It’s hardtail season again and the only way to make this momentous time of year more exciting is to spice it up with some competition! The Albie Shootout is back for 2023 and the stage is set for a bigger turnout with the same level of competition in divisions for shore, kayak, fly and boat—with awesome prizes up for grabs.
The event will run in a catch-photo-release format but this year the prizes will awarded in lottery and all you have to do to qualify is land and photograph an albie, bonito or Spanish mackerel. The entry fee is $25 per angler, available for purchase in store or on their website, the proceeds will be donated to The Albie Project, a large-scale study being conducted to better understand the life cycle and angler impact on false albacore.
The Albie Shootout will officially kick off at 6 a.m. on September 2 and the last casts will be made at 7 p.m. on October 31. The tournament is open to anglers fishing the waters of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts with the only qualifying requirements being that you sign up before you begin fishing (signups will remain open for the duration of the event) and that you hold a valid saltwater fishing license (or reciprocal equivalent) for the state or states in which you intend to fish.
Anglers will have to record their catch in either a ‘selfie’ style or ‘grab and grin’ photo and all qualifying photos will have to show the tournament keyword that will be announced on September 1. Participating anglers should know ahead of time that their photos will be posted to the tournament Instagram account @swetournaments and the photos may also find themselves used in promotional material or blog posts on the company website. And it would behoove you compose the best possible photos, because there will be separate award for the best photos from the event.
Albie season is saltwater fishing’s version of double-shot of espresso, when you take on the challenges of a competition, it’s like a Red Bull, spiked with a 5 Hour Energy Drink. Hang onto your hardtails ladies and gentlemen, come join us this year and add a little edge your albie run!
