What You'll Find at Sandy Point
Sandy Point State Park sits at the mouth of the Severn River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay, about 15 minutes northeast of downtown Annapolis. The park is built on a narrow spit of land with water on three sides—the Severn on one flank, the bay on the other—which means you can fish from shore, from a sandy beach, or from a 1,000-foot fishing pier that juts into the bay. The pier is the main draw for most anglers, especially those without a boat.
Striped bass are the signature fish here, particularly in spring and fall when they move through the shallows. Summer brings catfish, perch, and spot to the pier and shoreline. The park also has a boat launch if you want to fish deeper water or explore the Severn itself. The beach and pier are open year-round, though the park's facilities close seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- The fishing pier is open dawn to dusk and requires no permit; parking and entry to the park cost a small daily or seasonal fee.
- Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak times for striped bass from the pier and shore.
- Summer catfish fishing is productive at night from the pier; bring heavy tackle and fresh bait like chicken liver or cut mackerel.
- The boat launch provides access to the Severn River and deeper bay water if you have your own vessel or can rent one nearby.
- Parking fills quickly on weekends and holidays, especially in spring; arrive early or plan a weekday visit.
Getting to Sandy Point and What It Costs
Sandy Point State Park is located at 1100 East College Parkway in Annapolis. From downtown, take Route 50 east toward the Bay Bridge, then follow signs for Sandy Point. The entrance is clearly marked, and the drive takes about 15 minutes from the city center.
Day-use parking costs around $5 per vehicle, though rates vary slightly by season. An annual pass runs roughly $30 and covers unlimited visits. Maryland residents can purchase a discounted annual pass. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and the fishing pier operates during those same hours. There is no separate fee to fish the pier—your parking fee covers access.
The park has a boat launch with a separate fee (typically $10 to $15 per launch) if you're bringing your own vessel. Restrooms and a small concession stand are available near the parking area, though hours are limited in winter.
Fishing the Pier for Striped Bass and Catfish
The pier is the easiest and most productive spot for most anglers. It extends 1,000 feet into the bay and offers consistent depth and structure. In spring, striped bass move into the shallows to spawn, and the pier sits right in their migration route. Fish early morning or late evening, and use live spot, herring, or shad if you can get them. Artificial lures—especially topwater plugs and soft plastics in white or chartreuse—work well when the bass are active.
Fall is equally good, with striped bass returning to the shallows as water cools. The same baits and lures apply. Summer brings a shift to catfish, which feed more actively at night. Bring heavy sinkers to hold bottom, and use cut bait or chicken liver. Catfish will bite through the day, but night fishing is more productive and less crowded.
The pier can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in spring. If you prefer solitude, fish on weekday mornings or plan an evening trip. The pier has railings and is accessible to anglers of all ages and abilities, making it a good choice for families or anyone without a boat.
Shore and Beach Fishing
The sandy beach on the bay side of the park offers another option, particularly for anglers who want to cast farther or explore different structure. The beach is gentler than the pier and can be productive for spot, perch, and smaller striped bass, especially in summer and early fall. Use light tackle and small baits or lures.
The Severn River side of the park has a smaller shoreline with deeper water nearby. This area is less crowded and can be good for catfish and larger striped bass, especially in spring and fall. You'll need to walk to reach it, but the effort often pays off with fewer anglers and more fish.
Launching a Boat at Sandy Point
If you have your own boat or can rent one from a nearby marina, the launch at Sandy Point opens up the deeper bay and the full Severn River. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp in good condition, with a parking area for trailers. It can get busy on weekends, so arrive early or plan a weekday launch.
From the launch, you can fish the deeper channels of the Severn, which hold striped bass year-round and larger catfish in summer. The bay side offers structure and deeper water where striped bass and bluefish congregate. If you're new to the area, consider hiring a guide for a half-day trip to learn the best spots and seasonal patterns.
Seasonal Patterns and What to Expect
Spring (March to May) is the prime season. Striped bass are moving through the shallows to spawn, and the pier and shore are packed with fish. Water temperatures rise from the 40s to the 60s, and bass feed aggressively. Expect crowds on weekends and good fishing most days.
Summer (June to August) shifts the focus to catfish and panfish. Striped bass move to deeper water and are less predictable from shore. Catfish bite well at night, and spot and perch are consistent during the day. The park is busy with swimmers and boaters, so early morning or evening fishing is more pleasant.
Fall (September to November) rivals spring for striped bass. As water cools, bass return to the shallows and feed heavily before winter. The pier is productive, and the weather is comfortable for long sessions. Crowds thin out after Labor Day.
Winter (December to February) is slow but not impossible. Striped bass are present but less active. Catfish still bite, and the park is quiet. If you fish, focus on the deeper pier sections and fish slowly with live bait.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
For pier fishing, bring a medium-action rod (6 to 7 feet) with 12- to 20-pound line, depending on whether you're targeting striped bass or catfish. A tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and a few lures is essential. Bring live bait if possible—spot and herring are available at local tackle shops—or use cut mackerel or chicken liver for catfish.
Wear layers, especially in spring and fall when temperatures can swing 20 degrees between morning and afternoon. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses to reduce glare off the water. A cooler with water and snacks makes a long session more comfortable. If you're fishing at night for catfish, bring a headlamp and a landing net to handle larger fish safely.
Check the weather before you go. The pier is exposed, and wind can make it uncomfortable and affect fishing. Calm mornings are ideal. Also check the tide—striped bass and catfish feed more actively during moving water, so plan your trip around the tide schedule for the Chesapeake Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Sandy Point?
Yes, Maryland requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license or an annual license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores in Annapolis. The cost varies by residency and license type.
Can I fish the pier at night?
The pier is technically open from sunrise to sunset, but night fishing is not officially permitted. However, catfish fishing is most productive at night, and some anglers fish the shore or beach after dark. Check current park rules before planning a night trip, as policies can change.
What's the best time of day to fish Sandy Point?
Early morning (one hour before sunrise through mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset through dusk) are most productive for striped bass. Catfish bite throughout the day but are more active at night. Midday can be slow, especially in summer, but spot and perch bite consistently during daylight hours.
Is Sandy Point good for beginners?
Yes. The pier is safe, accessible, and doesn't require a boat. Spot and perch are easy to catch and forgiving of mistakes. If you're new to fishing, start with light tackle, small hooks, and live bait or simple lures. The park staff and local tackle shops can offer tips specific to current conditions.
Can I bring my family and swim at Sandy Point?
The park has a sandy beach and is popular with families, but swimming is not officially designated or lifeguard-supervised. The water is part of the Chesapeake Bay and can have currents and underwater hazards. Check with the park office about current swimming policies before you visit.