Tournament Archive

History Of Surf Fishing On Long Beach Island

Published in 1914 by The Long Beach Island Board Of Trade, Author George B. Sommerville’s “The Lure of Long Beach” is some of the earliest writings which describes fishing on LBI. Here’s an except from page 60…

Long Beach is the sportsman's paradise, but to some anglers the thrilling delights of surf fishing are the peak-points of seashore happiness. Surf fishing was introduced to Beach Haven in 1907 by Mr. Charles E. Gerhard and his wife.

Beach Haven stood aghast one summer morning in 1907 to see Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard, attired in bathing suits and armed with rods and reels, wade out into the surf and cast. But when, after a hard thirty-minute fight, a huge twenty-pound channel bass was brought ashore by Mrs. Gerhard, Beach Haven awoke to the possibilities of its surf fishing.

The surf anglers have increased in numbers every summer since 1907, and in 1913 the rod and reel offered as a prize for the largest channel bass caught in the surf was won by Mr. Holt, who landed a monster weighing fifty-six pounds.

This prize won by Mr. Holt was not part of the LBI Surf Fishing Classic but it is the earliest reference to a surf fishing tournament on LBI.

We don’t have a photo of Mr. Holt, but we do have this photo of Leon Lawton fishing the Barnegat Light surf in 1928. Thanks to Dave Minnick who shared this photo of his great grand father.

The Early Days

The Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament began in 1955 as the “Striped Bass Derby”. Back then the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce was the LBI Board of Trade. Building lots in Loveladies could be had for $2250 and Long Beach Township was home to 1000 year round residents. In 1956, the registration fee for the Derby was $3.

“Angle for the Two Grand Prizes” read the 1956 Striped Bass Derby advertisement promoting the 40 days of great surf fishing event. 1st Grand Prize a new 1956 Dodge “Sierra” Station wagon values at $3800. Second price was a 1956 Ford four door sedan values at $2200. This year the dates were October 20 to November 30, 1956.

In 1958, the Derby ran for 57 days (October 18th to December 13th). A total of $13,000 in prizes were awarded. The first grand prize was a Ford Skyliner with retractable hardtop. The second place winner received a Willy’s 4-Wheel drive beach buggy. One of the leaders for the ‘58 Derby was Robert Patrick of Maplewood, NJ who entered a 43 pound 15 ounce striped bass. (More on Robert Patrick later).

The 1958 Striped Bass Derby Award is an awesome piece of Derby history from the 4th annual tournament - The weight slip from then 12 year old Gary Born for a 19” Striper he weighed in. Gary remembers how excited his parents were for the catch and weigh in and that he won a bicycle!

John Hoyer of Philadelphia won the ‘59 Derby’s grand prize, a 4 wheel drive Jeep station wagon. John’s bass weighed 28-3. Hilton Gourjian of Pleasantville won a 17’ skiff and trailer for his 26-2. Other prizes included Polaroid Land Cameras, surf spinning rods, Timex watches and for the leading lady angler a matching set of Samsonite

1960 - Willys Jeep

The 41 day 1960 Derby attracted anglers from as far away as Canada, Indiana and Washington. The Grand Prize, a 4 wheel drive Jeep was won by Ernue Lewis of Bristol PA for a 45-15. Arnold Bloon of Pennsauken won a Simca station wagon for his 44-11.

The photo here shows Ernie all smiles with his new Jeep!

1963 - James A. Warner 48lb 3oz

In the 1963 the registration fee was $3. Two $1000 E-Bonds and a console television were the top prizes. A 48 pound 3 ounce striped bass caught by James A. Warner from Hatboro, PA took first prize.

James caught it fishing off the Loveladies surf at 2:15pm on November 18. The weigh in photo took place at the Board of Trade (now Southern Ocean County Chamber Of Commerce) Weigh Station. It looks like this day the fish were active! In the photo there’s a couple bass on the table and floor waiting to be checked in next. Note the long list of names posted on the back wall… all 2644 of them! Wonder what the “Beach Buggy Notice” behind the lamp said?

