The annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament at Island Beach State Park will be held on Sunday, May 15. Co-sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the NJ Beach Buggy Association, the annual surfcasters’ only event has raised more $135,000 since it first began in 1991, with funds used for improving beach and surf fishing access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment, and marine education and restoration efforts.
Tournament anglers on the beach at Island Beach will be fishing for a variety of different species which are eligible for entry each year, with overall length determining the winner. The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the “Governor’s Award,” and has his/her name engraved on the Governor’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is also awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category.
Once again for 2022, the Governor’s Cup will also feature a High School Team Category for high school aged students who are part of a formal fishing club, members of a Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs group, or a non-formal group. The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants, although deadline for team entry is May 2.
Co-sponsored by The Reel Seat, Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club, Shark River Surf Anglers, Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs New Jersey and The Fisherman, the first, second and third place high school teams will receive plaques donated by The Fisherman to proudly showcase back at their respective schools.
Tournament fishing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you’ve not already registered, anglers are required to register at the tournament beginning at 5 a.m. at Pavilion #1; all tournament anglers must also complete the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry prior to the event by visiting www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov. For questions call 609-748-4347.
