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by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association June 2004 Newsletter)
You’ve got to love this major fluke-fishing competition that has become an annual tradition for saltwater anglers, because it involves the work of several Jersey Coast Anglers Association volunteers and the combined efforts of Tournament Directors Rich Pasko and Phil Celmer. These two gentlemen not only coordinate the JCAA Fluke Tournament, but they are also responsible for soliciting door prizes and major sponsors. Most door prizes exceed a $50.00 value and if that isn’t enough to make you think about entering the largest one-day fluke-fishing tournament along the Jersey Shore, get this; you have a chance to win the Grand Prize (Cobia 184 center console with a Yamaha outboard and LoadRite trailer) without weighing in a fluke. Since the inception of the JCAA fluke tournament every Grand Prize winner of the boat, motor, and trailer did not weigh in a port prize fluke. For this reason alone it is worth the $100.00 entry fee to enter the tournament and attend the awards ceremony so you can win great prizes.
Thousands of people head to the Jersey Shore for one of the largest one-day fluke fishing tournaments in the world. The annual JCAA Fluke tournament began in 1994 and now it is celebrating its tenth year. The tournament has always been the largest fluke-fishing event in New Jersey and it’s a proven fact that the JCAA Fluke tournament will generate millions of dollars in revenue for the Jersey Shore. Organizers estimate that the tournament pumps $3.6 million annually into the local economy. Area business owners said they are just as excited about the potential for profits during a traditionally slow start-up season for tourism. Stan Cudnik, owner of Fisherman’s Headquarters, manages a bait and tackle store in Ship Bottom, on Long Beach Island. He said the tournament always creates a substantial amount of revenue and he schedules extra staff to handle customer requests. Organizers say most hotels along the Jersey Shore “cash-in” on the one-day tournament and awards ceremony in Atlantic City. With one of the best selection of prizes and a grand prize drawing, the tournament attracts anglers from the tri-state area and as far away as Florida. "This is one of the richest events in competitive fluke-fishing. Some of the contestants prepare a month before the event and all it takes is the first fluke of the season to be caught and anglers are back out on the water,” said JCAA President Tom Siciliano. “Local business owners feel the impact of the event before it begins,” stated Chip Cavanaugh from the Fisherman’s Den, one of the twelve weigh-in ports. “You can find evidence of that all over town... hotels, gas stations, restaurants ... everybody here enjoys the benefits of this event," he remarked. Jersey Shore counties will also benefit from extensive exposure, including coverage from the local media and television networks that broadcast to millions of subscribers. Additionally, the JCAA Fluke Tournament will receive substantial coverage because it is scheduled during the National Fishing and Boating Week celebration. The tournament is posted on the NF&BW website and will receive weekly “Water Works Wonders” radio show broadcast throughout New Jersey and parts of New York on sports radio stations. “Water Works Wonders” coupon books will be available to all contestants attending the awards ceremony. The WWW coupon book is loaded with mail-in rebates (valued at $4,600.00) for fishing and boating items for the entire family. It’s another bonus for contestants that enter the tournament and want to celebrate NF&BW. Tournament organizers say fishing is now the fourth most popular sport in the country. Saturday, June 12, 2004 marks the 10th anniversary of the JCAA Fluke Tournament and competitors will again have a chance to compete for over $110,000 in prizes. Anglers from each of the 12 ports along the Jersey Shore compete for the following port prizes: The twelve first place prizes will be $1,200 in cash donated by Trump Marina Hotel Casino. Second place sponsor, Boater’s World, has a generous second place prize of a $750 gift certificate good in all Boater’s World and Ritz Camera stores. Raymarine has upped their third prize to a state of the art DS4000X T/M Digital High Definition Fish Finder. Abu Garcia/Fenwick, Canyon Gear International, American Fishing Wire/Hi-Seas, Reel Saver and New Jersey Angler Magazine and others all have quality prizes that are of great value.
While boaters will duke it out for the port prizes, they will still have a chance to win plenty of door prizes and a chance to win the Grand Prize drawing on Friday, June 18, 2004 at Trump Marina Hotel Casino in Atlantic City. According to Rich Pasko and Phil Celmer, JCAA Fluke Tournament Directors, over 3,400 contestants traveled to Trump Marina Hotel Casino last year to participate in the Grand Prize drawing and enjoy the hospitality of the casino’s luxurious surroundings. The neat thing about this tournament is that virtually every contestant has fun on the water, at the awards ceremony and dining at Trump Marina Hotel Casino. This year, Trump Marina Hotel Casino will offer additional seating and 25% off dockage is available the day of the ceremony. If you and your crew arrive at Trump Marina Hotel Casino before 3:00 p.m. you will each receive (up to 4 per entry) a $5.00 coupon for dinner at selected restaurants. There are limited hotel rooms available during National Fishing and Boating Week so be sure to contact Trump Marina Hotel Casino early and ask about the special JCAA price. For the JCAA Fluke Tournament group reference: FLUKE 04 when you call 1-800-7778477.
