The 79 day long spring surf fishing tournament, the 2026 24th Annual LBI Spring Derby will be run from April 4th to June 21, 2026. We are looking forward to three great months of thrilling surf fishing action. The 2025 event was a good one with a lot of great catches. Anglers battling some impressive fish from the surf. Congrats to Steve Taylor (largest striped bass), Patrick Presutto (largest bluefish) and Ricky Rasiul (Largest striped bass in the Surf Master Division).
2026 24th Annual LBI Spring Derby
LBI’s Spring Surf Fishing Tournament Rules & Requirements
STARTS: Saturday, April 4, 2026 @ 12 AM
ENDS: Sunday, June 21, 2026 @ 6 PM
$20 – Registration Fee
Striped Bass Prizes: 1st Place $1000 (50% Payout), 2nd Place $600 (30% Payout)
Bluefish Prizes: 1st Place $400 (20% Payout)
100% pay out prize structure. Prize money is based on 100 anglers.
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% to the heaviest Striped Bass, 30% to the second heaviest Striped Bass, 20% to the heaviest Bluefish. The Catch & Release “Surf Master” Division is photo contest with strict rules and great prizes designed to encourage competition while promoting the safe handling of fish and the benefits of catch and release angling.For more info on the Surf Master Division 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.
- 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 is run by the LBI Bait & Tackle Shop
Supported by the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic