The 32nd Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament was held on May 21 at Island Beach State Park. The chilly, rainy start to the day didn’t last long as the sun came out and the fish turned on with over 160 fish registered during this classic event, bluefish being the top catch of the day.
This was the sixth year the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament was open to high school teams with their own team category. Seven schools registered to compete with Manasquan High School taking first place with a 33-inch bluefish. Manasquan High School will receive a first place plaque and have their name engraved on the High School Team Trophy, which is on display at Island Beach State Park. Second and third place plaques will also be given to those schools with the next biggest entries.
Nineteen prizes were awarded in various tournament categories. David Koenigstein of Toms River was the Governor’s Cup winner with a 37-1/8”-inch striped bass. Mr. Koenigstein received two rod and reel combinations, a plaque and will have his name engraved on the Governor’s Cup on permanent display at Island Beach State Park.
The event was sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDE) and its Division of Fish & Wildlife and State Park Service, as well as the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association. More than $150,000 has been raised since the inception of the
tournament for conservation and education projects and improved beach access.
In addition to the grand prize, eighteen anglers received rod and reel combinations for their prize-winning fish in the summer flounder, bluefish, and striped bass categories. Categories are further broken down for children, teen, and adult anglers, including sub-categories for male and female anglers.
First place in the fluke division was Kathy Gresko of Robbinsville with a 19 2/8-inch flattie. In the bluefish division, Emilija Dorondovas of Ocean Gate was youth female winner at 21-6/8 inches, with Jaxon Stimon of Hamilton scoring youth male award with a 30-4/8-inch bluefish. Parker Sowul of Manasquan nabbed top teen prize for a 33-inch bluefish, while in the adult division it was Beverly Keefer of Montague scoring the top ladies bluefish at 31 inches, with Kyle Keefer taking the male division with a 35-4/8-incher.
Will Wolven of Troy, NY and Louis Moore of Exton, MD both scored 37-inch striped bass for second and third place overall in the Governor’s Cup, while Colonia’s Antonio Leone also nabbed a top prize in the striped bass division with a 35-1/8-inch striper.
Following team Manasquan in the high school division was Pascack Valley High School (32-7/8-inch bluefish) for second place, with Toms River South High School (30-inch bluefish) finishing third.
