Hey guys and girls it's Tournament time! Sunday is the day, and the day before they'll have the Women's surf fishing clinic on Oct 3.



Here's a little about the tournament from the JCAA website:

http://www.jcaa.org/JCNL0909/0909GSFT.htm



18th Annual NJ Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament

by Paul Smith, Tournament Committee
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association September 2009 Newsletter)

The Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament (GSFT) is held at Island Beach State Park, NJ on October 4th 2009. Approximately 1,000 anglers of all ages annually enter this tournament. This event is one of the most popular surf fishing contests for the individual angler on the East Coast. It is sponsored by Jersey Coast Anglers Association , New Jersey State Federation Of Sportsmen’s Clubs, NJ Beach Buggy Association, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, NJ Division of Parks and NJDEP.
For the last seventeen years anglers from New Jersey, and several neighboring states, have started the fall fishing season by competing in the Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament. Winners in many categories are presented prizes by various dignitaries, including the Governor of New Jersey, as part of ceremonies following the Tournament. For the last sixteen years, anglers from New Jersey, and several neighboring states, have started the fall fishing season by competing in the Annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament. Winners in many categories are presented prizes by various dignitaries, including the Governor of New Jersey, as part of ceremonies following the Tournament.
The angler catching the longest eligible fish of the day is awarded the prestigious Governor’s Cup. The Cup has each year’s winner engraved upon it and is on view in the lobby of the Island Beach State Park administration building. There is a real possibility that any one of the competing anglers may be fortunate enough to capture the Governor’s Cup. There have been men, women and one youth win the Cup over the years, but never a repeat winner. This shows that it really is possible for anyone to win! You may enter this year’s Tournament by picking up an official entry form at your favorite bait and tackle store or by visiting the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife website: www.njfishandwildlife.com
Registration Fees:
Ages 18 & over - $10 for early entry if postmarked by Sept. 14 ($15.00 fee on Tournament Day)
Ages 13-17 - $5.00
Children 12 & under are FREE!
Same day registration will begin at 5:00 am at Pavilion #1.
Schedule6:30 a.m.-1:00p.mFishing1:30 p.m.-2:00p.mRaffle Drawing2:00 p.m.Awards Ceremony
Special arrangements are made for handicapped anglers. Balloon tire equipped beach wheelchairs are available for anglers with disabilities. Volunteers will be needed to assist anglers with special needs who fish on tournament day. To volunteer, or to make arrangements for a handicapped angler, please contact Greg Kucharewski at 732-840-9197.
Tournament hats and t-shirts will be on sale in Pavilion #1 on Tournament day! There will be a limited number of these t-shirts and hats with a special Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament design. Don’t forget to stop at the Pavilion, after fishing, to purchase your hat and shirt!
Various sporting organizations, state agencies and Tournament supporters will have exhibits at the Pavilion throughout the tournament day. There are also fishing and environmental exhibits and demonstrations presented at the Pavilion on Tournament day.


The goals of the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament are to:



  • Improve access to public fishing areas
  • Enhance public recreational facilities that provide fishing opportunities.
  • Support the protection of marine and shore area ecosystems. Support activities, special events and programs that will further public appreciation and understanding of marine angling and shore area ecosystems.
  • Promote public educational, interpretive and research opportunities concerning marine and shore area ecosystems.
Funds generated from past events have been used to purchase specialized wheelchairs that provide the disabled and elderly with beach access and toward the construction of an 800-foot long access ramp for saltwater anglers. Fishing equipment has been provided for the Outdoor Woman program, Surf fishing Clinic series in IBSP, as well as for various youth educational projects. Educational displays of various types in the park’s Interpretive Center, on several self-guided trails, and equipment for the Barnegat Bay Kayak Tour and Environmental Education Enhancement Program were partially funded with Tournament proceeds. Island Beach State Park also received funds from the GSFT to purchase the first mobile automatic heart defibrillator used in the New Jersey Park system.
The Governor’s Cup Surf Fishing Tournament committee is looking for judges. We need your help so please sign-up to be a judge in the tournament. Each judge will receive a special issue Governor’s Cup Surf Fishing Tournament ball cap with “judge” embroidered across the back. In addition, this year a stipend is available to help offset the cost of fuel burned while on the beach judging. Also, the IBSP beach pass is not required for judges during the tournament. Anyone interested, please contact me at RBthePirate@verizon.net or 609-685-6403. Thanks in advance, Eric Paulson President New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.