Twenty youngsters took to the Assateague beach recently at the annual J. T. Bolding/Bill Mariner Memorial Youth Surf Fishing Outing, conducted by the Eastern Shore of Virginia Anglers Club. Participants were tutored by club members and especially by members of the club’s championship surf fishing team. The youths learned about reading the surf, rigging, baiting, and casting.
Conway Turner, shown in the accompanying photo, had the largest catch, a 24-inch striped bass, which earned him a rod and reel combo donated by Marty Bull.
This event was in memory of J. T. Bolding and Bill Mariner, two longtime club members who were prodigious surf fishermen and champion casters, and was intended to promote the joys of surf fishing to youths. Food, drinks, bait, and tackle were also provided through a grant from the Elks Lodge #1766.
Sponsors of the outing included Jimmy Vasiliou of Captain Steve’s Bait and Tackle, Matt Abell of Sea Hawk Sports, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.