Ocean City Fishing Club’s 52nd Annual Surf Fishing Tournament will command the beaches on October 23, after a year’s layoff due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Last held in October 2019, the tournament resumes with more than 100 anglers expected to participate, according to tournament chairman Ed Parkinson.
“We’re looking to have between 15 to 20 clubs, each with teams of six members, participate this year,” Parkinson said. “It may not be as big as previous years, but there will be lots of enthusiasm after not having a tournament last year.”
Club teams, individuals and youths are encouraged to register before October 21, though late entries may sign up on tournament day from 5:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. at the Ocean City Public Library under the tent located at the corner of 16th Street and Haven Avenue. Parking is available in the library’s parking lot and the adjoining city lot between 15th and 16th Streets.
Six-member teams can enter at a cost of $60, while individuals can pay $15. Registration costs should be made payable to Ocean City Fishing Club and mailed to Ed Parkinson, 324 Hidden Creek Dr., Hatboro PA 19040.
Upon arrival at the registration tent, anglers will be assigned different beach locations for each of two fishing sessions. The first begins at 7 a.m., ending at 9:30 a.m., with a half-hour to relocate to the next area where the second session starts at 10 a.m. and concludes at 12:30 p.m. The city has designated beaches from 34th Street to 48th Street for the tournament and has given a one-day pass for entrants to drive on the beach to the fishing area.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, as well as to individual and youth winners. The person who catches the biggest fish, regardless of fishing category, will in a Slime 2X Tire Inflator. “We’ve got some nice prizes this year,” Parkinson said, ticking off a list that includes sand spikes, fishing rigs, cell phone pouches and various gift cards. “We tried to get things that anglers will value,” he added.
For more information, contact Parkinson at eparkinson718@gmail.com or 215-680-6652.
