Governors surf tournament at Island Beach

[finchaser]

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that this year's
Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament will be moving from October to May. In 2014
the tournament will be held on Sunday, May 18, at Island Beach State Park.

While the tournament date has changed, it still offers an excellent opportunity
to enjoy a fun day of fishing with family and friends. Funds raised are used to
provide the disabled and elderly beach access, surf fishing instruction programs
and equipment, marine education and restoration efforts, and surf fishing
access.

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 a variety of species and age group categories.

For more information on the tournament, including "Early Incentive Registration"
which saves participants money and time entering the park on tournament day,
visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2014/gsft14.htm on the Division's
website.

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[plugcrazy]

I think someone wrote somewhere that the results of last years were the worst ever? Good move maybe they will catch some fish next time.

[buckethead]

Yup a 18" bluefish won it. Hopefully the change to spring will make it the results better.
At least the bunker snaggers will be happy lol.

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?9183-2013-Governors-Surf-Fishing-Tourney

[fishinmission78]

Didn't see a thread here.


IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2014

Contact: Lawrence Ragonese (609) 292-2994
Al Ivany (908) 319-2456
Bob Considine (609) 984-1795


ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S SURF FISHING TOURNAMENT SET FOR SUNDAY AT ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK
FALL FISHING TRADITION MOVES TO THE SPRING FOR FIRST TIME

(14/P42) TRENTON - Island Beach State Park will host the 23rd annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament this Sunday, May 18, marking the first time in the competition's storied history that it will be held in the spring, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Martin announced.

"We look forward to having anglers from New Jersey and neighboring states come to our beautiful beaches at Island Beach State Park, which has fully recovered from the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy," Commissioner Martin said. "We welcome anglers of all ages and experience to enjoy a great day of fishing with family and friends, and help kick off the start of the summer season at the Jersey Shore."

The annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament, which has long been an October staple, was moved to May this year to get a jumpstart on the summer tourism season and to allow for increased participation in the event.

"We're anticipating some improved surf fishing opportunities and a bigger pool of anglers, including many families and youths, which should make for a lot of fun on Sunday,'' said the DEP's Director of Fish and Wildlife Dave Chanda. "Anglers will have an opportunity to land some striped bass and bluefish and be recognized for their fishing prowess."
The individual who catches the overall largest 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.
The registration fee on the day of the tournament is $20 for ages 18 and older and $5 for ages 13-17. There is no fee for children 12 and under.

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.

"Everything is coming together at the right time for a really enjoyable tournament on Sunday,'' said Paul Smith, a member of the Tournament Committee representing the Jersey Coast Anglers Association. " The weather is getting warmer and Island Beach surf anglers are now catching some good size striped bass, large bluefish, and even some weakfish. It should be a great opportunity on Sunday for some early season fishing action.

"Moving the Tournament to May is already paying off, with pre-tournament registration up over last year by almost twenty-five percent,'' said Tim Burden, president of the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association. "Since this Sunday's weather forecast looks promising and the recent fishing reports are really good, I anticipate we'll have even more fishermen and families lined up at the registration area on Sunday morning than we've seen in a number of years.

"They are in for a treat,'' added Burden. "Fishing in the spring at Island Beach State Park can be really exciting because the fishing can blow wide open on any given day and at any moment. During this time of year, opportunities abound throughout IBSP to catch more fish.''

The New Jersey Beach Buggy Association is one of the tournament sponsors. Their members volunteer to be judges and drive their vehicles along designated areas of the beach to measure and score fish as outlined in the tournament rules.

The Governor's Surf Fishing 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 visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm (http://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 2014 please do so before hitting the beach the day of the tournament. Registration is quick, easy and free. Anglers simply need to log on to www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/ (http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/) and follow the instructions on the page.Reply (http://www.stripersonline.com/forums/posts/add/threadId/939491)






6:30am-1pm
Awards at 2pm

[baitstealer]

The individual who catches the overall largest 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.
The registration fee on the day of the tournament is $20 for ages 18 and older and $5 for ages 13-17. There is no fee for children 12 and under.



I heard the winner in each category is picked according to who has the longest fish not the heaviest. Is that true?
Good luck to every one in the tournament.

