FishingBooker, the world’s largest platform connecting anglers with fishing guides, today announces the winners of the 2026 Angler’s Choice Award. First presented in 2015, this honor is reserved for captains who demonstrate the highest levels of service, reliability, and safety. Out of 9,463 captains globally, only 791 (8.3%) met the rigorous criteria this year.

• Coastal Guide Service Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Just A Toy Guide Service Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Following Seas Guide Service Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Running Tide Charters Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Unshakable Charters Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Nanticoke Outfitters Ocean City Fishing Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Bottom Bouncer Fishing Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Chasin' Dreams Sportfishing Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Vistaladyfish LLC Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Stella Charters Light Tackle Guide Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Salty Siren Fishing Photo Credit Fishing Booker
• Chesapeake Bay Outdoors. Photo Credit Fishing Booker

The 12 Maryland winners represent the peak of the state’s charter industry, maintaining a 98% reliability rating and a 4.8-star average throughout all of 2025. While Ocean City remains the state’s primary powerhouse, winners were recognized from the Northern Bay to the Southern Eastern Shore:

• Ocean City (7 Winners): Including Nanticoke Outfitters, Bottom Bouncer Fishing, and Unshakable Charters
• Baltimore: David Bell (Chasin’ Dreams Sportfishing) and Jeff Popp (Vistaladyfish LLC)
• Pasadena: Eric Goodrich (Stella Charters) and Chuck Jones (Salty Siren Fishing)
• Solomons: Damon Williams (Chesapeake Bay Outdoors LLC)

Vukan Simic, CEO of FishingBooker, says: “Maryland’s maritime heritage is world-renowned, but the modern industry is built on reliability. To have 12 captains meet these strict global standards is a testament to the professional culture in Maryland. These captains are the benchmark for quality in the state.”

To qualify, captains must meet strict criteria consistently across four consecutive quarters:

• 4.8+ star rating from 10+ verified reviews
• 98% reliability score and 98% response rate
• Full business verification for passenger safety