This year (‘63) the first transatlantic telephone cable from the United States to England was pulled ashore in Beach Haven. This was also the year that the 95’ scalloper, Sea King struck the jetty off Barnegat Light while towing the Prescott (decommissioned Navy mine-sweeper). They both went aground on beach (see photo below). The Prescott was refloated but all efforts to move the Sea King failed. Its mast is still visible today in the dunes of Barnegat Light.

1964 - John B Kelly 55lbs

Records show John Reaf from Quakertown, PA won first prize with a 45-6 bass. George Damon of Ship Bottom placed second with a 47-4 bass. That’s no typo! In the early years of the tournament, local residence were not eligible to win first prize. Imagine that!

We are not sure exactly how it does or does not fit in but it’s listed here anyways because it was a remarkable LBI surf caught striped bass catch by John B Kelly. It very well could have very well been part of the tournament, but we guess that John did not sign up prior to fishing.

Here’s the story from Jeff Kelly (John’s Son), “After the 1962 storm we were told by the guys at the Bonds Coast Guard Station in Holgate that if we could dig out a Jeep and haul it away we could have it. So my two brothers and I went at it with our army surplus folding shovels and dug one out. Our father John got it running and used it as a beach buggy. One night we all went fishing on the Holgate beach in the Jeep. After some time the rod went down and our father battled a really big striped bass. Got it in and the monster measured 56” long.

The photo here from September of 1964 shows father John B. Kelly and son 8 year old Steve Kelly at Fishermans Headquarters just after weigh in. The striped bass was 55 pounds. There’s documenting showing John won the ‘64 Asbury Park Press Fishing Tournament however no records show this fish in the LBI Derby. Photo and story curtesy of Jeff Kelly from Gloucester, MA.

1979 - The Silver Anniversary of The Derby

To celebrate the Long Beach Island’s Fishing Derby 25th Anniversary, Commemorative Patches were given to each registrant. Also 220 silver dollars were given away, one each for the five largest bass entered daily. The photo of the patch was provided by long time LBI Surf Fishing Classic participant George Green of Surf City. During Hurricane Sandy cleanup he found the patch and shared it with us. His legacy in the surf fishing tournament runs deep and his stories even deeper!

1983 29th Annual - David Dodd 59lb 7oz

“In the 80's there was a small group of guys that fished hard; 4-6 hour sessions, 4-5 nights a week. Fishing was nothing like the 70’s because the striped bass stocks were declining but there were good fish to be had. At times some really big bass hit the beach. (Al’s 78-8 was caught in 1982).”

“In the early 80’s I fished a lot with David Dodd, son of Bob Dodd who owned Fishermans Headquarters at that time. We caught a lot of fish together and tons of fun. Every night was worth it! Most will never know what we saw and what we did on the beaches of LBI at night. One night was long and I was dead tired after working all day. With a long drive home to Philly I call it quits, but David kept at it. I should of stayed! I heard about it in the morning… Shortly after I left David hooked into a monster. It weighed in a 59lb 7oz, missing the 60 pound mark by just a little bit. There were other big fish caught that Fall (Michael Cucinotta 43-13, Robert Hawk 49-15) but David’s was the biggest.”

David was a very good fisherman who put his time in and it showed. He not only won in 1983 but also the year before too. In 1982 David Dodd caught a 30lb 11oz striped bass which took top honors. It’s not confirmed due to lack of complete records but it is quit possible he is the only angler to win back to back.

Over the years the question about who caught the largest striped bass on Long Beach Island comes up a lot. At the time, David was it! There were rumors of one, possibly two bigger one caught, however, to date David’s 59-7 stands as the biggest Striped Bass of the LBI Surf Fishing Tournament. It’s a monster that might never get beat!

~ Dave Grimes, LBI Tournament Committee Alumni, LBI Fishing Club Member

LONG BEACH ISLAND STRIPED BASS DERBY, A REVIEW FROM 1955 TO 1988

The Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament began in 1955 as the Striped Bass Derby. Back then, the Chamber of Commerce was the Board of Trade, building lots in Loveladies could be had for $2,250, and Long Beach Township was horse to 1,000 year-round residents.

In 1956, the Long Beach Island Guidebook and Business Directory sported an artist's sketch of the new Long Beach island Causeway to be built at a cost of $13,500,800. (The registration fee for the Derby was $3.00.)

