OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC), in partnership with the City of Ocean City, invites young anglers to participate in its 49th Annual Boys & Girls Surf Fishing Tournament at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the north-end beach near the Ocean City-Longport Bridge.
The free event, open to boys and girls ages 8 to 16, is expected to attract 150 participants. Every child who pre-registers and fishes will receive a gift bag. All registered anglers can participate in a free raffle at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, where organizers plan to give away several awesome gifts.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to register in advance through the Ocean City Fishing Club website and complete the required waiver forms before arriving to help reduce registration lines on tournament day.
“This tournament continues to grow each year, and registering online with completed waiver forms will help families get on the beach and fishing more quickly,” said Ed Parkinson, OCFC trustee and tournament chair. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Fishing starts promptly at 9 a.m. and concludes at 11 a.m., followed immediately by the awards ceremony.
The tournament will be held rain or shine. Participants must bring their own fishing rod, reel, and tackle. Fresh bait is optional because every angler will receive a FishBites bloodworm sample pack. Parents may assist children ages 13 and younger with casting, but youngsters must catch their own fish.
New this year: tournament awards will be based on age groups. The only exception is the 14-16 division, which will compete as a single combined group. Awards will be presented based on total fish inches in each division, with first- and second-place prizes awarded. An electronic scoring system will speed the awards presentation, while OCFC volunteers will assist participants with baiting hooks, untangling lines, measuring catches, recording results, and safely releasing fish.
Every participant will receive a 31-inch flexible Release Ruler displaying current New Jersey fishing regulations to support the tournament’s catch-measure-and-release format.
The event is made possible through the dedication of OCFC volunteers, generous sponsors, local businesses, and club members. Last year, nearly $9,000 in fishing equipment, accessories, and prizes was distributed to participating children. Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest continuously operating fishing club in the United States. For registration and additional information, visit www.oceancityfishingclub.com or contact Parkinson at (215) 680-6652 or eparkinson718@gmail.com.