAround
- AugustPeakBlues in the deep canyons off Ocean City — the tournament fish.
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish blue marlin near Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City
Delaware Bay's big, shoaly estuary with the lumps and sloughs off Slaughter Beach and the Coral Beds; the Delaware, Maryland and Assateague surf; the inland bays and back bays behind them (Rehoboth, Indian River, Assawoman, Sinepuxent, Chincoteague); Virginia's wild seaside barrier islands; and the offshore lumps (Jackspot, Hambone) out to Baltimore, Poor Man's and Washington canyons.
Fish Scouter charts 1 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Delmarva & Delaware Bay map area — the kinds blue marlin hold on.
What to use for blue marlin
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Goggle-eyesBridled through the eye sockets for sailfish and kingfish, kite-fished or slow-trolled.
- Opelu (mackerel scad)Bridled live and slow-trolled or drifted down for ahi, ono and marlin; cut for bottom fishing.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 74–88°F water, best at 78–84°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch blue marlin in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Peak season is August. Blue marlin are in Delaware Bay and Ocean City July–September. August: Blues in the deep canyons off Ocean City — the tournament fish.
Where do blue marlin hold in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Look on ledge / hard bottom — around Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City, Chincoteague, Wachapreague, Cape May.
What is the best bait for blue marlin in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), goggle-eyes, opelu (mackerel scad). Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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All about blue marlin · Delmarva & Delaware Bay, the whole year