LONG BEACH ISLAND STRIPED BASS DERBY, A REVIEW FROM 1955 TO 1988

By fall of 1958, the Causeway Bridge was nearly completed, and, for $1,750 you could have a shell house erected on your Long Beach Island lot.

The Derby ran for 57 days - from October 18th to December 13th. A total of $13,000 in prizes was awarded. The first grand prize was a Ford Skyliner with retractable hard-top; the second place winner received a Willy’s 4-wheel drive beach buggy. One of the leaders for the ‘58 Derby was Robert Patrick of Maplewood, New Jersey, who entered a 43 pound 15 ounce bass.

In May of 1959, the new Causeway Bridge was dedicated. By June, the bridge was declared a nightmare! Homeward bound weekend visitors were caught in a four hour traffic jam--the cars were bumper to bumper for a seven mile stretch!

John Hoyer of Philadelphia won the ‘59 Derby’s grand prize - a 4-wheel drive Jeep station wagon. John’s bass weighed 28 pounds 3 ounces. Hilton Gourjian of Pleasantville won a 17 foot skiff and trailer, his bass weighed 26 pounds 2 ounces. Other prizes included Polaroid Land

Cameras, surf spinning rods, Timex watches, and for the leading lady angler, a matching set of Samsonite luggage.

On September 26, 1960, the 160-room Hotel Baldwin was destroyed by fire--witnesses said that at the height of the blaze they could hear bottles of champagne exploding in the bar! The hotel, one of the oldest and largest on the Island, was built in 1875 by the founder of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia.

The 41 day 1960 Derby attracted anglers from as far away as Canada, Indiana, and Washington.

Photo by Andy Messler - Here’s his father fishing the beach during the fall of 1961. Notice the NJBBA letters below the windshield and also the kid inside.

The Grand Prize, a 4-wheel drive Jeep, was won by Ernie Lewis of Bristol PA for a 45 pound 15 ounce striper. Arnold Bloom of Pennsauken won a Sinca station wagon for his 44 pound 11 ouncer.

In 1961 motel rooms were going for an average of $7.00 a night and cottages were available for $80.00 a week. Southern Regional High School had an enrollment of 1,150 students.

The 7th Annual Striped Bass Derby ran from October 21st to December 3rd. Although 2,131 fish were entered, the largest was a 27 pound 11 ouncer caught by Walter B. Higgins of Burlington NJ. Walt won the top prize--two $1000 Savings Bonds. Mike Wenal of Beach Haven won the

2nd grand prize--a color TV with stereo record player and AM/FM radio. Mike’s fish weighed 25 pounds. John “Buster” King of Manahawkin NJ was the resident high-hook with 32 bass.

The March storm of ‘62! Ten percent of the properties usually available for summer rentals were destroyed, but by summer the Island was cleaned up and ready for a successful season.

Weekly prizes in the 1962 Derby were Bell & Howell movie outfits and 19” portable TVs; binoculars were awarded daily. The Grand Prize structure remained the same as in 1961; first and second prize winners were: Delbert Davis of Baltimore MD for a 22 pound 13 ounce bass and Maynard Ari of Trenton NJ for a 22 pound 5 ounce bass. The Long Beach Island Fishing Club won the club competition with a total of 255 bass.

1963--The first transatlantic telephone cable from the US to England was pulled ashore in Beach Haven... A 385 pound swordfish was taken in the waters 40 miles off Beach Haven... In the early morning fog of February 12th, two boats ran aground on the 11th Street beach in Barnegat Light. The decommissioned Navy wine-sweeper Prescott was being towed by the 95 foot scalloper, Sea King, The Prescott was refloated, but all efforts to move the Sea King failed. The mast is still visible today in the dunes of Barnegat Light. *2022 Update: The Sea King’s Mast is back in the water due to beach erosion.

The registration fee for the Derby was still $3.00; two $1000 Savings Bonds and a console TV were the top prizes. A 48 pound 3 ounce bass, weighed in by James A. Varner of Hatboro PA, took first prize. Second prize was won by Alex F. Alexander of Philadelphia PA with a 47 pound 4 ounce fish. Of the more than 2,600 sportsman entered in the Derby, only 359 were year round Ocean County residents.

