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Maryland · Fishing
Marion Station sits at the southern tip of Maryland's Eastern Shore, putting anglers within a short drive of two of the Chesapeake region's most productive tidal fisheries: Pocomoke Sound and Tangier Sound.
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Marion Station sits at the southern tip of Maryland's Eastern Shore, putting anglers within a short drive of two of the Chesapeake region's most productive tidal fisheries: Pocomoke Sound and Tangier Sound. Both are broad, shallow-water systems where the Chesapeake Bay meets the lower Eastern Shore, and they fish very differently from the freshwater ponds and rivers most visitors expect. Pocomoke Sound is the quieter of the two, a narrower reach fed by the dark, tannin-stained Pocomoke River, while Tangier Sound opens up considerably and draws more boat traffic during warmer months. The listings here lean heavily toward Tangier Sound, which makes sense given its size and the variety of species that move through it seasonally. This is not a destination for bank fishing or casual casters — you will want a boat, or at minimum a kayak with the range to reach productive water. If you are coming from out of town, Marion Station itself is small, so plan your fuel, bait, and launch logistics before you arrive rather than counting on finding everything locally.
Both sounds are tidal saltwater, so expect species like striped bass (rockfish), blue catfish, white perch, spot, croaker, and blue crabs depending on the season. Flounder are also common in Tangier Sound during summer. The activity listings here are categorized as lake fishing, but these are open tidal waters, not enclosed lakes, so gear and technique should match a brackish bay environment.
Spring and fall are the most productive windows for striped bass and white perch, when fish are actively moving through the shallower reaches of both sounds. Summer brings flounder, spot, and croaker in good numbers, though heat and boat traffic on Tangier Sound can make early morning starts worthwhile. Winter fishing slows significantly as water temperatures drop.
Assateague Island National Seashore Campground
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Pocomoke Sound
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Tangier Sound
~12 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
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Yes, a Maryland tidal fishing license is required for both Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound. Striped bass in particular have size and bag limits that change seasonally, so check the current Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations before your trip rather than relying on last year's rules. Non-residents can purchase a license online through the DNR website.
There are public boat ramps in the broader Somerset County area that provide access to both sounds, but Marion Station itself is a very small community with limited infrastructure. Research launch options in nearby towns like Crisfield, which has established ramps and marina services, before assuming you can launch directly from Marion Station.
It can be, but the open water nature of Tangier Sound and Pocomoke Sound means you need to be comfortable navigating a boat in tidal conditions. For someone new to fishing altogether, the learning curve is steeper here than on a stocked pond or a guided freshwater trip. If you are new to saltwater or tidal fishing specifically, going out with someone who knows the area will save you a lot of time figuring out where fish are holding.
