Ralph Miller's Mark On Ocean City Surf Fishing Tournament Lives On

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Under Ralph Miller’s direction, the Ocean City Fishing Club added a new wrinkle to its annual boys and girls surf fishing tournament: a bicycle for the boy and girl who caught the largest fish.

Miller, who served as tournament director for six years, died in October at the age of 78. He died nine months after the death of his beloved wife, Marion.

However, thanks to his three children and eight grandchildren, the tradition he created lives on. Thanks to their donations, there will be bikes for the children to win at this year’s free tournament on Aug. 12 at the beach by the Ocean City-Longport Bridge, the club said this week. The bikes were donated them in Ralph and Marion’s memory.

"Our club appreciates this very thoughtful gift by the family," said Ocean City resident Ed Hoban, who chairs the 2017 tournament with the assistance of his wife, Marianne.

The event is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 16. Registration takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m, on Saturday, Aug. 12, followed by the tournament from 10 a.m. to noon. Youngsters must bring their own equipment and bait. Trophies and prizes — including the bicycles — will be awarded afterward. Rain date is Saturday, Aug. 19.

Miller joined the country's oldest, continually operating fishing club in the United States in 1997. He and his wife lived in Ocean City and West Chester, PA. He was a trustee with the club.

"My father always enjoyed seeing the children in the tournament and helping them to learn about fishing," said son and club member David Miller. "But his favorite part was handing out the prizes and gifts at the end. As Pop always said, 'It's all about the kids.'"

This event is co-sponsored by the city's Department of Recreation. For more information, call 609-814-0216.

Attached image was provided by the Ocean City Fishing Club: At the 2016 Boys and Girls Surf Fishing Tournament, Ralph Miller presented new Huffy bicycles to nine-year-old Heather Ellis and Chris Murray, then 13.