Welcome to The Angler

Around the turn of the 20th Century, Charles Rollins Bunting purchased the property where the Angler restaurant now stands. At that time there was no dock, only marsh grass through which the Buntings pulled their sail bateaux and row boats to shore.
 

While the elder Bunting worked on a fish pound boat, his 5 sons began the small fishing business. As business grew and a dock was needed, the Buntings were issued Ocean City's first dock permit. Lumber was brought in from West Ocean City by a scow, for the only access to the island other than by water was over a narrow railroad bridge. 

Local residents and visitors alike enjoyed sitting out over the quiet bay waters. As the years wore on, the 5 sons went on to pursue their own careers. In the winter of 1934, Charles' son William returned to Ocean City from North Carolina. A year later, he bought a house and property adjoining his father's dock. There he built a small 20'x20' building where he sold fishing bait, cool sodas and rented small boats.

His wife Louise, an enterprising young woman, started selling homemade pies. It soon became obvious that they needed to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Small tables were placed in the fishing office and it became a combined business adventure. 

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A new dock and addition were built in 1945. By the spring of that year, William & Louise Bunting's only son, William Porter, returned from the Coast Guard and joined his parents in the business. He Captained the sport fishing boat, Sunshine, during the day and assisted in the operation of the restaurant during the evenings. His wife, Martha, participated in the family operation in much the same capacity as Louise.

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Much of the history of the Angler Marina could not have been written without the loyalty and devotion of our staff. There are many who deserve accolades. The Bunting family looks forward to continuing to serve you, your children and their children in the manner to which they are committed. Of course, none of us would be here were it not for our many, many friends who have patronized us faithfully for over 80 years.