On what was a beautiful weekend in mid-October, American Angler membership put on a surf fishing tournament named the American Angler Classic on the beaches of Long Beach Island. After switching islands and permits after Hurricane Ian, over 150 members and volunteers attended with a light west wind and nearly 70-degree temps.
Starting at 7 a.m., the anglers got their lines wet and began the competition which resulted in about 30 fish landed in total including bluefish, kingfish, skates, a few dogfish and even a winter flounder! After 5 hours of competition, the overall winner was Patrick Tohill of Bordentown, NJ who scored a $1,500 prize package for his 14.5-poing bluefish.
“On another note and because of Hurricane Ian, we did a head to head tournament within the Classic, with the Atlantic City Saltwater Anglers,” said American Angler organizer Carl Hartmann, adding “Almost the same rules but a few changes. The winter flounder was eligible, therefore, Olga Monahan of the AC Anglers won with a 15.50 winter flounder.” Monahan walked off with a $500 gift card from Century Rod/Advanced Fishing USA and a set of Costa Sunglass for the surf flattie.
In addition, every kid, including the six members of the Toms River Indians fishing club went home with gift packages worth nearly $50 each. Hartmann said the next American Angler event will be the head-to-head tournament on November 5 in Seaside. For details and contact information visit americananglerus.com.
