OCFC Collects 453 Pounds Of Food In 2 Open Houses

OCEAN CITY, NJ - The Ocean City Fishing Club collected twice as much food with two Open Houses this year as it did last year, the club announced. All food is donated to the local Food Cupboard.

The club collected 251 pounds of non-perishable items in its second Open House, held this week, the club announced. Added to donations made during the July 19 open house, the fishing club collected 453 pounds of food for the Ocean City Food Cupboard.

A total of 1,346 visitors came to the pier open houses this year, and also donated $678 to help feed the needy, according to the club. During their trek out onto the 635-foot-long pier, they also heard members talk about the fishing club as well as demonstrate fishing techniques.

Marissa Lobb, 15, of Upper Darby, PA, took over the rod from club member Bob Dever to reel in a sand shark. “It’s my first time visiting the pier, and it was neat to catch a fish—but it was a little slimy!” she said with a big smile.

There were plenty of smiles on the pier as children of all ages got to help reel in fish, who cooperated for the visitors. For Dever, demonstrating fishing is something he enjoys, especially for the children.

“I just get a kick out of seeing their faces light up they see a fish reeled in,” Dever said. “Even though it was low tide and rough, we still caught some fish that they were able to help reel in.”

The Open House on the Pier has been held annually since 2013, the 100th anniversary of the fishing club’s founding. The Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest, continually operating fishing club in America.

The attached images from the Open Houses were provided by the Ocean City Fishing Club