Anglers Are Catching & Scoring Cash Prizes - Join The Action Today!

We are only a few days into the 70th Annual Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic, and already some lucky anglers have earned cash prizes for their catches. Upcoming fair weather should only bring about more happy winners.

All anglers participating in this shore based long time event are reminded that New Jersey State Saltwater Fishing regulations must be followed at all times. Although there is no NJ saltwater fishing license, all those fishing in saltwater must register to fish... Register now online.

State rules require keeper striped bass to be 28-31 inches. Although New Jersey has a special bonus tag program for fish under 28-inches, the Classic size is 28-31 inches. Anglers targeting striped bass must always use inline circle hooks when fishing with bait. 

Classic rules state bluefish must be 16-inches, blackfish 15-inches, kingfish 12-inches, and red drum between 18-27 inches. The complete set of rules for the class can be obtained at any of the official weigh-in stations or online at https://www.lbisfc.com/lbi-fall-classic-surf-fishing-tournament. 

In addition to its regular set of prizes, the LBI Classic has a long history of special prizes which are awarded on particular dates. Often these are established in honor of special people or events. There are five of these upcoming, all $250 awards for the largest striped bass caught on designated dates.

On October 31 and December 2 Surf City Bait and Tackle will offer identical $250 prizes. November 11 sees a $250 prize in honor of our Veterans. On November 16, the prize is in honor of Frank Panzone and on November 28 in honor of Bruce Hoagland. Both men were instrumental over the years in the progress of first the Derby, which is now the Classic.

It is interesting to examine the history of the Classic over the years and look at the number of fish entered at various points in the contest. Much like the old saying, “No two snowflakes are alike,” no two Classics are alike.

As of Monday morning, October 14, little more than one week since the Classic kicked off, 49 fish have been weighed in. This includes 32 bluefish, 11 tautog, 4 kingfish, and two striped bass. Most of the fish have been caught on fresh bait with just a few falling to lures. 

Jake Smith’s 9.68-pound linesider is the top striper while Domenic Minanco’s 7.38-pounder is the top bluefish. Domenic also holds the lead with his 4.80-pound tautog, and William Roth tops the kingfish class with a 1.14-pounder.

Compare this year’s results thus far with a sampling from years gone by. Last year in 2023 at this time, there were 14 kingfish entered, 12 tautog, 7 striped bass and no bluefish. In 2022 there were 19 fish weighed in at this point, with 16 tautog and one each of king, bluefish, and bass.

Continuing with some past years, in 2018 only one fish had been weighed in, an 8.36-pound striper. In 2008 a total of 28 striped bass were checked in by October 15, topped by Mat Onofrio’s 46.4 pounder.

Way back in 1998, Darrel Ross Sr. of Manahawkin topped the 72 striped bass on the books with a 29.13 pounder. That’s right, there were 72 striped bass weighed in by October 11 in 1998.

With almost 8 weeks left in the Classic, there is plenty of time to get in on the action. With a multitude of prizes including daily, weekly, and special ones, not to mention categories for seniors, women, and juniors, there are opportunities for everyone.

Registration is just $40 which includes a free hat, and $20 for anglers 17 and under. Registration can be accomplished at one of the official weigh-in stations including Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, and Surf City Bait and Tackle.