Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament Coming Up At Island Beach

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK, NJ - Got your fishing gear in order?

It's almost time for the popular Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament, which is coming up at Island Beach State Park on Sunday, May 20.

See if you can catch the longest fish of the day and have your name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. The winner will also receive a plaque and a fishing rod and reel.

High schools from across the state can also participate alongside tournament anglers in the High School Team category. The category was added last year to encourage youth who are part of a formal fishing club, members of a Hooked on Fishing-Not On Drugs group, or an informal group to try surf fishing.

The team that catches the longest fish will have its school name engraved on the High School Team Cup and receives a first-place plaque. Plaques will also be awarded to the second- and third-place winners.

"We anticipate excellent surf fishing opportunities and hundreds of participants at this year's tournament," said Ray Bukowski, DEP's Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. "I encourage anglers of all ages and experience levels to come out and enjoy a great day of fishing and camaraderie with family and friends."

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The registration fee the day of the tournament is $20 for anglers age 18 and older and $5 for ages 13 to 17. There is no fee for children age 12 and under. The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams. Park admission is free for registered participants.

Registration begins at 5 a.m. Fishing takes place from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All funds raised by the tournament will go toward improving beach access, constructing access ramps for disabled saltwater anglers, providing surf fishing instruction programs and equipment, and developing marine education and restoration projects.

For more information about the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament, including a list of past winners, visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm

Tournament anglers may be asked to verify that they have registered with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program, which helps the Division of Fish and Wildlife gather information to manage fishery resources.

If not already registered for 2018, please do so before arriving at the beach the day of the tournament. Registration is free. Visit www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/ and follow the instructions on the page.

The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is sponsored by the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.

Photo: Courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection