In memoriam
Awards established in memory of members whose dedication, generosity, and love of the sport shaped the Manasquan Fishing Club. Each honors a species and a story.
Largest Surf-Caught Striped Bass
Clem was the owner of Fisherman’s Cove bait shop, now a Manasquan historic site. He was a founding member of the MFC and a dedicated surf fisherman who passed on his knowledge to anyone entering his shop.
Largest River-Caught Fluke
The Ed Walsh Memorial Award for the largest Fluke caught in the Manasquan River. Ed was a past president and well-respected club member. His home and boat were located right on the Manasquan River.
Largest Ocean-Caught Sea Bass
Frank was a dedicated Sea Bass fisherman and a fixture on local wrecks and hard bottom. He, along with his brother Pete and son Patrick, were long-term active members.
Largest Fluke Overall
Fred was a truly dedicated fluke fisherman who tagged and released nearly 200 fluke each season. His dedication to perfecting his craft, sharing his knowledge, and furthering the scientific study of fluke growth and movement earned him respect among his peers.
Largest Ocean-Caught Bluefish
The Al Lake Memorial Award for the largest Bluefish, which may be caught in any state waters. Al was our longest-serving board member and was Recording Secretary for nearly 20 years. He ran his boat, Else IV, every weekend and always invited new members and potential new members to come along — he recruited more new members on his boat than anyone else.
Largest Ocean-Caught Blackfish
Tom was a long-time member of the Manasquan Fishing Club. He also belonged to the Bergen County Saltwater Anglers and the Point Pleasant Fishing Club. Beyond that, he actively fought for anglers’ rights, the environment, and common-sense regulations through his involvement with the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and cooperated with Dr. Ken Able of Rutgers / Sea Grant fame to provide tagging and catch data.
Tom was a good all-around fisherman — pursuing everything from fluke to tuna and anything in between — but on our annual MFC Blackfish trips he was always a contender for the largest fish of the day. That is why we honor his memory and dedication to our sport.
Largest Ocean-Caught Fluke · Most Prestigious
The Fletcher Memorial Award is the most prestigious award in the Manasquan Fishing Club. It can be won only once in a lifetime and is awarded to the angler who catches the largest Fluke in the ocean and has not previously won the award. Carl Fletcher’s wife donated his boat to the club after his death; the boat was sold, and the proceeds and interest have supported this award since 1973.