Courtney Franko found this hat in a thrift store in update NY. Does anyone know what year the light blue button was, possibly 1967?

January 1964--15 tractor-trailers from the Ballantine Brewery arrived on LBI with 15,000 Christmas Trees. The trucks were driven by volunteers of Beer Drivers Local 153 of the Teamsters Union. Operation Christmas Tree began in 1963; the trees were placed on the beach to trap sand in an effort to build up the dunes... Construction on the Vacation Inn (later known as the Quarter Deck Inn and then in 2019 Hotel LBI), was started in February.

A new rule in the 1964 Derby limited fishermen to one rod. John Reaf, Quakertown PA, won first prize with a 45 pound 6 ounce bass; George Damon, Ship Bottom, placed second with a 47 pound 4 ounce bass. (In the early years of the Derby, local residents were not eligible to win first prize.)

1965-- The 11th Annual Striped Bass Derby event ran from October 23 to December5, 1965 and the cost to register was $3. This year was the 8th Annual Miss Magic Long Beach Island Beauty Pageant... Imogene Coca (an American comic actress best known for her role opposite Sid Caesar on Your Show of Shows) was seen at the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park burying the Liberty Bell! The occasion was the filming of a TV special called The Incredible Incident At Independence Hall it was the first color broadcast on Philadelphia TV Channel 10.

A big change for the 11th Annual Striped Bass Derby! The 44 day tournament was divided into three segments, each with a $750 Savings Bond First Grand Prize, and a 21” table color TV

Second Grand Prize. There were four daily prizes - clock and barometer desk sets, electric carvers, aluminum fisherman’s stools, and 41 piece glassware sets. The biggest fish were 45 pounds 5 ounces (Henry Hopf, Manahawkin NJ) and 39 pounds 12 ounces (Daniel Fedele, Philadelphia PA).

1966 — The Soroptomist Club began selling the Long Beach Island flag in 1966. The Art Department of Southern Regional High School conducted a contest for the flag’s design; Jeff Huber created the winning entry. You could buy a one pound can of coffee for 69 cents, a 3 pound box of FAB laundry soap for 59 cents and eight cans of pork’n beans for $1.00.

Entries in the 1966 Derby were fewer and smaller than in past years. Only 283 stripers were weighed-in. The largest catches were 24 pounds 9 ounces (Henry J. Banfield, South Amboy NJ) and 24 pounds 1 ounce (Alex Buomasorte, Philadelphia PA). The photo above is Paul Hoagland the 1966 Derby Weigh Master standing in front of the Score Board. This display was located at the LBI Board Of Trade Office which is now where the current day Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce is located.

AND THE DERBY GOES ON...

The big stripers for 1967 were landed by Ray Specht, North Hills PA (31 lbs 2 oz), Constance Foos, Malvern PA (24 lbs 10 oz) and Constance’s husband, Courtney (23 lbs 14 oz).

The big bass of the 1968 Derby, 36 pounds 6 ounces, was caught by the winner of the 1958 Ford convertible hard-top--Robert Patrick of Barnegat Light NJ. In 1958 Mr. Patrick was living in Maplewood NJ, so he was eligible to win the top prize. But 10 years later, as an Ocean County resident, he was out of the competition for the big money.

The 1969 Derby had the 3rd largest total catch since 1957. The total weight added up to more than three tons of fish. The segment grand prizes were won by Jack Francis, Palmyra (40 lbs 13 oz), Morrell “Bo” Clark, Pleasantville (22 lbs 1 oz) and Albert Speier, Philadelphia (15 lbs 12 oz).

An Island resident, Richard C. Walker, weighed-in a 32 pound 9 ounce bass (the second largest of the contest). George Damon, Manahawkin NJ, entered the most stripers--a total of 54.

The registration fee for the 1970 Derby was $4.00. Top prizes were won by Peter Avrami, Brigantine NJ (31 lbs 1 oz), Walton Bartholomew , Philadelphia PA (24 lbs) and Vincent Boscelli, Absecon NJ (12 lbs 3 oz).

