This weekend, Tight Lines Bait and Tackle will host its second annual flounder tournament to benefit the Jimmy Mullins Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Dozens of anglers are expected to participate in a full day of fishing along the ocean and back bay, followed by a post-tournament party at 4 p.m. The event honors the life of a South Jersey resident who spent his years doing what he loved.
From an early age, Jimmy Mullins loved working with engines, often taking things apart and putting them back together. After graduating from Ocean City High School, he began working in the marine industry, spending time at several local marinas and later at Young’s Fiberglass Services.
His mother, Bernadette Young, described him as a dedicated worker. “The kid worked six days a week, and that was his passion,” she said.
Mullins also loved marine life. He enjoyed cruising and fishing, and he felt free on the water. “Ever since he was a little boy, he fished; he grew up on boats,” Young said. She described him as selfless and always willing to help others. “He would help anyone at any time of the day or night.”
Mullins died last April, just shy of his 30th birthday. His memory now lives on through a scholarship fund established in his name. “He would be so happy that we’re helping other people move forward in a career he was passionate about and thrived in,” Young said.
life doing what he loved.
The inaugural flounder tournament was held last summer with strong community support. The organization awarded its first scholarship to a student graduating from Cape May County Technical School in Cape May Court House. Young said the fund also plans to support the school’s marine maintenance program beginning in September.
Anglers interested in participating in Saturday’s tournament can register at the captain’s meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Tight Lines. Non-anglers are welcome to attend the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $25 at the door, with all proceeds going to the Jimmy Mullins Memorial Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit organization.
More information is available at www.jimmymullinsmemorialscholarshipfund.com.
