In 1945 a group of Village of Ocean Beach long time residents recognized a need to do something further with a recreational activity they all enjoyed. At a time when conservation was a "what is that word" term those residents decided to direct a part of their recreational activity into a forum that would defend against the loss of our natural resources waters and wildlife.
In 1945 the Constitution and By-laws of the Ocean Beach Fishing Club, (A) which followed with the Incorporation of Ocean Beach Fishing Club in 1947 (B); and later confirmed continued existence in 1952 (C) then in 2006 when the sound for the need to continue was heard (D) the annual fishing contest was modified and converted so that it was available all children 14 years and younger. For the last 18 years prior to 2026 the Annual Ocean Beach Catch Release contest has been held in the last week of the Summer with 70 or more girls and boys 14 years of age signing up to participate.
Good Sportsmanship and Conservation of resources are practiced as all fish caught are released. Each child in the contest is provided with a T shirt, a bamboo rod, refreshments, bait and special awards for "best sportsman" or the High Hook for the day - with an annual special event gift for each child who signed up even if they do not catch anything other than a fun day. The bamboo rods were provided and not unlike the annual baby day parade, where the parents often make the sometimes required assembly a parent the night before the event. Makes for special experience even if the parent needs the child to show them how to assemble the rod.
On the day of the event the bamboo rods required to be used so that everyone - regardless of age or experience, is on an equal level. And, as is often the case - when the rod needed repair there stood a legion of many Ocean Beach residents who donated their time and effort to help make the repair- assist in baiting the hook- or helping the one who caught the fish release with the fish. At the end every child who participates gets an ice cream cone and somewhere in the event the of good sportsmanship and conservation of our natural resources is communicated.
Some 80+ years since 1945 conservation of resources is now "common talk" and the Village of Ocean Beach now sponsors the Catch & Release contest for all who join in the event which everyone has fun.
-Sherwood Salvan, 2026