Don’t forget, the event begins Saturday, June 12th. The entry fee is $100.00 per boat if your entry form is postmarked no later that June 1st, 2004. Late entry fee is $120.00 per boat. The evening of Thursday, June 11, 2004 is the last chance to register at any of the following Ports and Official Weigh Stations:
1. Jersey City, True World Tackle, 100 Marine Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ, 07302 P: 201-451-6272 Fax: 201-451-4648 Email mmtackle1@hotmail.com, Web site:www.trueanglers.com
2. Sandy Hook , Julian’s Bait & Tackle, 990 Rt. 36, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, 07716 P: 732-291-0050 Fax: 732-291-0464
3. Shark River Inlet, Fisherman’s Den, Belmar Marine, Basin, Highway 35, Belmar, NJ 07719 P: 732-681-5005, Fax: 732-280-0072
4. Manasquan River, Clarks Landing Marina, 847 Arnold Ave , Pt. Pleasant, NJ, 08742 P: 732-899-5559 Fax: 732-899-5572 Email: clpp@bellatlantic.com
5 Barnegat Bay, Southwinds Marina, 362 East Lacy Road, Forked River, NJ, 08731 P: 609-693-6288 Fax: 609-693-7305 (note: on Forked River)
6. Long Beach Island, Fisherman’s Headquarters, 280W 9th St., Rt., 72, Ship Bottom, NJ, 08008 P: 609-494-5739 Fax: 609-494-9271 E-mail: info@Fishermansheadquarters.com
7. Great Bay, Great Bay Marina, 45 Montana Drive, Little Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08087 P: 609-296-2392 Fax: 609-294-1685
8. Atlantic City, Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina, 600 Huron Avenue, Atlantic City NJ, 08401, P: 609 441 8482 P: 800 876-4386 (See our JCAA representative on the dock)
9. Ocean City, Fin-Atics Marine Supply LTD., 1325 West Avenue, Ocean City NJ 08226 P: 609-398-2248 Fax: 609-398-2712, Email Finl325@ix.netcom.com
10. Townsend Inlet, Avalon Pt. Marina, 701 Old Avalon Blvd., Avalon, NJ, 08202 P: 609-967-4100, Fax: 609-368-5008, E-mail- Mike@avalonmarine.com
11. Cape May, Jim’s Bait & Tackle, 1208 Rt. 109, Cape May, NJ, 08240 P: 609-884-3900, Fax: 609-884 3506
12. Fortescue, Higbee’s Marina, P O Box 55, Main St., Fortescue, NJ, 08321, P: 609-447-4157
What does JCAA do for you the angler?
I’m sure your adrenalin is pumping after reading the above statements. Now, here’s something to think about, how many times in recent years have you read about the Jersey Coast Anglers Association lobbying in Trenton, Washington or in the trenches at public hearings, standing up for fishermen like you? JCAA. The name pops up almost daily in newspapers and fishing magazines around the state. How about the recent fence issue at Sandy Hook that was resolved? It makes you feel good to know we have such a strong group of knowledgeable people united in battle on your behalf, doesn’t it? Do you ever wonder how much it costs to keep the pressure on fisheries managers, politicians and lobbyists from the commercial fishing industry? How about the polluters and agencies that conspire to damage the ocean in the name of economic gain or political expediency? The JCAA also contributes to the National Sportfishing Education Curriculum and promotes aquatic education, youth fishing/boating, and the nationally acclaimed “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program. They assist with youth programs for federal, state, local government agencies, along with fishing clubs, civic organizations, public schools, and outdoor sporting events. IT COSTS A LOT! Even for an all-volunteer group like JCAA.
How many times have you thought about joining JCAA or making a donation to help the cause but didn’t get around to it? Well, here’s your chance to help and have fun in the process. And you’ll have a great chance of winning one of hundreds of cash and product prizes at the same time! Say you won’t be able to fish that weekend…enter anyway. You’d be surprised by the number of anglers who register and don’t fish but want to support the efforts of the JCAA and still have a chance at winning the grand prize and door prizes. Simply enter and you are still eligible to attend the awards ceremony in A.C. and win!
Remember these tips, at least one member from your crew must be present to win prizes and all weigh-stations have additional entry forms or you can have them mailed to you by calling the JCAA office at 732-506-6565. Fax us at 732-506-6975. You can even register using a Mastercard or Visa credit card! JCAA Office representatives will be mailing a socioeconomic survey to all registered boat owners prior to the JCAA Fluke Tournament.
JCAA Fluke Tournament Socioeconomic Survey
This year as an added bonus the tournament organizers have sweetened the prize pot with an added drawing for $500.00. It’s easy, just complete the socioeconomic survey that will be mailed to you just prior to the tournament and return the survey to the JCAA office by Thursday after the fluke tournament at the latest or the completed survey must be brought to the awards ceremony on Friday night to be entered for a chance to win the $500 prize donated by Commerce Bank. The prize will be drawn at the JCAA awards ceremony.
Summary
So what are you waiting for, come out, enjoy a day on the water, a night in Atlantic City, and celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week. Help make this year’s event the biggest, best and most fun to date. Check it out at www.jcaa.org ……order a 2004 fluke shirt and wear your tee shirt to the awards ceremony in Atlantic City.