In 1971, the segment grand prizes were won by Norman Wilkins, Camden NJ (39 lbs 3 oz), Joseph Wade, Burlington NJ (39 lbs 11 oz) and Edward Sabatie, Hackensack NJ (20 lbs 3 oz).

Major changes were made in 1972. The South Jetty in Barnegat Light was declared out of bounds; contestants could now use two rods--one bait rod and one plugging rod. Anyone fishing with two bait rods would be disqualified; and, residents became eligible for all prizes.

There were changes in the prize structure, too. Merchandise was out, savings bonds and gift certificates were in. The first weekly prizes were: $100 bonds for first, $50 bonds for second, and $25 bonds for third. Daily gift certificates were awarded for the top three fish each day: $50 for first, $25 for second, and $10 for third. Scores of $10 Gift Certificates from sponsoring merchants were awarded on various bass sizes. The big fish of 1972 were; 38 pounds 11 ounces (John Savage, Alexandria VA), and 38 pounds (Patrick Mc Cline, Ventnor NJ). Duane Eggie, Cherry Hull, won the Juvenile Award, a $25 Savings Bond.

The First Prize segment winners ($750 bond) for 1973 were Carl B. Schulz, Tuckerton NJ (37 lbs 4 oz), James Daisey, Ocean City NJ (43 lbs 3 oz) and Richard Noch, of Barnegat Light NJ (18 lbs 4 oz). Because of the prize distribution structure, the biggest fish didn’t always win the biggest prizes; Allen Brock weighed-in a 38 pound 2 ounce bass and Karl Buhles had a 38 pound 9 ounce bass. Both men were from Philadelphia PA.

In 1974, celebrating 60 years of operation, the Board of Trade became the Chamber of Commerce. The 20th Annual LBI Striped Bass Derby was held from October 12th to November 24th and had a total of 1016 fish entered. The three first place striped bass segment winners were… First, Howard Parker, Surf City NJ (32 lbs 1 oz). Second, Edward Koeck, Columbia NJ (33 lbs 7 oz). Third, Frank Bettendorf, Philadelphia PA (22 lbs) caught on a worm at Barnegat Light which was won a $750 US Bond. Dewey P. Blackstone of Philadelphia caught a 18-7 bass caught on a worm in Barnegat Light this year to earn a special prize, 14” portable color TV.

Fourteen year old Troy Eggie of Cherry Hill NJ, entered four striped bass, the most bass by a juvenile (under 16 years) this year. He won a $25 US savings bond. In the photo shown on the left is Troy with one of his four bass, a 6 pound 11 ounce fish.

Most bass entered by lady angler, a $25 gift certificate was won by Fannie Dunn of Brant Beach with six bass to her credit. Most bass entered by a senior citizen was Dewey P. Blackstone of Philadelphia with 18 bass entered. Most bass by an individual angler was Frank Kertesz of Beach Haven with 27. Beach Haven Surf Fishing Club won the club award with 148 bass who’s Raymond C. Dickerson Jr of Mecungie, PA has 12 bass to his credit.

Here’s Charlie Hoeling fishing a lure off of the Harvey Cedars surf. Charlie fishing the LBI surf hard and was also a regular at Graveling Point too. Photo curtesy of Duane Eggie

More changes in 1975.

In February 1975, the Derby Committee and presidents of the four major fishing clubs (800 Club, Surf Anglers Association, the Long Beach Island Fishing Club, and the Beach Haven Fishing Club) met to discuss changes in the Derby structure. One of the changes unanimously agreed upon was to hold the tournament earlier-October 4th to November 16th.

The 21st Derby winners were: Earl F. Cook, Moorestown NJ (23 lbs 3 oz), William J. Heller, Brigantine NJ (28 lbs 2 oz) and “Bo Clark, Pleasantville NJ, who landed the largest bass of the Derby, 37 pounds. Brian Eggie, 14, of Cherry Hill, won the $25 bond juvenile award.

The bass fishing season in 1976 was dismal. Only 90 bass were entered in the Derby. Some said the water temperature dropped too fast, others said there was too much bait in the water.

