Sharks reigned supreme at Ocean City Fishing Club’s 51st Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament last Saturday, playing a predominant role in deciding awards.
Dan Ladik, OCFC weigh master, reported that 107 sharks were landed in the first two-hour fishing session, with 17 more beached in the second period, for a total of 124. Spiny dogfish dominated most of the sharks caught.
“We just couldn’t get other types of fish to cooperate,” said Bob Dever, OCFC head judge for the tournament that had over 190 anglers stretched down the beach from 23rd Street to 40th Street. “Conditions were great—clean water, high tide and a light breeze at the start. But hardly anything other than shark to catch.”
Among the smattering of other fish caught, the largest bluefish measured 14 inches. It was landed by Chris Dugan, who took top prize in largest fish overall, and largest fish in the men’s division. He and his other RH Custom Rods Team B members took home third place club honors with 22.25 points.
The first place team award went to South Jersey Surf Casters with a total of 57.25 points. RH Custom Rods Team A came in second with 35 points. Anglers and teams earned points by the species of fish they caught. Although a couple of striped bass were landed, they didn’t meet the 28-inch minimum required to earn points.
Rob Rinier, also a South Jersey Surf Casters team member, took top honors in two individual categories: most fish points overall and most fish points in the men’s division, with 33.25 points for each.
Lynda Greaves, a member of RH Custom Rods Team B, took home a plaque for most fish points for women, with a total of three. She topped that category last year, also.
First place for individual angler with most points went to Bob Kernan, with three, while Lynn Del-Pietropalo and Bob Schlear tied for second in that category, each with one point.
Ryan O’Connell won top prizes in the age 14-17 youth category for largest fish, a shark that earned him one point, and most fish points, with four. His brother, Dylan, received an award in the youth-assisted group for largest fish and most fish points for landing a shark, each earning him one point.
Ed Parkinson, OCFC tournament chairman, praised the youths and the Intermediate School Fishing Club team, led by advisor Nick Verducci, for participating in the tournament. “They are the next generation who will join our clubs and carry on where we leave off,” he said.
“It’s great to have them come out and participate and we look forward to seeing more youngsters in the future.”
While the school team registered their first year participating, Sue Kent, who just moved here a year ago from Newtown Square, PA, had her own inaugural adventure. It was one, however, she’d rather not repeat.
Driving her SUV onto the beach after being the last to register for the tournament at the Primary School, her vehicle became stuck in the soft sand as she neared her assigned fishing position. Undeterred, she unloaded her gear to get a line in the water and then called the police department for help. In addition, Kent phoned OCFC tournament officials at the Primary School, which served as headquarters for the event, also were alerted to her predicament.
Club members Dan Moore and Augie Conte III arrived to shovel sand away from the wheels so it could be pulled out with a truck, but the first e ffort failed. Dever left his judging duties momentarily to help other club members with another truck, but that effort failed, too. Finally, Parkinson arrived on the scene with his SUV, and freed the stuck vehicle. It was then towed off the beach, allowing Kent to resume fishing.
Overcoming the dire circumstances, Kent’s persistence paid off when she caught an eight-inch bluefish—with a rod and reel she bought at Walmart the previous night. Though she didn’t win any prize, Parkinson noted her dedication at the awards presentations.
“I just want to thank the club members and O fficer Anthony of the police department who came out to help get my vehicle out of the sand,” Kent said. “I’ll be back next year, but without all the drama.”
The yearly fall tournament is held in coordination with theAssociation of Surf Angling Clubs, and supported by numerous organizations and businesses that donated prizes from fishing equipment to hotel stays to dining certificates.
“Thanks to all who supported our tournament with their contributions,” Parkinson said. “And to the Ocean City Police Department who provided one-day vehicle beach access permits to all the people fishing today.”
Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest, continuously operating fishing club in the United States.
