More than 700 anglers celebrated the 20th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament on Sunday, October 2 at Island Beach State Park. The beautiful fall day added to the enthusiasm as anglers reeled in sixty-seven eligible fish in the kingfish, blackfish, bluefish and striped bass categories.
NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin was on site to greet tournament participants and to take part in the awards ceremony. Michael Nightingale of East Windsor, NJ took the grand prize and NJ Governor's Cup by catching a 33 3/8" striped bass. Mr. Nightingale received two rod and reel combinations, a plaque, and will have his name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently on display at Island Beach State Park.
In addition to the grand prize, twenty-two angleFirst Place:rs received rod and reel combos for their prize-winning fish in the various species categories. Everyone who registered for the tournament was also entered into a raffle drawing, which was held prior to the awards ceremony. Pre-registrant entrants were entered into a raffle to win a Surf Rocket, which is a specially designed compressed air casting cannon. This year Sherman Chin won the surf rocket.
Overall fish length determined the grand prize winner, as well as place winners for each of the species categories. There were categories for children, teen and adult anglers, including sub-categories for male and female anglers.
The event was sponsored by the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.
More than $130,000 has been raised since the inception of the tournament for conservation and education projects and improved beach access.
The complete list of winners:
1st Place and 2011 Governor's Cup Winner: Michael Nightingale, East Windsor: 33 3/8" Striped Bass
