Looking at fishing reports in The Fisherman for this week back in 2022, offshore winds came up following a 5-day nor’easter which put jumbo stripers in the Central Jersey surf for a grand start to the fall run. A year later during the 2023 season, we had similar weather patterns but the real striped bass madness didn’t really start for another couple of weeks to follow.
Will it all get underway this weekend? If Ocean County beaches see another initial run of bunker-busting bass, local surf tournament participants should have a blast! On Saturday, the 70th Annual LBI Surf Fishing Classic gets underway for nine weeks, with daily, weekly, segment and grand prize awards (striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, redfish and tautog). Stop by a participating LBI tackle shop or visit lbisfc.com to register. There’s also a free opening day seminar being held at the Ship Bottom Fire House on Saturday morning.
Also underway on Saturday, October 5 is the 76th Annual Long Beach Island Fishing Club Tournament. Sanctioned by the Association of Surf Angling Clubs (ASAC) the event is open to teams and individuals in Harvey Cedars. For details contact Barry Forgeng at 215-990-7660 or BForg001@gmail.com.
On Sunday, October 6, another surfcasters only event will be held in Seaside Park, as the American Angler Surf Fishing Tournament will commence, open to teams and individuals. For details contact Carl Hartmann at 201-481-4390 or cfishigotu@aol.com.
