Beautiful Weather Ushered In the 28
th
Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
The annual
Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
is held on the third Sunday in May at
Island Beach State Park
.
In 2020 the tournament will be held on Sunday, May 17.
A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament each year. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements. Tournament fishing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the \”Governor\’s Award,\” and has his/her name engraved on the Governor\’s Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Winners from the early entry drawing and the tournament must be present during the afternoon awards ceremony to claim their prizes or they will be forfeited.
Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should always register early: doing so entitles you to save on the adult registration fee, be eligible for special prizes and avoid delays when entering the park.
The 2020 early entry incentive ends April 24, 2020
. After this date, anglers are required to register at the tournament beginning at 5:00 a.m. at Pavilion #1.
Brochure and Registration Form
(pdf, 3.7mb)
HIGH SCHOOL TEAM CATEGORY
The High School Team Category is for high school aged students, who are part of a formal fishing club, members of a
Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs
group, or a non-formal group.
The tournament entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants. For more information see the flyer linked below.
High School Team Flyer
(pdf, 900kb)
High School Team Registration Form
(pdf, 780kb)
The school team category is supported by the following organizations:
The Fisherman
The Reel Seat
Fish Hawks Saltwater Anglers Club
Shark River Surf Anglers
Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs New Jersey
All tournament anglers need to complete the
NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry
prior to the event.
Questions can be directed to 609-748-4347.
PAST TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Winners of the Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament, 1992-2019
(pdf, 65kb)
A Day of Family Fun At 27
th
Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
16 Year Old Wins Governor\’s Cup With 34\” Bluefish At 26th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Bluefish Blitzes Liven 25th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Hundreds Enjoy 24th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Sunny Skies and Lots of Action at 23rd Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Anglers See Through Fog to Enjoy Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Anglers Enjoy Another Successful 2012 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Beautiful Fall Day Greets Anglers at the 20th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Anglers Brave High Winds and Rough Surf to Make 19th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament a Success
Anglers Enjoy Family at the 2009 Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Anglers Enjoy Beautiful Weather at the 2008 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Winners of 2007 Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament Announced
South Amboy Man Earns Top Honors at 2006 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Anglers Enjoy Beautiful Weather at the 2005 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
Anglers \”Sing the Blues\” at the 2004 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament
2004 Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament Offers Great Fun for Families, Friends
(feature article)
DEP Commissioner and Governor Celebrate Surf Fishing at 2003 Tournament
11th Annual Governor\’s Surf Fishing Tournament Sunday Oct. 6, 2002
(feature article – includes complete winners list)
Governor\’s 11th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Reel Success
Governor\’s 10th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success
Governor\’s 9th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success
Governor\’s 8th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success
Governor\’s 7th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success
Governor\’s 6th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament a Success
The tournament is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection\’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
.