Whatever the reason, it was a disappointing year. Segment winners were Wes Frazier, Beverly NJ (28 lbs 14 oz), Charles Aaron, Cherry Hill NJ (27 lbs 12 oz) and Charles J. Hohing, West Creek NJ (17 lbs).

Bluefish were added in 1977.

Bluefish were added to the competition in 1977; a $100 bond was awarded for the largest blue in each segment. Registration cost $6.00 plus $1.00 to compete in the bluefish contest.

Contestants were still limited to two rods, but now both rods could be the same type. Youngsters could win one of three shining new bikes, one for the largest bass in each segment.

The bikes were donated by the 800 Club, Surf Anglers Assoc., the Long Beach Island Fishing

Club, and the Beach Haven Fishing Club. 1977 turned out to be dud for fishing. Only 105 fish were weighed-in--73 bass and 32 blues. The leading blues were entered by Arthur Ouellette, Fort Dix NJ (17 lbs 6 oz), Frank Giordano, Pine Hill NJ (15 lbs 15 oz) and Raymond Hill, Havertown PA (12 lbs 5 oz). Winning bass were entered by Edward Siebert, Cherry Hill NJ (23 lbs 12 oz), Charles Sedivi, Sicklerville NJ (30 lbs 8 oz) and James Brandt, Lansdale PA (28 lbs).

Courtney Foos III was the only winner of a bicycle.

In 1978, daily bluefish prizes were added; a $10 gift certificate for first and a $5 gift certificate for second. Bluefish buttons were pinned on old fishing hats alongside the bass buttons.

Because the fish were migrating earlier each year, the Derby starting date was moved up to September 23rd. Segment winners for bluefish were: Warren Waters, Philadelphia PA (15 lbs 10 oz), Elaine Ballai, Harvey Cedars NJ (17 lbs), and Sniffin K. Bellows, Elmira NY (16 lbs 13 oz).

Segment winners for bass were: Peter Wallace, Manahawkin NJ (27 lbs 12 oz), Richard Zalot, Beach Haven Crest (22 lbs 13 oz) and Patrick McCline, Ventnor NJ (29 lbs 14 oz). The high club trophy, awarded for total fish entered (bass and blues), was won by the Long Beach Island Fishing Club--37 fish.

1979 - The Silver Anniversary of the Derby The 25th Anniversary commemorative patches were given to each registrant and 220 silver dollars were given away, one each for the five largest bass entered daily. Savings bonds for $500 were now the segment second grand prize in the bass category. BUT was this really the 25th year? Was the first year 1955 or 1954? There’s a lot of debate on this topic.

Two club trophies were given, one for bass and one for blues. Segment winners for bluefish were Brian Eggie, Cherry Hill NJ (17 lbs 12 oz), Lance Bacchia, Brighton Beach NJ (16 lbs 2 oz) and Bert Harper, Beverly NJ (17 lbs 2 oz). Winners for bass: Steven Thiel, Manahawkin NJ (49 lbs 6 oz), Robert Hawk, Surf City NJ, (53 lbs 4 oz) and Jay Walker, Beach Haven Gardens NJ (25 lbs 8 oz).

Tuesday night, October 16th, Robert Hawk and his friend, Don Ingling (Surf City NJ) had one of those nights fishermen dream about. Bob not only landed the big winner, he also brought in bass that weighed 31 pounds 12 ounces and 51 pounds 2 ounces. Don, who really didn’t want to go fishing that night, caught a 34 pound 1 ounce bass. Kim Smith, an 11 year old from Surf City NJ, won the top prizes in the female division and a new bicycle in the juvenile division.

1980 - The registration fee of $10 consolidated the bass and blue categories. In the bass category, the segment first grand prize was a $1,125 savings bond; second grand prize was a $750 savings bond. The value of all other grand and weekly prizes was also raised. The largest bass (also the winner of the first segment) was entered by Leon Iwasko, Ship Bottom (43 lbs. 3 oz. Other winners for bass were William Roehl, Harvey Cedars NJ (32 lbs. 12 oz.), and Joseph Walker, Beach Haven Gardens NJ (29 lbs. 9 oz.). Winners in the bluefish category were John Eggie, Cherry Hill NJ (18 lbs 11 oz), Ricky 0’Brien, age 13, Beach Haven NJ (19 lbs 9 oz) and David Unley, Riverside NJ (16 lbs 3 oz). Robert Hawk, Jr., age 11, Surf City NJ, won the juvenile division with a 24 pound 6 ounce bass.

