2025 23rd Annual LBI Spring Derby

Long Beach Island’s Spring Surf Fishing Tournament

STARTS: Saturday, April 5, 2025 @ 12 AM
ENDS: Sunday, June 22, 2025 @ 6 PM

$20 - Registration Fee For All Anglers

100% Pay Out Prize Structure

Striped Bass Prizes: 1st Place 50% Payout, 2nd Place 25% Payout, 3rd Place 10% Payout

Bluefish Prizes: 1st Place 15% Payout

Striped Bass Catch & Release “Surf Master” Prizes: Awarded to the angler with the longest striped bass over 38”, $50 Fisherman's Headquarters Gift Card, $50 Jingles Bait & Tackle Gift Card, $50 Surf City Bait & Tackle Gift Card.

(2025 Rules & Prizes PDF)

Spring Surf Fishing Tournament Rules & Requirements:

Register & Weigh-In At Participating Shops:

- Fisherman's Headquarters, Ship Bottom 609.494.5739
- Jingles Bait & Tackle, Beach Haven 609.492.2795
- Surf City Bait & Tackle, Surf City 609.494.2333

The LBI Spring Surf Fishing Tournament is a 100% Cash Payout Contest; 50%/25%/10% to the Largest Striped Bass and 15% to the Largest Bluefish. The Catch & Release “Surf Master” Division is a single top prize awarded to the angler who catches/releases and properly submits the longest striped bass over 38”. Surf Master Catch & Release - For more info click here

• Fish must be caught from the shores of Long Beach Island only; ocean, inlet, bay and jetties. No Boat Fish!

• Fish must be caught by means of rod and reel in accordance with NJ State and Federal regulations. 

• From the time that a fish strikes or takes a bait or lure, only the angler may handle the rod reel and/or line. 

• Weigh-in at participating shops only during regular store hours. Check with individual shops, hours may vary.

• To weigh in a fish, contestant MUST have Registration Form. No exceptions. Lost forms will require re-registering. 

• Fish size is based primarily on weight. Should two bass have identical weights, first the length then the girth will be considered. The final tie breaker will be date/timer of catch with the earliest weigh-in time winning.

• Contestants must personally weigh in fish within 24-hours of catching it.

• A contestant may only win one prize. *Prizes awarded once tournament has concluded, on or about July 1

• Contestants agree to allow the tournament to take and use fish/angler photos for publicity purposes. 

• The Tournament Committee will review all signed protests. Anonymous protests will not be considered. 

• Weigh Masters have the right to cut open or mark a fish after it has been weighed and may hold a fish for inspection.

• All contestants must register for the tournament prior to fish being caught and submitting their catch. By registering for this tournament the angler acknowledges that they know, understand, and agree to follow and abide by these Rules & Requirements set forth herein.

• Tournament Committee may require any contestant submit to a polygraph test. This test must be completed within 15-days of the request without any reservations by the contestant. Failure would automatically eliminate the contestant and their catch; furthermore, forfeiture of any and all prizes and sign-up fees.

• Tournament Committee has the right to eliminate any fish they deem in violation of the Rules & Requirements.

• All Tournament Committee decisions are final.

• Neither beach conditions nor beach access are guaranteed by the Tournament Committee. No Refunds.
  

The LBI Spring Derby run by the LBI Bait & Tackle Shop
Supported by the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic

The Long Beach Island “Spring Derby” Surf Fishing Tournament is a fun way for anglers to enjoy surf fishing the beaches of LBI. Once called Simply Bassin’, a bluefish division was added in 2018 due to popular demand. Hence the name change. Sticking to the roots, it is a simple and most importantly a low kill tournament format which DOES NOT have daily, weekly segment prizes. Only the top three striped bass and top bluefish are awarded by weight. Catches that do not beat the leader board can be release or responsibly harvest for a delicious dinner.