49th Annual Boys & Girls Surf Fishing Tournament Returns to Ocean City’s North End This Saturday
Young anglers around the island are preparing for a local summer event as the Ocean City Fishing Club, together with the City of Ocean City, hosts the 49th annual Boys & Girls Surf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, August 8.
The popular free event occurs on the north-end beach near the Longport–Ocean City Bridge, welcoming young anglers aged 8 to 16. More than 150 participants are expected to join in a morning of friendly surf fishing, emphasizing catch-and-release sportsmanship and coastal tradition.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and lines start hitting the water at 9 a.m. The fishing period lasts until 11 a.m., right before the awards ceremony and a free prize raffle for all registered participants. The event will proceed rain or shine.
Participants should bring their own rod, reel, and tackle. Each angler will also get a FishBites bloodworm sample pack when checking in. Parents and guardians can help children aged 13 and under with casting, but the kids must hook and reel in all fish themselves. To promote conservation, each child will receive a 31-inch flexible Release Ruler displaying New Jersey fishing regulations, which they can use to measure and safely release their catch.
This year, organizers added new age-division awards to level the playing field across different age groups, with 14- to 16-year-olds competing together. Prizes for first and second place will be based on total fish inches within each division. A new electronic scoring system will make tallying quicker and more efficient, enabling OCFC volunteers to help kids with baiting, managing line tangles, measuring, and handling fish, all while speeding up the results announcement.
Thanks to the support of OCFC volunteers, local business sponsors, and club members, the tournament consistently offers substantial prizes for participants — last year, nearly $9,000 worth of fishing equipment, accessories, and gear was handed out. Every child who pre-registers and participates will receive a gift bag.
Advance online registration and the necessary waiver forms are highly recommended for a smooth check-in on Saturday morning. To register or get more details, visit oceancityfishingclub.com or contact Tournament Chair Ed Parkinson at 215-680-6652 or eparkinson718@gmail.com.
