People fishing from the sandy shore at Sandy Point State Park, with marsh grass and trees behind

Fishing & Crabbing

You can fish at Sandy Point State Park from the rock jetties, from signed areas of the shoreline, and from the fishing and crabbing pier next to the boat launch ramps. Fishing access is open 24 hours a day, all year, but after the park closes everyone in your group, children included, must be actively fishing. Anyone 16 or older needs a Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license. Fishing is not allowed in the designated swimming areas.

At a Glance

Fishing at a Glance

WhereRock jetties, signed shoreline, pier by the ramps

Hours24 hours, year-round

After darkEveryone must be actively fishing

LicenseChesapeake Bay sport fishing license, age 16+

BaitMarina Store by the boat ramps

Not allowedFishing in swimming areas; tents

ShelterSee-through sun shelters with no floor only

Where to Fish and Crab

Rock jetties. Maryland DNR says there are several rock jetties in the park, and fishing is allowed from them.
Shoreline. Fishing from the beach is allowed only in areas signed for fishing. It is banned inside the swimming areas.
Fishing and crabbing pier. Next to the boat launch ramps at the marina. Take the first paved road on the right after the entrance. See boat ramps and marina.

For the South Beach restoration, DNR said fishing access to the beach and jetty would stay open through the trails at each end of the site.

Night Fishing

Sandy Point allows fishing around the clock. The catch: after the park closes, only people who are actively fishing may be in the park. A family member waiting in the car, or a child playing on the sand, does not count. Regular park hours are 7 a.m. to sunset, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from mid-November to January 2.

License

Maryland requires a Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Buy one online through Maryland DNR's licensing site, MD Outdoors (mdoutdoors.maryland.gov). Follow all fishing and crabbing size, season and catch limits; Maryland's Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is online, and the rules are also available at the Marina Store.

Bait and Supplies

The Marina Store near the boat ramps sells bait and fishing supplies along with snacks. Call the marina at 410-974-4699 for store hours.

Shelters on the Shore

For safety, tents are not allowed for anglers. Only see-through sun shelters without a floor are permitted.

Fees

Anglers pay normal park entry: $5 a person on summer weekends and holidays, $4 on summer weekdays, and $3 a car from October through April. Summer weekends and holidays require a day-use reservation, including for early-morning anglers. An annual state park pass covers entry.

A wide concrete boat launch ramp with several lanes into a calm sheltered pond, a pickup backing a trailer with a small motorboat, short wooden finger piers

Fishing From a Boat

Launch at the 22 ramps in Mezick Pond and head out past the Sandy Point Shoal Lighthouse. Kayak anglers use the small craft launch; see kayaking.

Fishing rods set up on the sand at Sandy Point while families play by the Chesapeake Bay

A wire crab trap and a bait bucket on the weathered planks of a wooden fishing pier over brackish water

FAQ

Fishing & Crabbing FAQ

Can you fish at Sandy Point State Park at night?

Yes. Fishing access is 24 hours a day, year-round, but after closing everyone in your group must be actively fishing, including children.

Do you need a fishing license at Sandy Point?

Yes, a Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license if you are 16 or older. Buy it through MD Outdoors.

Where can you crab at Sandy Point State Park?

From the fishing and crabbing pier next to the boat launch ramps, and from the signed fishing areas and rock jetties.

Can you fish from the beach at Sandy Point?

Only in areas signed for fishing, never in the swimming areas. Fishing is allowed from the rock jetties.