The Shark River Surf Anglers (SRSA) are pleased to announce the return of the Trout Contest for Kids at Spring Lake on Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. As always, it is offered free of charge to all children ages 15 and under.
An amazing trophy, a custom rod and reel, a charter fishing trip, and assorted tackle will be awarded to the child landing the largest trout! There are also divisional prizes for first, second and third heaviest trout in ages 5 years and under, ages 6 to 9, ages 10 to 12, and a teen division ages 13 to 15. All children weighing-in a trout are eligible to receive a special prize, while those who do not will still take home a bag of goodies.
How’s it work? Fish at Spring Lake and catch a trout during contest hours. Bring it to the big white tent at Mercer Avenue to weigh and register it! Trout must be caught from Spring Lake to be eligible! Contest is open to ALL children 15 years old and under.
“For those new to our tradition, we collaborate with the Musky Trout Hatchery in Asbury, NJ to facilitate the stocking of over 600 trout – including some true trophies exceeding 10 pounds – into the waters of Spring Lake,” said SRSA President and Trout Committee Chairman Greg Hueth, adding that kids are invited to help the club stock trout on Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. near Mercer Avenue.
Hueth added, “This effort ensures that our young contestants have a strong population of formidable ‘opponents’ awaiting them for the contest.” To better safeguard availability of those stocked trout on the April 11th opener, Spring Lake will be closed to fishing for the 3 days prior to Opening Day (see page 17 of the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife’s 2026 Freshwater Fisheries Digest).
“On the day of the event, we set up tents on the north side of the lake to serve as our headquarters, where SRSA club members are available to answer questions, provide fishing guidance and instruction, and supply bait and tackle to all that may need it,” said Greg Hueth with the Shark River Surf Anglers. Prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m.
Thanks to the generous donations by their event sponsors, organizers are also able to offer free hot chocolate, donuts, bagels, hot dogs, chips, juice, ice cream and soda to participants and their families throughout the day. For more information visit the club website at SharkRiverSurfAnglers.com.
