Having been involved in this event since it’s beginning way back in 1980, I still have a hard time believing so much time has passed. Our 1st Annual Tournament was put together not so much with the long-term picture in mind as it was for “publicity”. On a cold winter evening, at the 28th street Pizza Hut, six local shark fishermen got together to discuss starting a shark fishing club. It was decid
ed that the best way to get publicity for the club, and bring shark fishermen to the area was to hold a tournament. The 1st day a 627 pound tiger shark was landed that, for the time, was a new state record and the largest fish (of any kind) ever caught off Ocean City. Photos of the shark and the story of the six hour battle made headlines in the local papers as well as many Baltimore, Washington, and Pennsylvania publications. As it would turn out, the timing for all this was perfect. During the early 80’s, the public was still reeling with a fascination of sharks generated by the movie “Jaws” and its’ sequels. At the same time, small boat anglers were ready and willing to embrace shark fishing as an opportunity to catch big fish without running their boats too far offshore. Small boat anglers would prove to be the primary players in the early years of the OC Shark Tournament. While only 11 boats and 33 anglers competed that 1st year, the stage was set for rapid growth and interest in the tournament, the club, and shark fishing in general. The second year entries doubled, the third they doubled again. The 627 pound tiger shark record fell in the 2nd Annual Tournament to a 674 pound shark, and then again in the 3rd Annual Tournament to the monster 1210 pounder now on display on Ocean City’s Boardwalk. To keep things interesting, we added divisions for fish other than sharks. Bluefish, tuna, and dolphin are often encountered while shark fishing and prizes are awarded for all three. Finally, weigh-ins at the Annual Ocean City Shark Tournament have always been a popular place for spectators to see and learn about sharks and what shark fishing all about. Spectator space gets tight at times, but there’s always front row seating for children.
