The Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is held at Island Beach State Park, NJ on the first Sunday of October each year. Each year between 1,200 and 1,400 anglers of all ages enter the tournament. This event has become one of the most popular surf fishing contests on the East Coast.
This annual event started in 1991 and is sponsored by the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsman's Clubs, New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, and the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks and Forestry, and the Division of Fish & Wildlife.
Tournament participants come from every county in New Jersey, as well as from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Connecticut and Maryland. Many anglers and their families stay in local motels for the weekend so they can enjoy the tournament activities as well as other local attractions.
The goals of the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament are to:
· Improve access to public fishing areas
· Enhance public recreational facilities that provide fishing opportunities.
· Support the protection of marine and shore area
ecosystems.
· Support activities, special events and programs that will further public appreciation and understanding of marine angling and shore area ecosystems.
· Promote public educational, interpretive and research opportunities concerning marine and shore area ecosystems.
Funds generated from past events have been used to purchase
specialized wheelchairs that provide the disabled and elderly with beach access and toward the construction of an 800-foot long access ramp for saltwater anglers. Fishing equipment has been provided for the Becoming an Outdoor Woman programs and various youth educational projects. Educational displays in the park's Interpretive Center and on several self-guided trails as well as equipment for the Barnegat Bay kayak tour and environmental education enhancement program were partially funded with tournament proceeds.
The festival will include a juried craft show, local artists, local and state non-profit organizations, live entertainment, food, demonstrations, jelly making, nature hikes, canoe & kayak tours, bay seining, birding, children's games, beach plum picking and many other events and exhibitions to keep everyone entertained.
Mark this date on your calendar and come to Island Beach State Park to start the great fall season at the Beach Plum Festival. The festival is sponsored by the Friends of Island Beach State Park Inc; all funds raised during the festival stay in the park to help support the interpretive programs and activities that are enjoyed
by people of all ages.
If you are a crafter, artist, non-profit organization, food vendor or entertainer and would like to participate, send a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope to the Friends of IBSP, PO Box 37, Seaside Park NJ 08752-0037 for an application. Please specify what category you are applying for. For information, call the Friend's office at 732-793-5525.
Island Beach has been a Mecca for surf anglers since the 1930's when Model A Fords chugged along the beach in pursuit of their favorite prey. Today, Island Beach State Park provides a variety of fishing opportunities for people of all ages, physical abilities, and fishing skills. Here are a few suggestions for hooking that trophy fish:
During late spring from April until Memorial Day, try fresh clams. Walk on access at Two Bit Road, Coast Guard Station #110, and all parking areas.
Bluefish arrive in Barnegat Bay around May and remain until the middle of June.
Park at A-15 and try small poppers and light tackle.
Fly Rod Fishermen also enjoy catching blues on poppers.
Watch for "bluefish blitzes" along the beach from Memorial Day to July. Swimming plugs and metals are good choices.
Bait anglers have success with whole mullet on mullet rigs.
In early summer, try plugging for striped bass at dawn and dusk. Retrieve slow for best results. Best bets; north jetty at south end of the park, and walk the beach south from Coast Guard Station #110 to Giliken's Road.
Weakfish arrive in early May and remain until October. Try Fin-S, soft jigs, or sandworms on a 3/0 bait hook with a split shot. Best Bets; Barnegat Inlet, bay side shoreline from A-15 to A-21.
Fall is by far the BEST TIME for surf fishing. Schools of mullet, menhaden, and other baitfish migrate along the beach and attract striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, drum, false albacore, and others close to shore. Surf anglers using surf poles and fly rods enjoy this fall fishing frenzy. Striped bass are more active at dusk and can be caught well into December.
volunteers are what make this park special
The Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program is very important to Island Beach State Park. The park interpretive staff is small and cannot
handle the many programs and visitors that are attracted to this unique natural wonder of a state park. The Interpretive Staff does a fantastic job of
producing the many great programs for all ages, making your visit a lasting experience. No matter what your interest or age, there is an activity for you.
The many volunteers at Island Beach assist in these programs. Whether it is canoe/kayak tours, nature hikes, bird watching, seining the bay, fish tank feeding frenzy, native plant gardening, a taste of nature, learning to surf fish, a visit to the Interpretive Center, maintaining the aquariums, maintenance, beach grass planting, and the many other programs. You can thank volunteers who donate their skill, talent, energy and most of all, their time to make your visit enjoyable. Would you like to join our team and have a sense of pride in keeping Island Beach a special place for everyone to enjoy. A few hours a year can make a big difference. Call the Nature Center for more information at 732-793-1698.