[surferman]

^^^^ that's what I heard the longest fish takes it in each

[fishinmission78]

I couldn't be there this year. Does any one have the official results? This is a prelim report I found on the net. A friend who was there said a kid won it with a 36" gorilla blue. Thanks fellas.

"NJBBA said that participation was DOUBLE this year. Decent fishing had by many with a lot of blues and some decent bass also. Just over170 fish measured, mostly blues with a few bass. 36 inch blue won it. A good time was had by all. "

[madcaster]

I went and got skunked ....guy next to me caught a nice blue .....school of blues swam by I got a bump and the kid next to me hooked up ..but lost it ...threw plugs and fished a little bait ....

[bababooey]

The official list of winners from nj.com




Following is the complete list of winners:
Striped Bass Category
Teen (Male)
First Place ? Evan Alexoudis, Morganville, 33 ?"
Adult (Male)
Third Place ? Craig Morris, Laurel Springs, 29"
Second Place ? Scott Velit, Ewing, 30 ?"
First Place ? Anthony LaRocca, Sr., Staten Island, NY 35 ?"

Bluefish Category
Child (Female)
Second Place ? Melanie Lynch, Maple Shade, 23"
First Place ? Morgan Vicidomini, Forked River, 33 ?"
Child (Male)
Third Place ? Chase Polovina, Hazlet, 24 ?"
Second Place ? Jason Norris, Oceanport, 26"
First Place ? Brain McCaffery, Millstone, 33 ?"
Teen (Female)
Third Place ? Kimberly Mazar, Brick, 20"
Second Place ? Alyssa Kuryluk, Bensalem, PA, 21"
First Place ? Erin Pawlowski, Forked River, 22"
Teen (Male)
Third Place ? Anthony LaRocca, Jr., Staten Island, 29 3/8"
Second Place ? Briar Scull, Browns Mills, 31"
First Place ? Zacharey ElShaer, Short Hills, 35 ?"
Adult (Female)
Third Place ? Pat Polovina, Hazlet, 26 ?"
Second Place ? Marie Weaver, Keyport, 30 ?"
First Place ? Terry Demiduke, Pitman, 33"
Adult (Male)
Third Place ? Al DiMartrino, Clifton, 34" caught 12:38pm
Second Place ? Michael Smith, Langhorne, PA, 34" caught 11:57am



First Place & 2014 Governor's Cup Winner
Chris Follmer, Hasbrouck Heights, Bluefish 36"

[finchaser]

http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm

[cowherder]

I think it was a great decision to move it to may. Anyone know what the results were for last year compared to 2013?

[fishinmission78]

2013 tourney
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?9183-2013-Governors-Surf-Fishing-Tourney
2014
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?9533-Governors-surf-tournament-at-Island-Beach
Definitely made an improvement. In 2013 the winner was a 18 1/2" bluefish and no bass were caught.

[fishinmission78]

Got this in my e-mail and did the early registration.
Didnt think to post it here till today, so you can't do the early registration anymore. still it will be a good tourney. See you all down here on the 17th.

Early registrants for the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament avoid delays entering the park, save on the adult registration fee and are eligible for special prizes - the deadline is this Friday, April 24. After this date, anglers will be required to register at the tournament on Sunday, May 17 at Island Beach State Park.

For registration information please visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm (http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm)on the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife website, or call 609-748-4347.

[plugcrazy]

Thanks for the info dude.Will be there too

[fishinmission78]

Heads up for the tourney tomorrow. Should be a good one. There are a decent number of fish around.

[buckethead]

I think so. If no bass there will be big blues. good for some of the father and son teams. Good luck!

[basshunter]

goodluck to all the fishermen! Does anyone know what size fish are leading on the board so far?

[hookedonbass]

I don't know the results but grumpys said not that great-

didnt get the official results from the Governors Cup yesterday but by all reports, not a lot of fish caught! Very disappointing with the good, if not great, fishing we have been enjoying lately.
The bright spot would be the reports we were getting late yesterday afternoon of multiple Bass caught on Clams. Maybe with the Blues thinning out the Bass have a chance to come in finally?

[seamonkey]

same for Betty and Nicks? No news, is bad news?
5/18/15 UPDATED 7:41 AM The water cleaned up quick, a few fish being reported here and there.

Yesterday's Report: UPDATED 7:17 AM I hear the water is a little dirty and it's 6 to 8 ounces to hold bottom. The wind is switching to west and should start to clean things up.

[bababooey]

Tournament results not so wonderful- from Capt Als blog-
Though there were some good shots of both stripers and blues at Island Beach State Park during the week, Sunday's Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament there had poor results as only 13 fish were caught by 679 registered anglers during a nice day.

The Governor's Cup went to Rich Bergman of Atco for a 32-inch striper that edged out a 30-incher by Paulinho Romanichen of Elizabeth who took second in the adult male striper category.


Only a few of the many categories could be filled -- with all the kids being shut out. Only the male adult bluefish division filled in as Chris Healy of Little Silver beached a 28 7/8-inch chopper to win easily over Jeremy Omrod of Langhorn, Pa. at 25 3/8 inches and third place Thomas P. Marshall from Philadelphia at 23 1/2 inches. The lone female winner was Dawn Howachen of Forked River with a 16 5/8-inch blue.

[surfrob]

they moved the tourney because October is dead.

now they have a dead weekend in May.

NJ's fisheries are really doing well.

[storminsteve]

wow I thought it would be a no brainer. That's all they caught?

[fishinmission78]

they moved the tourney because October is dead.

now they have a dead weekend in May.

NJ's fisheries are really doing well.

I agree a total disappointment. NJ Bass fishing is on its last legs. Every year we used to crush them in the park mothers day massacre. Anyone else remember that? Ancient history now.

[clamchucker]

Posting the info for anyone who is interested.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/gsft.htm (http://www.grumpystackle.com/%60http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/gsft.htm%60)
The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2016. 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 early entry incentive ends April 15, 2016. After this date, anglers will be required to register at the tournament. Tournament anglers need to complete the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry prior to the event.

[fishinmission78]

The annual Governor's Surf Tournament will be contested Sunday at Island Beach State Park as anglers hope for a continuation of fine surfcasting for large bluefish in that area. That event is sponsored by the N.J. D.E.P.'s Divisions of Fish and Wildlife, and Parks and Forestry plus the N.J. Federation of Sportsman's Clubs, the N.J. Beach Buggy Association, and the Jersey Coast Anglers Association.

Most of the valuable fishing tackle prize winners in the many Governor's Tournament classes for males and females plus age groups should be large bluefish. Bunker has been the best bet in the surf for blues, but lures are starting to become fairly effective also. Registration starts in the park at 5 a.m., and the contest runs from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For those not pre-registered, the adult fee is $20, while those 13 to 17 pay $5, and kids compete at no cost. Awards are based on length. Be sure to have your state registration by visiting nj.com/dep/saltwaterregistration. For tournament information call 609 748-4347

[fishinmission78]

I'm just leaving now. See you guys out there, and good luck

[clamchucker]

Funny how we check this site before going out to fish. I'm making coffee and will be going soon as well. Good luck to all today.

[stripercrazy]

Good luck gents.

[cowherder]

good luck guys! I got a couple of decent blues to 12 pounds this morning. If only I was fishing down that way LOL

[clamchucker]

I took my grandchildrenand they caught fish and were happy.

Tournament results
Following is the just issued press release from the NJ DEP with results of the Governor's Surf Tournament held Sunday in Island Beach State Park. Check my blog tonight for more details.

The 25th AnnualGovernor's Surf Fishing Tournament*was held Sunday, May 15 at*Island Beach State Park(IBSP). A west wind kept it chilly but bluefish blitzes made for a great day of fishing for approximately 600 registered participants. On the beach anglers were busy catching a lot of fish with 245 fish entered into the bluefish category and 3 fish entered into the striped bass category. At tournament headquartersradio station NJ 101.5*had music and games for participants visiting partnering organization tables or grabbing a bite to eat. Overall the 25th Annual Tournament was an all-around great day of family fishing!

New JerseyLieutenant Governor Kim Guadagnowas not able to participate in the tournament as in previous years, but did stop by in the morning to wish participants good luck. Once fishing had endedDEP Commissioner Bob Martinalong with DEP Natural and Historic Resources Assistant Commissioner Rich Boornazian assisted with the awards ceremony.

Dakota Hahn of Toms River took the grand prize and NJ Governor's Cup*by catching a 43.5" striped bass. Mr. Hahn received two rod-and-reel combinations, one of which was a 2016 TICA rod; a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses; a plaque; and will have his name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently on display at the park.


