County Chamber Lauds County’s Fishing Tournament at 75

CREST HAVEN — For three quarters of a century, Cape May County has hosted an annual free fishing tournament.
On Tuesday, April 27, freeholders heard from Vicki Clark, president of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, just how important that tournament is to tourism in the county.
“Some overlook the importance of the fishing industry as a tourist heritage in Cape May County,” said Clark.
Clark said fishing helps bring “millions are spent in the local area for bait, ice, tackle and lodging,” she added.
The contest awards prizes to the top three fish in each of 40 species.
In 2000, the addition of a youth category to the contest “promotes the reputation of Cape May County as a family destination, Clark added.
Earlier at the afternoon meeting, county Tourism Director Diane F. Wieland said the tournament was “probably the longest running one in the country.” She said that the youth category was added because it was noted there had been a decline in the number of entries from younger anglers, age 16 and under.
That reversal has paid off, and now there are more young fishers entering their catches, she said.
“More often than not, local residents are participating,” said Wieland.
To tally the results, there are 50 weigh masters scattered around the county. Those include charter boat captains, tackle shops, and others.
There is no fee for the entry, nor is pre registration needed, said Wieland.
Over the years, prizes have declined, she added. If the past Penn reels were some of the prizes, now there are tackle boxes and the like, she said.
At a photo session during which Clark presented freeholders with the resolution passed by the Chamber, Freeholder Leonard Desiderio, shortest of the board members, was in the center of Clark and Wieland.
“Look how tall I am today,” joked Desiderio. He was slightly taller than Wieland, just a shade less than Clark was.