Ocean City Surf Fishing - Fish Identification

Type: Ocean
Region:
Location: Ocean City

I am from Crofton, Maryland, now living in Ocean City Md for the summer. This past week I have been doing some surf fishing from the beach right behind my apartment on 136 street. Over 3 nights of fishing I have caught several species including, spot, kingfish, a skate, and a small shark. For bait I have been using fish bites bloodworms, and chunks of the spot. Last night was the slowest of the 3 nights with only 2 fish hooked and landed. One of them was an eel-like looking fish that was about 6 inches long that I have been unable to identify. I was wondering if you could help me ID this fish. Please see the attached picture.

Thank you very much for your help, and for keeping up such an amazing website.

DNR's Reply:Ryan, you caught a cusk eel, they are frequently found in the costal bays.