Ocean City Fishing Club: A Century of Casting and Community on the Pier
Stretching into the Atlantic just south of 14th Street on the Ocean City boardwalk, the pier of the Ocean City Fishing Club stands as a testament to a rich legacy of angling and community. This iconic structure and the private club that calls it home represent over a century of fishing tradition, making the Ocean City Fishing Club the oldest continuously operating fishing club in the entire country.
The story of the pier itself is one of resilience and adaptation. The original structure first extended into the ocean in 1916. Over the decades, it has faced the relentless power of the sea, being damaged, replaced, or rebuilt several times. The current iteration of the pier stretches an impressive 735 feet southeast from the boardwalk. A significant extension of 100 feet was added in 2021, a necessary adjustment after beach replenishment projects left the pier somewhat “high and dry.” Today, it proudly remains the only on-ocean fishing pier in the city.
Anglers and members of the Ocean City Fishing Club enjoy a well-equipped facility. The pier boasts a clubhouse that includes a kitchen, bathroom, and storage, providing comfortable amenities for members. Further along the pier, on the inner “T,” there’s a dedicated storage facility for equipment. For the convenience of serious fishermen, bait storage, complete with a refrigerator and freezer, is available. The outermost fishing platform, known as the outer “T,” is a substantial 50 feet wide and 30 feet long, elevated approximately 24 feet above the water, offering ample space for casting and reeling in the day’s catch. This area is also equipped with fish cleaning tables, a sink, and a tent shelter, ensuring a practical and comfortable fishing experience.
The Ocean City Fishing Club itself was founded in the summer of 1913. Its inaugural meeting, held on August 15, 1913, saw twelve enthusiastic members enroll, laying the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of the Ocean City community. Just weeks later, on September 4, 1913, the club was officially incorporated as the Ocean City Fishing Club of Ocean City, New Jersey. Membership numbers have fluctuated over its long history, reaching a high of 447 members in 1922, and currently averaging around 200 dedicated individuals. There is an initiation fee to become a member, and an annual membership fee.
Beyond the daily catches, the club has a vibrant calendar of events that underscore its commitment to both the sport and the community. Tournaments, casting contests, and inter-club fishing team competitions have always been central to the club’s activities, fostering friendly rivalry and honing angling skills. The club organizes a popular youth fishing tournament and a surf fishing tournament, encouraging the next generation of anglers. Their yearly Open House provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about the club and its offerings. Demonstrating a strong sense of civic responsibility, the Ocean City Fishing Club contributes generously to the OC Food Cupboard and offers a scholarship to graduates of Ocean City High School. Their fishing teams also represent Ocean City in tournaments held in other parts of New Jersey and as far as Cape Hatteras.
The Objectives of the Club are to advance, promote, and enjoy the sport of fishing in the State; to better protect the fish of the State, to prevent the violation of the laws thereof relative to fish and fishing, and to that end to advance and secure laws through the Legislature for that purpose; to protect the food of game and edible fish, and generally; to promote the interest of rod and reel angling; and to establish social intercourse and good fellowship among the members of the Club.
The club meticulously maintains a daily log of all catches, a detailed record spanning decades, documenting species, numbers, and sizes. Over the years, Kingfish, Weakfish, Bluefish, Flounder, Croakers, Ling, and Striped Bass have predominantly filled these logs, showcasing the diverse and rich marine life that thrives off the Ocean City coast. The Ocean City Fishing Club, with its historic pier and passionate members, continues to embody the enduring spirit of fishing along the Jersey Shore.