The 33rd annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, May 19 at Island Beach State Park. The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the “Governor’s Award” and will have their name engraved on the Governor’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park. Prizes are awarded to winners in a variety of age group and fish species categories.
Same day registration (cash or check only) is at 5 a.m. at Island Beach State Park Pavilion #1, with $20 entry fee for anglers 18 and older, $5 for youth anglers from 13-17, and free for ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. All funds raised by the tournament go toward improving beach access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment plus marine education and restoration projects.
There’s also high school team category for students who part of a formal fishing club or Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs group (HOFNOD) supported by The Reel Seat, Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club, Shark River Surf Anglers, HOFNOD and The Fisherman Magazine. The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants.
The Governor’s Cup tournament officially begins at 6:30 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. A raffle will be held between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. with the awards ceremony getting under just after 2 p.m. The tournament is sponsored by NJDEP’s Division of Fish & Wildlife, and Division of Parks, Forestry and Historic Places, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association and New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.
Get details at njfishandwildlife.org or call 609-748-4347.
