By: Valerie Lonkart
Margate is a town known for its great beaches, fantastic restaurants, and an over-sized elephant. Throughout the summer months, there are myriad events that take place, from beach concerts, beach movies, a weekly farmers’ market, and sidewalk sales. There’s a cornhole league, a beach party, and an annual bike tour. Margate also boasts a miniature golf course and an aqua park.
Let’s add fishing and a Duck Derby to the long list activities Margate has to offer.
Tucked along the water’s edge on Amherst Avenue sits an unassuming water enthusiast’s haven. Ray Scott’s Dock is a family-owned and operated dock that specializes in boat and kayak rentals, crabbing adventures, and boat repairs. With a fully-stocked bait and tackle shop, Ray Scott’s has everything you need for a day on the bay.
Ray Scott’s offers anglers the opportunity to captain their own skiff. With all the bait and tackle one could need right there in the shop, it’s one stop shopping before hitting the back bays. Whether you need to rent rods and reels or just buy some bait, they have you covered.
The back bays offer a unique fishing experience. The summertime favorite flounder is the most popular fish to catch between May and September. If you catch an 18″ keeper, the dock will filet it up for you. Catch stripers in the spring, tautog, black seas bass, and bluefish, all right here in Margate.
For those interested in crabbing, Ray Scott’s has what you need to enjoy a day out on the water catching a bushel. They offer guided trips or rentals for small groups or large. They have all the equipment needed, whether that’s hand-lining or drop pots.
If fishing isn’t quite your thing, rent some kayaks and paddle around the bay, taking in the wildlife along the intracoastal waterway.
Ray Scott’s Dock is also home to Margate’s very own Duck Derby. The Duck Derby Raffle, which is sponsored by the Margate Business Association, is a fundraiser to benefit community events.
The Duck Derby Raffle is run through the state. Participants purchase a ticket with a number that corresponds to a number on a weighted duck. Ducks are numbered one to 2,500. Event planners dump the ducks into a large funnel in the bay at Ray Scott’s Dock. Kayakers ensure that the ducks stay in the funnel and move with the current. The first three ducks who come out of the funnel are the winners. First prize is a $1000 Visa prepaid card, second prize is a $500 Visa prepaid gift card, and third prize is a $250 Visa prepaid gift card. Ducks are removed with fishing nets by staff kayakers, leaving no duck behind. Although participants have no physical contact with their ducks, they may cheer their ducks on from the promenade.
“This is a great community event where people can come out, enjoy some music, some giveaways, and cheer on their ducks,” said Margate Business Association Executive Director Anna Maria Blescia-Courter.
The duckapalooza will be held Saturday, August 22nd at 11:00 a.m to 3 p.m. Rain date is August 23rd. Ducks are $5 each and may be purchased at the Margate Farmers’ Market, Ray Scott’s Dock, Bocca (see Wendy Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 4 and 8), or through the Margate Business Association Website at margatehasmore.com/.
Ray Scott’s Dock is located at Amherst and the bay. For more information on rentals, visit rayscottsdock.com or call 609-822-6819.
A former educator, Valerie is a long-time South Jersey resident. She spent over 20 years in the classroom teaching students English and Writing at the middle school and college levels. Prior to working in education, Valerie worked as a professional writer and editor in Washington, D.C. Valerie currently resides in Margate, NJ with her husband and two teenage kids. When not walking the beach with her puppy, she can be found teaching yoga on the island.
