The concept of change can be a controversial subject. For those set in their ways, change comes across as a dirty word. Others welcome change with open arms. Just it is not like the old saying, “Change for change’s sake.”
Although we are only a month into the venerable LBI Surf Fishing Classic, changes in the rules and guidelines have brought about a positive number of results, and most anglers seem to be happy.
In most years, the Classic began in early October and ended in December. This year it opened on August 30 and will end on Sunday, November 30. This year saw summer flounder added for the first time. Although the NJ fluke season closes on September 25, the early start has initiated many prize-winning entries.
Checking the weigh-ins already on the boards and observing the increased numbers of anglers on the beach and South Jetty, it would seem the Classic’s governing committee made some good decisions. And many anglers have already won valuable prizes.
The Classic was originally the LBI Striped Bass Derby in 1954 with bass the only targets. When the striper population took a nosedive, bluefish and weakfish were added categories. In the early 1990’s the state closed the bass fishery until the population increased enough.
In recent years categories were added for kingfish and tautog. The addition of kingfish was a welcome sign early in the season, and jetty anglers have been checking in blackfish in good numbers.
An unofficial survey of the fish weigh-ins from the Classic website shows large numbers of fish coming across the scales as of September 23. A total of 84 fish were checked in as part of the Classic. The fish topping the list was summer flounder with 25 fish entered. Kingfish came in second with a total of 21 entered.
There have been 16 bluefish hitting the scales along with 12 striped bass. Those bass numbers are high for this time of the year and bode well for the duration of the contest. 10 tautog have been weighed in, and that fishery will be steady for several more weeks.
Early leaders in the Classic show Emmett Fitzgerald leading the striper category, David Etelman in bluefish, Carl Gramley kingfish, Albert An for tautog, and Bob Morano with his 5.74-pound fluke.
On the lady’s side of the ledger, Lisa Conti heads up the bluefish division, Eileen Roth kingfish, and Susan Drummond for fluke. There are two leaders in the junior division with Emerson Handley topping the bluefish category, and Lachlan Pirrello for kingfish.
There is a senior’s division with Bob Morano heading up fluke, Alex D’Augustino heading up both stripers and tautog, Terry Sirdevan in bluefish, and Randy Bush kingfish.
The Classic has a set of rules making it a unique tournament. Rod and reel fishing from the shores of Long Beach Island is the only permitted angling method for entering the Classic. This includes not only the beach but inlet and bay waters. The cost of registration is $40 for adult anglers and $20 for those 17 and under.
There are three weigh-in stations on Long Beach Island that serve as registration headquarters. A full listing of rules for the event and expert advice on local fishing can be found at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, Surf City Bait and Tackle, and Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven.
With two months left in the Classic, it is certainly not too late to register. There are many daily, weekly, and grand prizes still available.
Information concerning the rules, registration, and current category leaders is also available online at http://www.lbift.com.