The Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic (Classic) will celebrate its 62nd season of island-wide surf tournament action beginning this Saturday, October 8, with eight-weeks of family fishing from Barnegat Light to Holgate through December 4.
For over six decades, the tournament often been referred to simply as “The Derby” has celebrated the fall run, helping support local businesses, while showcasing the camaraderie and spirit of the local surf community.
The grand prize winner in both the striped bass and bluefish division this year will receive $1,000 in cash along with a PENN Slammer III reel and RH custom rod. There are a total of eight, weekly $125 cash prizes for each species, along with $400 prizes for each of four tournament segments. There are also various daily prizes, as well as juvenile awards (17 and under), ladies’ prizes, seniors’ prizes, along with special daily door prizes just for entering the tournament.
In addition to the tournament segment, weekly and daily prizes, special prize days for largest striped bass will be October 8 ($500), October 12 and 19 ($250), October 31 ($500), November 5 ($500) and November 16 ($500) in honor of the late Frank Panzone.
Tournament proceeds go back towards the event prize distribution, with a portion going to a local high school scholarship. The winners of the Battle of the Beach in 2016, Lacey Township and Southern Regional High School, each shared in a $500 scholarship award this year care of the Classic. The high school fishing team winning the 2017 Battle on the Beach will again earn $500 towards a student scholarship with support from this year’s Classic.
Adult entry is just $30, while for kids 17 and under it’s just $15. Registration also includes the commemorative tournament button, a 2016 LBI Surf Fishing Classic hat, decal and a free slice of Panzone’s Pizza (while supplies last).
A free “Super Surf Casting Seminar” will take place on Saturday, October 8th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. starting at the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company at 21st Street and Central Avenue with Team Mullet. T-shirts are also available now at participating tackle shops.
Get rules and registration details at participating weigh stations including Surf City Bait & Tackle in Surf City, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, Captain’s Quarters Bait and Tackle in Brighton Beach, and Jingle’s Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven.
Gold and platinum sponsors of this year’s event include the shops listed above, as well as Mancini Realty Company, Bonanni Realtors, Magic Tails bucktails, Penn Reels, RH Custom Rods, Tsunami Tackle and The Fisherman Magazine, with support from the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.
Follow along with the weigh-ins this season by visiting www.lbift.com everyday.
