Captain Bill Bunting’s Angler restaurant, located at the foot of Talbot Street, right on the dock in downtown Ocean City, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. In the past 75 years, five generations of the Bunting family have worked at the family business, which today includes a restaurant, marina, and newly-renovated patio bar. Visit The Angler to see the new wooden deck, ceiling fans, and tall table tops with personal lanterns and large umbrellas. After you sample the fresh seafood recipes on the menu, get your tickets for an after-dinner cruise at 7:00 or 8:00 PM daily.

I visited The Angler this week with my fiancé, Joey, and we enjoyed the best of both worlds. First, we experienced an amazing sunset on the bayfront while we wined and dined. Next, we boarded the two-level after-dinner cruise and took a romantic, moonlit adventure on the oceanfront. Joey took some impressive photos of the Inlet with an illuminated Ocean City skyline reflecting on the ocean. We met some fantastic families and friends onboard, and the captain, Chris, told tales of dolphins and a humpback whale that swim alongside the vessel on a daily basis. I highly recommend that you take your date, friends and family on the cruise.

An impressive feature of The Angler is its exceptionally professional staff. From the polished hostesses and manager who warmly greet you at the door, to the expert servers who recite daily specials and relay The Angler’s intricate history to patrons, the establishment is a top-shelf operation. In fact, our server, Alexis was born and raised in Worcester County and works alongside her younger sister, Olivia, who buses tables. The girls’ father, Peter, worked at The Angler many years ago while he attended Salisbury University.

The generational theme falls in line with The Angler’s heritage, which began when Charles Rollins Bunting purchased the property 75 years ago. The Buntings were issued the first Ocean City dock building permit at a time when the only access into Ocean City, except by water, was a narrow railroad bridge. Charles Buntings’ five sons worked at The Angler. His son, William, and daughter-in-law, Louise, expanded the dock and bait store. His grandson, William Porter, and William’s wife, Martha, joined the family operation in 1954. Today, that couple’s daughters, Julie and Jayne, are frequently at The Angler, where their children are learning the ropes. For a more in-depth history of The Angler, visit www.theangleroc.com.

When Joey and I arrived at The Angler, hostess Cynthia (who was also born and raised in Worcester County) and manager Emily welcomed us and led us to a comfortable table on the freshly renovated deck where we had an unobstructed view of the sunset. Alexis introduced herself and recited the daily specials, including a baked Imperial Oyster appetizer, a Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, and an Herb-Encrusted Mahi Mahi with two sides as the fresh catch of the day.

We immediately placed an order for the Imperial Oyster, which is jumbo lump crab piled high on baked, juicy oysters that slide out of the shell. Joey ordered a freshly-squeezed Orange Crush, which is served in a large mason jar, and I ordered a refreshing glass of Kris Pinot Grigio to sip while I cherished the sunset. To complement our cocktails, we ordered the Baked Brie Wheel topped with honey and fresh pecans. This seasonal appetizer is served with crackers and fresh melons, cantaloupe, blueberries, and red strawberries. The combination of flavors is irresistible.

For our main dish, Joey and I split the Captain’s Pride. Described as “a treasure chest of seafood,” this entrée includes broiled scallops, shrimp, fish, clams, and snow crab legs. Each entrée at The Angler is served with a hot breadbasket, including Coconut Muffins and warm, whipped honey butter. We chose Cucumber Tomato Salad as one of our side items. Before the sun descended behind the horizon, our tabletop was covered in delicious, fresh seafood selections, and we relished every bite.

The Angler’s seafood specialties include lump Crab Cakes, Jumbo Fried Shrimp, and Snow Crab Legs. Tuffy’s Teriyaki Tuna is seared and teriyaki glazed Ahi Tuna is topped with wilted greens, wasabi, and sriracha. Another tempting entrée is the Summer Seafood Pasta with shrimp, crabmeat, and scallops sautéed in olive oil, white wine, garlic, and fresh herbs and vegetables. Imperial Shrimp is popular too, comprised of jumbo shrimp topped and baked with backfin crabmeat and imperial sauce. Local Sea Scallops and Littleneck Linguine top off the seafood specialties. Ask your server about the Fresh Daily Catch. Mahi, Tuna, Salmon, and Flounder can each be prepared fried, blackened, teriyaki, or broiled in lemon, garlic, butter, and white wine.

For “landlubbers,” The Angler offers an array of scrumptious recipes such as Prime Rib and Filet Mignon. The Roast Chicken is half of a chicken brushed with delicious butter & herb seasoning then baked. Boneless chicken breast sautéed with baby spinach, garlic, olive oil white wine, parmigiana, fresh herbs heavy cream, and penne pasta comprise the Penne Bianco recipe. Lobster Tail, Imperial Crab, and Lump Crab Cake can be added to any entrée.

The Angler features a Raw Bar with Clams, Oysters, Shrimp, and Mussels. Impressive selections of Salads, Sandwiches, Paninis, Soups, and Appetizers are also on the menu. Try the Colossal Crab Cocktail for a mound of chilled lump crab with drawn butter. Oysters Rockefeller is baked with creamy spinach and provolone cheese. Grouper Fingers are a house favorite, and the Crab Caps are a unique recipe of silver dollar mushrooms filled with crab imperial and topped with melted sharp cheddar.

  The bottom line is that Capt. Bill Bunting’s Angler Restaurant serves sensational seafood in a laid-back atmosphere with gorgeous views. Visit during happy hour and enjoy some of the area’s finest entertainers (5 pm). For more information, and to reserve your spot on the 7:00 or 8:00 dinner cruise, call 410-289-7424.