Last updated: July 18, 2026
Thing to Do
Surf Fishing on Assateague
NPS Photo
Grab your fishing pole and get comfortable on the beach! Surf fishing is an activity that is not only fun and relaxing, but also has the potential of producing your dinner for the night! Spring, summer and fall are the recommended times of the year to fish. Kingfish, flounder, striped bass, bluefish and drum are just a few of the fish you may catch! Young children can get in on the action by digging for mole crabs to be used as bait.
The seashore is a multi-use beach so you may want to get to the beach early in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid peak visitation hours with swimmers. Fishing is permitted on the beach front except in the designated protected (lifeguarded) beach. A valid state saltwater fishing license is required, and state rules and size regulations apply. Stop in at the Assateague Island Visitor Center or Ranger Contact Station in Maryland, or the Herbert H. Bateman Visitor Center in Virginia for more information.
The seashore is a multi-use beach so you may want to get to the beach early in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid peak visitation hours with swimmers. Fishing is permitted on the beach front except in the designated protected (lifeguarded) beach. A valid state saltwater fishing license is required, and state rules and size regulations apply. Stop in at the Assateague Island Visitor Center or Ranger Contact Station in Maryland, or the Herbert H. Bateman Visitor Center in Virginia for more information.
Details
Activity
Saltwater Fishing
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are permitted only in specific areas of the Maryland portion of the National Seashore. Please manage your pets. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times! Please pick up after your pet. The hot sand and sun can be harder on your pet than it is on you. Unattended and unrestrained animals can disturb and harm island wildlife and other park visitors.
Pets are prohibited in the following areas to protect wildlife, habitat and visitors:
• The entire Virginia portion of Assateague Island
• All backcountry campsites
• Nature trails• Lifeguard-protected beach
• Portions of Assateague State Park
• North of the State Park to the Ocean City inlet
Pets are prohibited in the following areas to protect wildlife, habitat and visitors:
• The entire Virginia portion of Assateague Island
• All backcountry campsites
• Nature trails• Lifeguard-protected beach
• Portions of Assateague State Park
• North of the State Park to the Ocean City inlet
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees apply.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
In the Maryland district, beach-front surf fishing requires parking in a parking lot and walking over a boardwalk onto the sand. Boardwalk length may vary between 330 feet and 425 feet. A limited number of wheelchairs with balloon tires to be used on the sand are available for use.
In the Virginia district, beach-front surf fishing requires parking in the clay and shell packed parking lot and walking over a dune or across a blue accessibility mat on the sand. Distances may vary from 20 feet to 100 feet. A limited number of wheelchairs with balloon tires to be used on the sand are available for use.
In the Virginia district, beach-front surf fishing requires parking in the clay and shell packed parking lot and walking over a dune or across a blue accessibility mat on the sand. Distances may vary from 20 feet to 100 feet. A limited number of wheelchairs with balloon tires to be used on the sand are available for use.