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Maryland · Fishing
Ewell sits on Smith Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, and fishing here means one thing above all else: Tangier Sound.
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Ewell sits on Smith Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, and fishing here means one thing above all else: Tangier Sound. The Sound stretches between the Maryland and Virginia sides of the Bay, and it's the kind of water where you're targeting blue crabs, striped bass, and flounder depending on the season rather than chasing a single marquee species year-round. Access is almost entirely by boat — Ewell has no road connection to the mainland, so most anglers either bring their own vessel on the ferry or rent locally. The fishing is tidal and brackish, which means reading the current matters as much as picking the right lure or bait. Spring and fall tend to be the most productive windows for rockfish (the local name for striped bass), while summer shifts attention toward flounder along the grass edges and bottom structure. If you're coming from off-island, plan your trip around the ferry schedule and give yourself at least a full day on the water — Tangier Sound is wide enough that a half-day trip barely scratches the surface of what's fishable from this part of the Bay.
Striped bass (rockfish), blue catfish, flounder, and blue crabs are the main draws in Tangier Sound. Spot and croaker also show up in good numbers during warmer months and are worth targeting if you want consistent action.
Yes, Maryland requires a tidal fishing license for anyone 16 or older fishing in Tangier Sound on the Maryland side. If you drift into Virginia waters, a separate Virginia saltwater license applies. Check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for current license fees and any species-specific regulations before you go.
Tangier Sound
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Tangier Sound
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Spring (April through June) and fall (September through November) are the strongest windows for striped bass. Flounder fishing picks up in summer, particularly around structure and grass beds. Winter fishing is possible but slow, and boat traffic on the Sound drops off significantly.
Early morning and the two hours around tide changes tend to produce the most consistent action. Tidal current is a bigger factor here than time of day alone — slack water often slows things down regardless of when the sun is up.
Ewell is only accessible by ferry or private boat, so you'll need to either trailer your boat to Crisfield on the mainland and run across, or arrange a charter or guide out of Ewell itself. There is no road access to Smith Island, so planning your boat logistics before you arrive is essential.
