With the reopening of the summer flounder (fluke) fishery comes the very first tournaments of the 2024 season in the New Jersey, Delaware Bay region.
First up on the seasonal circuit is the Valhalla Flounder Open out of Bass River on May 11. The longtime Bass River Classic returns to Valhalla Yachting Center in New Gretna with awards ceremony at Breeze’s on the Bass River. Entry fee is $120 per boat, with $2,000 payout for first place, $1,250 for second and $750 for third, along with various calcuttas.
It’s “lines in” at 6 a.m. with the awards festivities running from 3:30 until 4:30 back at the dock at Breeze’s on the Bass River. Register online at fisheriesconservationtrust.org.
The mission of the Fisheries Conservation Trust is to improve the science used to assess, manage and conserve our nation’s marine resources. The Trust works to help close scientific deficiencies that have a direct impact on our ability to manage fish stocks in a productive and sustainable manner.
Next up on the Fisheries Conservation Trust tournament trail is the annual Manhattan Cup Striper Tournament out of Jersey City on June 7. Get details on that legendary catch and release striped bass event at manhattancup.com.
The second summer flounder tournament of the 2024 season is the Lewes Harbour Marina Canal Flounder Tournament on May 17. Formerly the “Joe Morris Tournament” the Lewes Harbour event helps raise money to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Cost for entry is $50, with over $10,000 in prize money.
For details stop by Lewes Harbour Marina or call 302-645-6227.
First up in June is the 5th Annual Raging Raymond Fluke Tournament in the Tuckerton area on June 1-2. The captains meeting will be held on May 31 at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 493, 420 Radio Road in Little Egg Harbor. Entry fee is $100 per boat (four anglers), fish sunrise Saturday through Sunday at 1 p.m. Call 609-845-7653.
