The Long Beach Island Fall Surf Fishing Tournament runs from August 29th to November 29, 2026. Last year’s new format was a success and tournament organizers are excited to see even more competition on the beaches this fall.
Long known as “The Derby” the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic will celebrate its 72nd season by kicking off a little earlier than in years past, notably to take advantage of the outstanding late summer fluke bite in the LBI surf.
In addition to striped bass and bluefish, this year’s Fall Classic on LBI boasts a variety of eligible tournament species including summer flounder, tautog and kingfish. As always, the Classic is designed to give anglers fishing from shore anywhere on Long Beach Island a chance to compete for a prize.
When the Classic first began 72 years ago, it awarded prizes only for striped bass. Over the years other species have been added to provide tournament surfcasters with more opportunities to win on a daily, weekly and season-long basis. The general registration fee for the Classic is $40 for adults and $20 for competitors 17 and younger.
For a complete listing of the rules for this year’s contest along with registration, anglers can stop at a registration headquarters and weigh-in station including Surf City Bait & Tackle, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, and Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven.
For details and to follow along with daily weigh-ins beginning on August 29th go to lbisfc.com.
