To the Editor:
Two weekends ago was the 29th annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby celebration and fundraising event for local nonprofits. It was the brainchild of a few very good people back in 1996 and hosted at the Sea Shell Resort in Beach Haven. Twenty-nine years is a lot of fish, a lot of community, and a lot of money given, about a million.
Sunday’s gifts, totaling $50,000, were presented by Tom Hughes to Compassion Cafe and Stafford Wrestling, both 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
There’s never a bad day at the Sea Shell, but Sue and I agree, Sunday was one of its finest: community and joy in action. The Hughes family and the Derby Committee are appreciated beyond measure for reloading each and every year. You and your efforts are even better than the best day of fishing and have my highest respect.
Please join the fun for the 30th annual, same time next year. The Sunday Fish Fry is so good, it feels like it’s a “locals secret,” but I promise you, all are welcome and you’ll fit right in.
Paul SharkeyBeach HavenNovember 4, 2026
