25th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament Coming Up On Sunday

The 25th annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament kicks off on Sunday at Island Beach State Park.

“The Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament is becoming a favorite springtime event at the Jersey Shore,” said state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. “We look forward to a great day for anglers and families from New Jersey and neighboring states, as we kick off the summer tourism season on our beautiful beaches, and celebrate the 25th anniversary of this great family event.”

Registration on the day of the tournament begins at 5 a.m. The event begins at 6:30 a.m. and runs to 1 p.m. Fees are $20 for ages 18 and older and $5 for ages 13-17. There is no fee for children 12 and under.

The individual who catches the overall largest – or longest - fish wins the "Governor's Award" and will have his or her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park. Fishing equipment is also awarded to winners in a variety of species and age group categories.

“Springtime fishing at Island Beach State Park allows for the possibility of large catches at any given moment,” said DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Dave Chanda. “We anticipate continued excellent surf fishing opportunities and hundreds of anglers, which should make for an excellent tournament.

All funds raised by the tournament go toward a variety of good causes, including the purchase of specialized wheelchairs that provide the disabled and elderly beach access, construction of access ramps for disabled saltwater anglers, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment, and marine education and restoration projects.

“The Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament is an incredible event, and I am privileged to have been involved with it since its inception,” said Paul Smith, past President of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association and one of the original members of the Surf Tournament Planning Committee.” “The tournament has always been geared for people to enjoy a day at the beach fishing with family and friends while raising funds for very worthy causes, and I look forward to seeing it continue and thrive for another 25 years."

The tournament is sponsored by the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.

For more information about the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament visithttp://www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm.

Tournament anglers may be asked to verify their compliance with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. If not already registered for 2016, please do so before hitting the beach the day of the tournament. Registration is quick, easy and free. Anglers simply need to log on tohttp://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry and follow the instructions on the page.