(July 20, 2017) The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will host the 21st annual Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest at the Ocean Pines South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool, on Saturday, July 22.
Participants will compete in three age categories: 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16. There is no cost to participate.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the contest will run from 9-10:30 a.m. Bait and water will be provided by the Anglers Club.
The young anglers who catch the largest fish in each division will receive a trophy. In addition, the three participants who reel in the most fish in each division will take home a prize as well.
Eight or nine judges will be on hand to record how big each catch is and the species.
“We normally get anywhere between 70 and 90 kids coming,” Ocean Pines Anglers Club member Walt Boge said. “We anticipate anywhere up to 100 kids.”
Competitors should bring their own rod and reel, as well as sunscreen. The Anglers Club will have a limited number of rods and reels available for those who do not have their own.
“This year we’re giving away, in addition to [the participation prizes], a drawing for another two other prizes,” Boge said. “Not every kid will get it, but the winner from the drawing will get a fishing trip on a boat called the Angler and go out fishing, and a [new] rod and reel.”
Every child that participates will receive a prize compliments of the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club and the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association.
“When a kid comes up and catches a fish, the smile on their face is just great,” Boge said. “They enjoy catching fish. It’s a fun thing to do. That’s part of the pleasure we get out of providing [and] putting on this event.”
Despite a heat wave, 88 youth participated in the 2016 contest. A record 237 fish were caught, measured and released.
The Anglers Club hosts two different events for youth. In June, the group taught children how to fish and identify the different species in the pond, tie knots and use bait.
For more information, contact Boge at 410-208-2855.
Participants will compete in three age categories: 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16. There is no cost to participate.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the contest will run from 9-10:30 a.m. Bait and water will be provided by the Anglers Club.
The young anglers who catch the largest fish in each division will receive a trophy. In addition, the three participants who reel in the most fish in each division will take home a prize as well.
Eight or nine judges will be on hand to record how big each catch is and the species.
“We normally get anywhere between 70 and 90 kids coming,” Ocean Pines Anglers Club member Walt Boge said. “We anticipate anywhere up to 100 kids.”
Competitors should bring their own rod and reel, as well as sunscreen. The Anglers Club will have a limited number of rods and reels available for those who do not have their own.
“This year we’re giving away, in addition to [the participation prizes], a drawing for another two other prizes,” Boge said. “Not every kid will get it, but the winner from the drawing will get a fishing trip on a boat called the Angler and go out fishing, and a [new] rod and reel.”
Every child that participates will receive a prize compliments of the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club and the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association.
“When a kid comes up and catches a fish, the smile on their face is just great,” Boge said. “They enjoy catching fish. It’s a fun thing to do. That’s part of the pleasure we get out of providing [and] putting on this event.”
Despite a heat wave, 88 youth participated in the 2016 contest. A record 237 fish were caught, measured and released.
The Anglers Club hosts two different events for youth. In June, the group taught children how to fish and identify the different species in the pond, tie knots and use bait.
For more information, contact Boge at 410-208-2855.