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Maryland · Fishing
Snow Hill sits in the heart of Worcester County, Maryland, putting anglers within easy reach of two genuinely different fisheries. Chincoteague Bay dominates the local fishing scene — it shows up across most of the active listings here, and for good reason.
7 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 7 spots
Snow Hill sits in the heart of Worcester County, Maryland, putting anglers within easy reach of two genuinely different fisheries. Chincoteague Bay dominates the local fishing scene — it shows up across most of the active listings here, and for good reason. The bay is a shallow, brackish coastal lagoon where flounder, striped bass, and speckled trout move through seasonally, and the structure changes enough from spot to spot that it rewards anglers who take time to learn it. Purnell Pond rounds out the freshwater side, offering a quieter, more accessible option for those who prefer still water and lighter tackle. Then there's Assateague Island National Seashore, where surf fishing puts you on an open Atlantic beach — a completely different experience from the bay, with different target species and its own set of access considerations tied to the national seashore. None of these spots require a boat to get started, though having one opens up more of Chincoteague Bay. Whether you're driving down for a weekend or building a longer trip around the water, Snow Hill gives you a realistic base for fishing multiple environments without covering a lot of ground.
In Chincoteague Bay, expect to find flounder, striped bass, and speckled trout depending on the season. Purnell Pond is a freshwater pond more suited to bass and panfish. Surf fishing at Assateague Island National Seashore shifts the target list toward red drum, bluefish, and striped bass in season.
Not necessarily. Shore access exists at several points around the bay, and kayaks work well in the shallower flats. That said, a small motorboat or skiff gives you the flexibility to cover more water and reach productive structure that's harder to get to on foot.
Assateague Island National Seashore Campground
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Chincoteague Bay
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Chincoteague Bay
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Chincoteague Bay
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Chincoteague Bay
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Chincoteague Bay
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Purnell Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Chincoteague Bay
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Ragged Point Marshes
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Assateague Channel
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Chincoteague Bay
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MD.
Swan Cove Pool
~21 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Spring and fall are the most productive windows for Chincoteague Bay, when striped bass and speckled trout are actively moving. Summer flounder fishing picks up through the warmer months. Assateague surf fishing for red drum tends to peak in fall. Purnell Pond fishes reasonably well spring through early summer.
You'll need a valid Maryland fishing license for Purnell Pond and Chincoteague Bay. Surf fishing at Assateague Island National Seashore falls under National Park Service rules, which include a separate beach driving permit if you're accessing the beach by vehicle — check the NPS site for current requirements before you go.
The surf fishing itself is approachable for beginners, but getting to the best spots on Assateague requires some planning around vehicle access or a decent walk. A medium-heavy surf rod, a fish-finder rig, and fresh cut bait will cover most situations. Tides matter more here than at the bay, so checking a local tide chart before you head out is worth the two minutes it takes.
