This happy youngster holds up the summer flounder he caught at last year’s tournament. Not a keeper because of its size, the fish was returned to the water.
The 40
th annual Ocean City Boys and Girls Surf Fishing Tournament for youngsters 8 to 16 years of age will be held Saturday, August 8, at the North End Beach near the Ocean City-Longport Bridge.
Sponsored by the Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC) and the Ocean City Department of Recreation, this competition is free and open to youth ages 8 to 16.
The tournament takes place from 10 a.m. to noon with registration from 9 to 10 a.m. at the parking lot near the bridge toll booth.
Ralph Miller, an OCFC trustee who chairs the event, said two special prizes will be awarded this year: the boy and girl with the largest fish will each receive a brand-new bicycle.
Other prizes are given to youngsters in three age categories: 8 to 10 years; 11 to 13 years; and 14 to 16 years.
Youngsters may select their own fishing locations within a designated area along the beach, but they must bring their own bait and rods and reels. All fish are measured and recorded by OCFC members.
Last year’s tournament drew 133 boys and girls.
The rain date is Saturday, August 15.
OCFC also co-sponsors an annual Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament for teams and individuals. Now in its 48
th year, this competition will take place on Saturday, October 17, along Ocean City beaches.
Founded in 1913, OCFC is the oldest incorporated, continuously operated fishing club in the nation.
For more information about the Boys and Girls Tournament, call 610-793-1970.
— News release from the Ocean City Fishing Club
