While the mass migration of striped bass isn’t expected to make its way to the Jersey Shore until sometime next month, the post Labor Day fishing festivities begin to take shape this month as summer crowds wane and the beaches return to the surfcasters.
If you’re looking to join your friends and families in pursuit of tournament prizes this month, there are several single-day and season-long events worth a look in September. The Association of Surf Angling Clubs (ASAC) will kick off another tournament season this month that will run through late October, with events open to teams and individuals competing alone. First up is the 60th Annual H.W. Shaner Tournament in Avalon on September 9 (contact Lynda Greaves at 609-214-0939 or [email protected]), followed by the 5th Annual American Angler Surf Fishing Tournament on September 16 (contact Carl Hartmann at 201-481-4390 or [email protected]), the 76th Annual Long Beach Island Fishing Club Tournament on September 23 (contact Barry Forgeng at 215-990-7660 or [email protected]), and the 68th Annual Pennsauken Surf Fishing Club Tournament on September 30 (contact Dan Ladik at 856-261-4521 or [email protected].)
ASAC season-long points have already been tallying up since the spring tournaments (Delaware Valley Surf Anglers and Surf & Land contests in May), but there’s still plenty of time to rally through the fall season. For more information and complete tournament lineup visit ASAC at asaconline.org.
Multi-day surfcasting events kickoff this month, with the Riptide Fall Striped Bass Derby beginning on September and running through December 8. Presented by Riptide Bait and Tackle in Brigantine, this is a surf only tournament on the beaches of Brigantine with prizes for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish and tautog. Get details at Riptide Bait and Tackle in Brigantine; call 609-264-0440.
From September 8-10, don’t miss the 54th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament at North Wildwood presented by the North Wildwood Recreation Department from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, ending 11 a.m. Sunday. You can register for $20 at the Gazebo on 3rd and JFK Boulevard in North Wildwood, or call 609-522-2955 for details.
The 2023 Atlantic County Surf Fishing Derby – AKA, the Pat Erdman Memorial Tournament – will run from September 25 through November 26 and is a striped bass, bluefish, tautog and kingfish tournament for surfcasters fishing from Brigantine Inlet to Longport. Entry is $25 at participating tackle shops or email [email protected] for details.
Finally, for kids only, don’t miss the 28th Annual NJBBA Children’s Surf Fishing Tournament at Island Beach State Park on September 16. Presented annually by the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association at Island Beach, you can find more details at NJBBA.org.
For more event information in the New Jersey, Delaware Bay region this month, be sure to check out our Calendar of Events
