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. This registration can be easily accomplished online at https://nj.aspirafocus.com/internetsales
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.
OCTOBER 5TH REPORT
Although Fall 2024 does not officially arrive until Sunday, September 22, there are already subtle indications on Long Beach Island that it is closer than one might imagine. These telltale signs include less traffic on Long Beach Island (in fact, the red lights at the north end are already turned off). There are fewer lines at area restaurants and businesses. While most of the days have been sunny and mild, evening temperatures have already started to drop with low 50’s and even the 40’s becoming common.
In some minds, a more obvious indication of impending autumn is the increase in 4-wheel vehicle activity on the island’s roads along with an increase in surf rods on roof racks and the front of pickup trucks.
Speaking of these signs of fishing interest at this time of the year, pre-dawn traffic can be a formidable sight. Route 72 leading to the Long Beach Island Causeway will have a noticeable increase in vehicles during those early dark hours. Cars and trucks will be coming from the west across the pines, with others making their exit from the southbound Garden State Parkway. Once the cars and trucks manned by eager anglers reach the Island, many turn north and others southward, anxious to be the early angler that catches the fish.
Take a ride by area bait tackle shops and note the number of vehicles parked outside. One might think the folks at Surf City Bait and Tackle, Fisherman’s Headquarters, or Jingles Bait and Tackle are giving things away.
There is something free after all. There will be a free exchange of fishing tips and tall tales taking place. With the impending arrival of striped bass to area waters, and the start of the 70th annual Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic drawing near, novice and veteran surf anglers alike recognize true fall is just about here.
Those afore-mentioned businesses are also official stations for the Classic. Anglers can register for the Classic, and then return to weigh in their entries for the contest. If these entries happen to be winners, the prizes will then be available at the same location.
The Classic has seen its changes over the years. Originally called the Striped Bass Derby, when only striped bass catches earned prizes, the Classic now has five categories of species. These consist of striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, blackfish, and redfish. This has increased interest in the contest, especially early in the fall when stripers may not yet have arrived, but kingfish and blackfish are usually in good supply.
When the Derby first began back in the early 1950’s, the fishing concentration was primarily, if not entirely on the front beach with its jetties along the length of LBI. Now the South Jetty in Barnegat Light is heavily fished along with some secret spots of sodbanks on the west side of the island. There are also bayfront piers and even street ends where there is sufficient water depth that will draw attention. Although the true annual migration of striped bass has not yet begun, do not let anyone tell you that there are no bass around. There is a population of fish that remain in area waters throughout the summer. This is confirmed with occasional catches on the beach and some bayfront areas over the summer months. These fish tend to be on the smallish side, but they are around.
The official start for the 2024 version of the Classic begins on Saturday, October 5, and runs until Sunday, December 8. The contest is divided into 3-week segments with separate prizes for each segment.
The Classic kicks off with a seminar on Saturday, October5, at the Ship Bottom Fire House from 9-11am. Surf fishing experts will conduct the morning including time on the beach. Official rules and related information on the Classic can be found at www.LBISFC or any of the official weigh-in stations.