(July 16, 2015) The Ocean Pines Angler’s Club will present its annual Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest Saturday at the South Gate Pond, near the Sports Core Pool, on Cathell Road.
The event, now in its 19th year, will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. Registration will begin a half hour earlier, at 8:30.
Kids are asked to bring their own fishing rod and reels. Bait will be provided by the Angler’s Club.
Three age groups, 4-7. 8-11 and 12-16 years old, will compete for awards for anglers who catch the most fish and to kids who catch the three largest fish.
Children under 4 years old are also welcome, but will not be eligible for trophies. All participants, however, will receive a prize donated by the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club and the Maryland Sportsfishing Association.
Organizer Walt Boge said sunfish, bluegills, bass and even the occasional catfish can be found in the pond.
Events such as the Youth Fishing Contest, as well as Teach a Kid to Fish Day, held last month, provide perfect bonding opportunities for kids and their parents, he added.
“A dad teaching his kid to fish is probably the best way to build a family relationship,” Boge said. “Hopefully, the kids learn a little bit more about fishing and the joys of it.”
No license is required to fish in the pond.
For more information, call 410-208-2855.