LBI Spring Tournament Is Under Way - The Fisherman

LBI Spring Tournament Is Under Way

The 2022 version of the annual LBI Spring Derby – now in its 20th year – is officially underway along the beaches of Long Beach Island.

Formerly known as “Simply Bassin” this year’s surf only LBI Spring Derby runs through Sunday, June 26, at 6 p.m.  Entry into the event is $20 with a unique prize structure – there is a 100% payout of money taken in, with the winning striped bass grabbing half of the entry fees while the second largest bass is good for 25%. The third bass rakes in 10%.  In addition to the striped bass prizes, there is a 15% payout to the largest bluefish weighed in as well.

Anglers are advised to have cell phones or cameras on hand while fishing. Adding spice to the tournament are weekly prizes for photos taken while fishing the event as well as a grand prize-winning photo.

The spring fishing tournament was an outgrowth of the ever-popular Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic which has run in the fall months since 1955. Surf anglers have enjoyed that event so much, a parallel tournament in the spring was a natural. Thus, the spring contest sprung up.

The LBI Spring Derby is the opening fishing tournament in the southern Ocean County area. It is set up for shore-based anglers only.  Last year’s winning fish was a 22.44-pound striper caught by Garry Grippaldi. Charles Avila reeled in the largest bluefish weighing 10.42 pounds.  With a limited number of prizes, the rules are designed to make the event a “low kill” event. Unless a fish will be on the leaderboard or taken home for the dinner table, safe releases are recommended.

Anglers are urged to do all they can to ensure fish are released safely. The regulation that only circle hooks be used while fishing with bait for striped bass is a large help.  All fish releases should be done as quickly as possible with a minimum of handling. Anglers are urged not to hold fish by the gills or allowing them to flop around on the ground. Release the fish gently back into the water avoiding waves that might wash it back to the beach.

The photo prizes give anglers the opportunity to share their catches and still release them safely.

Register for the derby at any one of the three official weigh-in stations – Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, and Surf City Bait and Tackle in Surf City.  Follow along online at LBISFC.com.

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