The photo on shown on the left here is Ric O’Brien at age 13 with a big bluefish! “This was the 26th year (or debatably the 25th) of the derby that he won with his 19-9 bluefish. Jingles and I had fished the night before and had a great night with bluefish, weakfish and bass. It was so good that we told Ric, “Go to bed early and you can go with us that next night.” We went fishing around 2 am and when we got there it was nothing but grass. We kept trying but you know how it goes when your plug is loaded with grass every cast. We went from the front rip to the back (Holgate) and finally Jingles hooked up. It was late and Ric was tired by this time. He was sitting on the bank with an eel in the water. His father said to him, “Get that goddamn eel out of the water and put a black Redfin lure on!” It didn’t take long and Ric was hooked up. Black Redfin lure with no wire leader. It took Ric about 45 minutes as he could not get the fish out of the rip. There were a few others fishing nearby so we got their attention and had them witness Ric’s fish. Jake Adena was the first one to us. Meanwhile the sun is starting to come up and it was time to go. We got Ric got on the bus and to school on time. Everyday coming home from school he would look at the derby sign on the causeway in front of the Board Of Trade to see if his fish was still in the top position.” ~ Margaret O’Brien Jingles Bait & Tackle

In 1982, Brian Eggie earned the Bluefish Grand Prize with this very fine 20-1 chopper blue.

Here is a Eggie brother holding up a pair of big bluefish at the north east corner of Fisherman’s Headquarters just after weigh in across the street at the LBI Board of Trade Weigh Station. Take note of a couple things in the window. One, Don’t be a litter bug, leave the beach clean. Two, a classic Merchantville Fishing Club leader board sign below the annual Derby Banner.

Weakfish were added to 27th Annual Long Beach Island Striped Bass Derby in 1981. There were grand prizes and daily prizes in all categories, and weekly prizes in the bass and bluefish categories. The event dates were September 26th to November 8, 1981. The big winners for stripers were Vincent Calarco, Princeton NJ (33 lbs), Scott Kipple, Manahawkin (37 lbs 4 oz) and John Dragonetti, Mystic Island NJ (34 lbs 9 oz). Winners in the bluefish category were Joe Greene, New York City NY (18 lbs 8 oz), Troy Eggie, Cherry Hill NJ (19 lbs) and Raymond Hill, Havertown PA (17 lbs 4 oz). Brian Eggy entered the most blues, 14. Grand prizes for weakfish were won by Chris T. Braun, Beach Haven Gardens NJ (11 lbs 8 oz), and Robert E. Ingold, Lansdale PA (10 lbs 3 oz). Two youngsters won bikes--Joseph Martin, Jr., age 10, and Tim Tantillo, age 14.

1982 - The 28th Annual Derby ran from September 25 to November 7th. This year the striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish tournament had a slow start due to high winds but exceptionally warm weather. The September 29th The SandPaper Fishing Report Section was titled “Derby is off to a Weather-Beaten Start”.

Big winners in the striped bass category were David A. Dodd, Manahawkin NJ (30 lbs 11 oz), Richard Flynn, Linden NJ (30 lbs 2 oz) and Jay Walker, Beach Haven Gardens NJ (24 lbs 2 oz). Jay’s catch was on a Redfin lure in Beach Haven Crest.

Bluefish category winners were Brian Eggie, Cherry Hill NJ (20 lbs 1 oz), Charles Zanes, Wenonah NJ (18 lbs 8 oz) and John Eggie, Cherry Hill NJ (18 lbs 1 oz).

Weakfish category winners were James B. Gatto, Marlton NJ (10 lbs 9 oz), Richard Tomlinson, Long Beach Twp NJ (11 lbs 4 oz) and Tony Caruso, Manahawkin (8 lbs 9 oz).

The awards were presented at a picnic at Derby Headquarters! Hot dogs and beer were the hot items on the menu.

