Early-morning anglers lined the beaches during the Ocean City Fishing Club’s Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament last year.
Kieth Van Laarhoven wants you to save a date: Saturday, Oct. 17.
That’s when the Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC) will host its 48th annual Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament.
Van Laarhoven is tournament chairman, and he and members of the historic club are putting out a welcome mat for teams and individuals to compete in this popular event.
“We always attract many of the most experienced anglers in the tri-state region,” he said. “But it’s also a time for families and individuals to experience the fun of fishing in the Ocean City surf.”
Van Laarhoven is especially interested in encouraging friendly rivalries among local organizations, businesses, and institutions.
OCFC trustee Bob Dever is co-chair of this year’s event.
On the day of the tournament, registration will be held from 5:30 am to 7 am at the Ocean City Intermediate School, 18th Street and Bay Avenue. Registrants will draw lots for two different positions along the beach, from 15th Street south.
The first fishing session will be from 7 am to 9:30 am followed by a half-hour break for travel to the second position and fishing from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Participants will return to the Intermediate School for a free lunch, door prizes, and presentation of awards to the winning teams and individuals.
The fee is $60 for teams of up to six members. Individuals can sign up for $15 per person.
“Although four-wheel drive vehicles are needed for a direct route to the fishing positions, our tournament is unique because anglers can also walk to their positions by using authorized paths over the dunes,” Van Laarhoven explained.
Under the auspices of the Association of Surf Angling Clubs — which is celebrating its 100th anniversary — the tournament is co-sponsored by the Ocean City Department of Recreation.
Now in its 102nd year, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest, continuously operating fishing club in America.
For more information about the Oct. 17 tournament, contact Kieth Van Laarhoven at (609) 893-5916, ocfcitasac@aol.com, or Bob Dever at (267) 251-2306, bdever65@comcast.net.
— By George Ingram for the Ocean City Fishing Club
