Founded in 1915 by a dedicated group of surf anglers interested in perfecting and improving the art of surfcasting, the Association of Surf Angling Clubs (ASAC) is now primarily geared towards sanctioning surf fishing tournaments and acting as an arbiter when needed. Throughout the year, spring and fall primarily, ASAC reviews and calculates the points at each Jersey Shore club tournament to determine the championship teams and individual champions.
ASAC also promotes surf fishing to the next generation of surfcaster through youth fishing tournaments and seminars. With the help of several communities, the Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs program and the Dare program, youth fishing tournaments have grown and stimulated the interest in the art of surf fishing for many of our youth. ASAC tournaments have well over 200 children participate in their tournaments.
ASAC is also an active member of the United Mobile Access Preservation Association,, while many of clubs’ individual members also belong to access groups such as New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, Outer Banks Preservation Association and others.
But according to the ASAC website (www.asaconline.org) “The main goal of the Association of Surf Angling Clubs is as it always has been and still does, to promote the sport of surf fishing.”
There are three ASAC sanctioned surf tournaments coming in the month of May, each one open to both teams (fishing clubs) and individuals. First up is the 43rd Annual Karl J. Boehret Surf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 10. The event is presented by the Delaware Valley Surf Anglers and will be held in in Sea Isle City. For details Joe Kelly 267-918-4517 or jckastr@yahoo.com.
The following Saturday, May 17, the 35th Annual Surf’n Land Tournament will be held in Brigantine. For details contact Dan Wiest at 215-410-6192 or danstcroix@verizon.net. And finally on Saturday, May 31, the 7th Annual American Angler Grand Slam Surf Fishing Tournament will be held along the beaches of LBI, with registration at the Surf City Fire Hall at 713 Long Beach Blvd starting at 5:30 a.m. Visit Americananglerus.com or call Carl Hartmann at 201-481-4390.
