On Saturday, July 10 at 5 a.m. from Cape May to Keyport, boaters will be on the prowl for the biggest summer flounder in our local waters. The Beat the Fleet Fluke Tournament is being presented by the NJ Fishing Club and promises to be one of the biggest fluke tournaments at the Jersey Shore in 2021.
“The right fish could net the captain and crew north of $50,000,” said NJ Fishing Club president and founder Matt Sorrentino. The very first Beat the Fleet Fluke Tournament is kicking off this year and the club is holding nothing back! Sorrentino said $16,000 will be paid out in total across three regions to the anglers with the largest fluke in each North, Central and South Jersey, with the largest fish in the state taking home the lion’s share of $4,500. There are also numerous Calcutta opportunities for anglers to take advantage of an even bigger payout.
Prizes will be awarded to the top four finishers in each region, and top three overall for the largest summer flounder. The tournament entry fee is $200, this fee makes you eligible to win the advertised region and overall prizes. A $30 registration fee is collected upon registering which is used to offset credit card fees and other charges in conjunction with operating this tournament. There’s also a youth prize with a Tsunami prize package given out to the angler 16 or under who weighs in the largest summer flounder in each region.
All Weigh Stations for Saturday’s Beat the Fleet tournament are equipped with identical digital scales and include Up Front Bait and Tackle in Keyport, Tak Waterman in Long Branch, Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant, Grumpy’s Bait & Tackle in Seaside, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, One Stop Bait & Tackle in Atlantic City, Tight Lines Bait & Tackle in Somers Point, and Jim’s Bait & Tackle in Cape May.
The July 10 tournament is scheduled rain or shine. However, if fishing conditions are determined to be unsafe a reschedule date of July 17th may be offered. In the event the tournament has to be rescheduled due to weather, entrants may request a refund in full within 24 hours of announcement. In the unlikely scenario that this is the case the decision will be made by 6 p.m. on July 9 and all registrants will be notified via email.
Winners will be confirmed and announced within 48 hours of close of weigh-ins via email to registrants and on NJ Fishing Club social media platforms. Winner checks will be disbursed within 10 days of tournament results announcement. Winners may also be required to take a polygraph test cost paid by NJ Fishing Club.
For all the Beat the Fleet Fluke Tournament rules and to register for the contest, go to www.njfishingclub.com/beatthefleet.
