By Ryan Givens
Excitement filled the docks on Battersea Road Sunday morning, as kids eagerly to board the boats en route for a fun day on out on the bay. The weather could not have been better for the 25th iteration of Fishing for Kids, a day of charity provided by The Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club and The Ocean City Yacht Club. This event is a highlight of the year for organizers George Robinson, of OCMTC, And Doug Walter, of OCYC.
Year after year nearly 150 kids, family members and camp leaders all member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Variety Club, or the Challenger League in the Philadelphia area come to participate in a day out in the water. These camps and clubs center around providing mentoring and fun opportunities to either disadvantaged or disabled children, a mission statement in tune with what had inspired Fishing for Kids a quarter century ago.
The families made an early trek to Ocean City to begin boarding around 8:30 in the morning. Filling up on sticky buns from Mallon’s bakery, the soon-to-be boaters began to hop on deck. While many first time boat goers we’re apprehensive rocking on the dock, this quickly changed to thrill as the motors began to go taking them out onto the bay.
Casting their lines out for a few hours the lucky few returned fish-in-hand. Bringing back their fresh catches, the fish were filleted on the dock ready for dinner later that night. Those not lucky enough to hook a fish themselves still cherishing the gorgeous day on the water. Members of the Ocean City Police and Fire Departments were on hand to assist everyone on and off their boats. Freshly made lunch was served in the Yacht Club so everyone can refuel from their time in the sun and salty air.
Of Course the event is not only a great time for families but the boat owners as well. The members of the Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club and the Ocean City Yacht Club look forward each year to giving these families a chance to share the boating experience with them. Robinson and Walter when organizing the event note a large portion of the boaters volunteer again the next year, and all noting how rewarding an experience it was. With a long history of happy kids, families, and boaters; Fishing with kids has the recipe for a fun and fulfilling event for years to come.
Click here to see all the pictures from this wonderful event.
