The 31st Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament kicked off under foggy conditions on May 15th, but once the skies cleared at Island Beach State Park and the sun began to shine, a new Governor’s Cup winner emerged for 2022 as Pam McGee of Newton showed off a 37-1/2-inch surf striper good for top fish of the tournament.
With just six stripers entered into this year’s Governor’s Cup tournament, McGee’s 37-1/2-incher earned the surfcaster a pair of rod and reel combinations, a plaque and, the honor of having her name engraved on the Governor’s Cup, which is permanently on display at Island Beach State Park.
Unfortunately, no one in the high school team category entered any fish. This was the fifth year the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament was open to high school teams with their own team category. Sixty-five high schoolers from six school fishing teams fished this year’s tournament.
Neither the “namesake” of the Governor’s Cup (Governor), the Lieutenant Governor, nor the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) made an appearance at this year’s event, though NJDEP assistant commissioner Dave Golden was there to congratulate tournament winners and assist with the awards ceremony. Sponsoring organization presidents Gary Conk, Sr, of the NJ Beach Buggy Association (NJBBA); Wade Stein from NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (NJSFSC); and Mark Taylor with Jersey Coast Angler Association (JCAA) also assisted with handing out tournament prizes.
First place in the teen category for striped bass was Logan Appello of Cliffside Park (29-5/8”), while adult male division winners from first through third included Tim Moran of West Milford (31-4/8”), Vincent Percella of Lavallette (31-1/8”) and Ron Butkiewicz from Warren Twp. (28-6/8”). In addition to winning the Governor’s Cup, Pam McGee also nabbed sole honors in the adult female division for her 37-4/8-inch striper.
Sponsored by the NJDEP’s Fish and Wildlife and State Park Service, NJBBA, NJSFSC and JCAA, the Governor’s Cup surf fishing contest at Island Beach State Park has raised more than $150,000 for conservation and education projects and improved beach access since its inception.
For more information visit njfishandwildlife.com.
