OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Fishing Club expects more than 100 anglers to line city beaches in its 55th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament, which will be held Saturday, September 21, a month earlier than in the past.
Ed Parkinson, OCFC member who runs the tournament, hopes the earlier date will mean warmer weather for individuals, families and youngsters to participate, in addition to better fishing during the South Jersey mullet run.
He expects 20 six-person teams from clubs who are part of the Association of Surf Angling Clubs, Inc., whose rules govern the tournament.
Participants without vehicles to change fishing positions on the beach will be assigned an easy access, fixed location, and may fish in the first, second or both scheduled sessions. Young anglers can have adults cast for them, and inexperienced surf fishers may be assigned an OCFC volunteer “coach” for advice and instruction.
“We had a great turnout for our youth fishing tournament that was held in August,” Parkinson said, “so the interest is definitely there. We’re just trying to build on that enthusiasm and make it easier for the younger generation, as well as adult walk-ons, to participate in a competitive tournament.”
In addition to getting prizes and guidance, the teenagers will be exempt from paying an entry fee. They also will be offered free lunch when the tournament ends.
Entry fees for adult, six-member teams will be $70, while adult individuals will pay $15 each. The city administration is providing one-day free beach access for four-wheel-drive vehicles used by tournament participants. The tournament will cover the beach from 23rd Street to 34th Street.
Advance registration for adults and young anglers may be made online using the OCFC website oceancityfishingclub.com Registration fees should be made payable to Ocean City Fishing Club and mailed to OCFC Tournament Chair, P.O. Box 1215, Ocean City NJ 08226.
Entrants may register on tournament day from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. at the Ocean City Intermediate School, 1801 Bay Ave. The first fishing session will run from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., with a half-hour to relocate to the next fishing station, where the second session starts at 10 a.m. and concludes at 12:30 p.m. Youth registration for only the second fishing session will be from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. After the tournament ends, a free lunch will be offered at the Intermediate School.
“We have many door prizes that will appeal to everyone—fishing rods and equipment, entertainment and restaurants,” Parkinson said. “We especially appreciate and thank all the organizations, businesses and individuals that support and make this tournament great.”
Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, as well as participants in Individual and Youth categories. In addition, there will be a Calcutta for most points and largest scoring fish. For more information, contact Parkinson at eparkinson718.com or 215-680-6652.