Ocean City Fishing Club Hosts Annual Tournament Aug. 11

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The Ocean City Fishing Club's 43rd annual Boys’ and Girls’ Surf Fishing Tournament is set for Saturday, Aug. 11. Registration for the free event will begin at 9 a.m. at the north end beach near the Ocean City-Longport Bridge. Fishing runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and will be followed by an awards presentation.

Parents or guardians will be asked to sign a waiver for insurance purposes before their children can participate. Each child must bring his or her own fishing gear and bait.

“It’s a lot of fun for the kids,” Tournament Chairman and Ocean City Fishing Club member Ed Hoban said. “There will be prizes for biggest fish in each age group, and every child gets something to take home. Last year we had about 75 boys and girls enter. Hopefully, we’ll get a hundred this year.”

There are boys and girls divisions in each of the following three age categories: 8-10, 11-12, and 13-16. Parents can help children ages 8-10 cast, but those youngsters have to do their own fishing after that. Three anglers who catch the most fish in each age category will win a rod and reel. The boy and girl who land the biggest fish overall will receive bicycles and trophies.

“Each year the Miller family donates the bikes in memory of Ralph Miller, who was chairman of the tournament, and his wife, Marion,” Hoban said. “And we get a lot of prizes donated by many local businesses. We have backpacks, coolers, pizza certificates—all the things kids like.”

Ocean City Fishing Club members will be on hand to measure fish caught to determine winners, as well as give expert advice. In case of rain, the tournament will be held at the same times Aug. 18.

“With all the rain we’ve had recently, we’re looking to have a beautiful day for our tournament this year,” Hoban said. “Hopefully, the fish will cooperate, too!”

Patch file photo