O.C. Fishing Club to Host Tournament

More than 175 anglers are expected to line the beaches Saturday, Oct. 26, to participate in the Ocean City Fishing Club’s 51st Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament. Ed Parkinson, OCFC’s tournament chair, said the annual event draws teams from fishing clubs throughout the tri-state area, but is open to individuals as well. He expects more than 28 clubs with six-member teams, and upwards of 15 individuals to participate in the tournament, which is held in coordination with the Association of Surf Angling Clubs. “Even if someone doesn’t belong to a fishing club, they can register on the morning of the tournament and we’ll put them together with other individuals to create a fishing team,” he said. Registration for the tournament will take place from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. at the Ocean City Primary School, 550 West Ave., a new location this year. In the past, tournament headquarters was at the Intermediate School. It costs $65 for a six-member team, while individuals can enter for $15. When they arrive, anglers will be assigned a different beach location for each of two fishing sessions. The first will take place from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. After a half-hour break to move to their next designated area, anglers will then fish from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Afterwards, participants will return to the Primary School for a free lunch, door prizes and trophy presentations. The tournament will span beaches from 23rd to 40th Streets, using vehicle access points at 23rd and 34th Streets, Parkinson said. “Thanks to our police department, anglers will be issued free one-day beach driving permits,” Parkinson said. “Also, thanks to all of the individuals and businesses that contributed services and prizes for the tournament. We’ve got everything from certificates for dinners, hotel stays, and gift baskets, to all kinds of fishing gear, like custom rods, reels and fishing carts.” Registration and payment may also be completed by mail to: OCFC, Attn: Tournament Chairman, P.O. Box 1215, Ocean City, N.J. 08226 For more information, contact Ed Parkinson at 215-680-6652 or [email protected].