There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than at Surf City Pier’s 11th Annual Fourth of July Fishing Competition and Celebration. The tournament was free for all kids 16 and younger who pre-registered online, and a great turnout it was.
There were 330 kids that participated in this year’s fun and educational fishing event. Surf City Pier offered four age categories: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16. Each age group featured places on the leaderboard for catching the largest fish, and the winner of each category received a custom-built rod from Hooker Stixxx.
In the Ages 5-7 category, Alan T. placed first for weighing in a 1.0 lb. bluefish. Iy’Lee W. was runner-up for catching a .38 lb. mullet.
Jesus V. placed first in the Ages 8-10 category for landing a 1.63 lb. black drum. Naomi M. placed second for catching a .57 lb. bluefish.
In the Ages 11-13 category, Sebastian R. landed a .55 lb. ribbonfish for the win. Rylei R. was a close second for reeling in a .42 lb. lizardfish.
The heaviest catch of the day and first place in the Ages 14-16 category went to Hayden W. for weighing in a 3.28 lb. black drum. TJ R. placed second for catching a .39 lb. spadefish.
Those who placed were not the only ones to take something home. All children ended up with a free t-shirt, lunch, bait, rigs, and goodie bags.
More information on Surf City Pier and all of its events can be found online at www.surfcityoceanpier.com, or on its Facebook page.