OBXAC
by: Jake Worthington
In 2008, a group of men gathered on the Outer Banks with the purpose of organizing a club for fishing. The group consisted of small boat recreational fishermen who wanted a club where they could share fishing stories and learn from each other. The group was created and adopted bylaws that stated the club was formed “for the entertainment and education” of the membership that would “promote safety, good fellowship and true sportsmanship of their members.” This group of about eight members grew to a group of over a hundred members in a few years. This group is the Outer Banks Anglers Club,and they just recently celebrated a decade anniversary of fulfilling those ideals the charter members created. I have been a member since 2011 when I joined at the ripe age of 12!
The OBXAC meets the last Monday of every month at the Kern-Pitts Center located behind the Southern Shores Town Hall at 7:00 pm. The meetings are open to anyone, whether they are an experienced fisherman or those who are just starting out. At each meeting, the club has a monthly guest speaker that may be a member, a local fishing captain, biologists, state or local marine agencies, or has a connection with fishermen. Also members will discuss their fishing trips and share information and sometimes pictures from the trips. Every month, members will submit their exemplary catches for the Fish of the Month contest. A break is taken where refreshments are served and members and guests can network. After the break, a short business meeting is conducted. Then there is a raffle for a $50 gift certificate from TW’s Bait and Tackle, as well as a 50/50 raffle.
The club also conducts several fishing tournaments for its members during the year. There is a Catfish Tournament in early spring, a Cobia/ Dolphin Tournament in May and June, a Speckled Trout/Puppy Drum/ Flounder Tournament in August and September. The last tourney of the year is the Striped Bass/Rockfish Tournament which generally lasts for a couple of months to give everyone an opportunity to participate. Awards and cash are given for prizes for each tournament. In addition to tournaments, the club has an annual Pig Pickin’, an Oyster Roast and an Annual Awards Banquet.
The OBXAC has taken the lead and formed a committee to create a new Artificial Reef. The OBXAC was awarded a grant from the NCDMF to create a new Artificial Reef that will be about 6 miles south of Oregon Inlet. Terry and Robin Stewart, owners of TW’s Bait and Tackle, made a very generous donation in support of the new reef. TW’s Bait and Tackle has also been a strong supporter of the club for the last 11 years.
The club also supports the annual Fritz Boyden Youth Fishing Tournament every June, the Beach Food Pantry, and the Southern Shores Fire Department. So if you are in the area and want to join a club that promotes and supports fishing, then we hope to see you there! Check out the club’s webpage http://www.outerbanksanglersclub.com for more information about the club.
To read Jakes last month article click here
