Ocean City Surf Fishing Tournament Set For Oct. 17

The Ocean City Fishing Club (OCFC) will host its 48th annual Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 17.

“We always attract many of the most experienced anglers in the tri-state region,” tournament chairman Kieth Van Laarhoven said. “But it’s also a time for families and individuals to experience the fun of fishing in the Ocean City surf.”

Van Laarhoven and members of the historic club are putting out a welcome mat for teams and individuals to compete in this popular event. He said he is especially interested in encouraging friendly rivalries among local organizations, businesses, and institutions.

Registration takes place at the Ocean City Intermediate School, 18th Street and Bay Avenue, 5:30 a.m.-7 a.m. the day of the tournament.

Registrants will draw lots for two different positions along the beach, from 15th Street south.

The first fishing session will be from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by a half-hour break for travel to the second position and fishing from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Participants will return to the Intermediate School for a free lunch, door prizes, and presentation of awards to the winning teams and individuals.

The fee is $60 for teams of up to six members. Individuals can sign up for $15 per person.

“Although four-wheel drive vehicles are needed for a direct route to the fishing positions, our tournament is unique because anglers can also walk to their positions by using authorized paths over the dunes,” Van Laarhoven said.

The Ocean City Department of Recreation, under the auspices of the Association of Surf Angling Clubs, is co-sponsoring the tournament. The Association of Surf Angling Clubs is celebrating its 102nd year.

For more information, contact Van Laarhoven at 609-893-5916, ocfcitasac@aol.com, or tournament co-chairman Bob Dever at 267-251-2306, bdever65@comcast.net.

The attached image was provided by the Ocean City Fishing Club: Early-morning anglers lined the beaches during the Ocean City Fishing Club’s Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament last year.