Tournament winner Dakota Hahn with Governor's Cup
Click to enlarge

Two additional plaques were awarded this year to two men who have been great supporters of IBSP and the tournament. Paul Smith, former Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament Treasurer, was presented with a plaque by the Tournament Committee in recognition of his dedicated service to the tournament and to the sport of surf fishing. Paul had been involved with the tournament since its inception, and only this past year stepped down. TheNJ Beach Buggy Association*(NJBBA) took the time to recognize*DEP Compliance and EnforcementAssistant Commissioner Ray Bukowski, who had previously been the manager at Island Beach State Park. NJBBA recognized his support and hard work in restoring IBSP after Superstorm Sandy. Ray was awarded with a plaque and Honorary NJBBA Lifetime Member.

Everyone who registered for the tournament was entered into a raffle drawing with prizes donated from the following organizations:*Costa Del Mar Inc.,*Chestnut Neck Boat Yard, Fish and Wildlife'sHooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs Program,Jenkinson's Aquarium,*Legal Limits,*Manns Bait Company,*Silver Horde, and*Stanley Jigs.*Bass Pro Shops*donated gift cards this year for the early entry prizes, which is for participants who were the first to mail in their registrations. Also all participants who mailed in their registrations were able to enter into an early entry raffle for a*Coastline Surf System.

In addition to the grand prize, 19 anglers received rod and reel combinations for their prize-winning fish in the striped bass and bluefish categories. There were categories for children, teen and adult anglers, including sub-categories for male and female anglers. The event was sponsored by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and*Division of Parks and Forestry, the*New Jersey State Federation of Sportsman's Clubs, the*Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the*NJ Beach Buggy Association.

More than $130,000 has been raised since the inception of the tournament for conservation and education projects and improved beach access.

Winners of the 2016 Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament are:

Bluefish Category

Child (Male):
First Place - Caden Michalski, Edison, 36"
Second Place - Nathan Schwarz, Westchester, PA, 34 4/8"
Third Place - Allen Magre, Haskell, 34 2/8"

Child (Female):
First Place: Jacklyn Janiec, Bloomingdale, 32 4/8"
Second Place - Mackenzie Gordon, Toms River, 32" at 8:55 a.m.
Third Place - Olivia Boris, McDonald, PA, 32" at 10:45 a.m.

Teen (Male):
First Place - Aiden (AJ) Elmore, Little Egg Harbor, 38"
Second Place - Eric Mayers, Cranbury, 36"
Third Place - Thomas Heffelfinger, Toms River, 34"

Teen (Female):
First Place - Savanna Rodriguez, Reading, PA, 36"
Second Place - Shanna Hudler, Toms River, 30 4/8"

Adult (Male):
First Place - Justin Barbier, Woodland Park, 39 4/8"
Second Place - Keith Scharago, Beachwood, 38" at 7:15 a.m.
Third Place - Brandon Hewitt, Little Egg Harbor, 38" at 8:05 a.m.

Adult (Female):
First Place - Kaitlyn Bach, Toms River, 37" at 7:35 a.m.
Second Place - Donna McConnell, Somerset, 37" at 11:10 a.m.
Third Place - Alyssa DiMarco, Delran, 36 5/8"

Striped Bass Category

Adult (Male)
First Place - Dakota Hahn, Toms River, 43 4/8"
Third Place - Zoltan Eayed, Trenton, 31 4/8"
Second Place - Rich Bergman, Atco, 38 6/8"

Governor's Cup Winner: Dakota Hahn, of Toms River, for his 43 4/8" Striped Bsss

[plugcrazy]

Thanks for the update, glad to see your grandchildren got fish. helping the young ones to catch bluefish is priceless.

[bababooey]

Nice going congrats.

[fishinmission78]

FYI it is this sunday may 21. My advice get there early if you are registered. Like the night before. Will be a madhouse around 8am.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/gsft.htm

[fishinmission78]

A nice mix of fish are now being caught. Should be a good tourney this year.

[bababooey]

Good luck everyone!

[bababooey]

Were any big stripers caught?

[fishinmission78]

Not really. One legal bass n a few shorts. 34" blue took top prize.

[bababooey]

Thank you sir.