Miss Ocean City Replaces Bay King at Scheibles

A great Rockfish was pulled from the Bay on Thursday, at right is the new Queen of the Chesapeake, the Miss Ocean City. 
ST. MARY'S TODAY photos by Alan Cecil

ST. MARY’S TODAY

RIDGE --- Scheible’s Fishing Center is the new home of the Miss Ocean City, a large headboat which has working the Atlantic Ocean for years and has now arrived on the Bay to fish right here from Wynn.

Capt. John Bunting’s new home is located on Smith Creek on the Maryland side of the lower Potomac River just a few miles shy of Pt. Lookout in St. Mary’s County where the mouth of the river meets the mid Chesapeake Bay.

Scheible’s Fishing Center where you can book the Miss Ocean City (301 872 5185) is now open and what is the largest "head-boat" on the Bay is now fishing daily from the center’s dock.

It’s no secret that things are changing everywhere and that is true with many family businesses.

Capt. John Bunting and his 77’ all aluminum MISS OCEAN CITY are now at Scheible’s Fishing Center with a lifetime of successful professional head-boat fishing experience.

Whether you bring your own fishing equipment or rent a rod and reel ($5.00) from Capt. John Bunting is your decision. Rods and reels are available on board. Of course, bring your ice and coolers and plastic bags for the anticipated fish. Right now the boat is chumming for rockfish and maybe some croakers. Bait is supplied but should you want to bring something that you deem special…you are welcome to do so. Get there early!

Capt. John sails from Scheible’s at 8:00 AM for day trips but as the "croaker" ("hard-heads") season develops he’d like to make some of his daily trips "Night Fishing Trips." This will allow more folks to go fishing after work and target the propensities of some fish to be night time foragers. Call for the fishing schedule. (301 872 5785)

Rates

· ADULTS…$55.00

· Kids………$25.00

· Rod Rental $5.00

· Supplied Bait Free

This boat has two "heads" and, get this, wash basins with both HOT and cold running water. Breakfast sandwiches and lunch are available on the boat as well as snacks and beverages.

Vital Boat Statistics

Some of the vital statistics of the MISS OCEAN CITY:

· Inspected Coast Guard vessel

· 77’long and 23’wide with twin 12V71 diesel engines.

· Coast Guard Licensed for a maximum of l52 persons.

· Coast Guard License is maintained for up to 20 miles in Ocean waters.

· 152 plus 10% more life jackets.

· 7 life rafts equipped with flashing strobe lights.

· EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).

· Annual "topside" CG inspection.

· CG Hull inspected …next hull inspection due in 2005.