“Cherry Hill duo nets big blues in ripe Atlantic” by Ben Callaway - Those who braved the wind and high surf continues to score along the New Jersey coastal undertow. This time of year the beach belongs to them. Surf fishing in a storm on Sunday evening, brothers Brian and Troy Eggie of Cherry Hill beached big bluefish at Barnegat Light. It was so windy that plugs could not be cast effectively. Brain Eggie took a 20-pound 1-ounce bluefish and brother Troy caught on 16-6. Both were caught on the outgoing tide used cut bait on spinning tackle with 20# line. “We planned a big bluefish dinner,” said John Eggie, their father, “but thought we’d better check the book first. (Not a cookbook, but the IFGA record book.) That big bass (the world record, 78-8 striper taken the previous Tuesday in the Atlantic City surf) made us think twice about it,” he explained. The world record bluefish for 20# line was 23-12 set 10/9/1981 at Cape May, NJ. The all tackle was a monstrous 31-12 blue caught 1/30/1972 at Hatteras, NJ. Brian Eggie now leads the bluefish division of the LBI Derby.

The 1983 Derby was the best for weakfish entries; 100 weakies were weighed-in. Striper category winners were Michael Cucinotta, Burlington NJ (43 lbs 13 oz), David Dodd, Manahawkin NJ (59 lbs 7 oz) and Robert Hawk, Surf City NJ (49 lbs 15 oz). High-hook non-club member was Mark Jordan, Beach Haven NJ, with eight bass. Florence Pancoast, North Wales PA, won the women’s prize with her 29 pound 12 ounce bass.

Segment bluefish prizes were won by Noel Huelsenback, Ship Bottom NJ (19 lbs 2 oz), Duane Eggie, Cherry Hill NJ (20 lbs) and Ronald Powell, Philadelphia PA (18 lbs 15 oz). Bluefish Express won the high club trophy with 85 bluefish--19 of which were landed by Duane Eggie.

Weakfish grand prizes were won by John Heller, Cherry Hill NJ (11 lbs 14 oz), James Barks, Yeadon PA (12 lbs 13 oz) and Robert O’Brien, Beach Haven NJ (13 lbs 2 oz). “Cappy” Crosta, Beach Haven NJ, won the women’s competition with her 10 pound weakfish; Jack Adana, Ship Bottom NJ, weighed in a total of 11 weakfish.

Carl Stevens from the Courier-Post wrote in his outdoor column, “The 29th Annual LBI Striped Bass Derby closed Sunday. Derby headquarters at Ship Bottom reported there were 892 fisherman who entered 631 fish, 426 bluefish, 105 bass and 100 weakfish. The largest striped bass of the contest was a 59-7 caught by Dave Dodd of Manahawkin. Duane Eggie of Cherry Hill picked up three special prizes award in the bluefish division. Eggie’s entry of a 20# blue earned him a plaque and a $100 in prize money. In addition, he was presented the High Club Member Trophy for the most blues entered in the tournament with 19.”

Monster bass in a flood of blues by Ben Callaway, "The catch of two king size stripers enlivened the final week of the LBI Striped Bass Derby. But neither was big enough to topple a huge 59-pound, 7-ounce fish caught earlier for top honors in the 44 day Jersey surf fishing event.

The final weighing for the 29th Annual Derby was at 9pm Sunday. Totals for the contest were 892 anglers, entering 105 (over the 18" minimum), 412 bluefish and 100 weakfish (over the 5# minimum).

David Dodd of Manahawkin repeated last year's triumph for largest striper. While 30-4 was good enough for Dodd to win the 1982 honors, this year he beached the 57-7 bass on October 24th, The biggest bluefish was 20-0 for Duane Eggie of Cherry Hill and heaviest weakfish 13-2 by Robert O'Brien of Beach Haven.

The final week produced 19 stripers and 53 blues, but only one weakfish. Biggest of the bass were 49-15 by Robert Hawk of Surf City taken last Tuesday and 41-9 by Stephen Zeglinski of Manahawkin on Saturday. Hawk used bait, Zeglinski a Redfin plug. Both fish were taken at the north (Barnegat Light) end of the island.

Biggest of the last week's bluefish was 18-15 by Ronald Powell of Philadelphia, at Barnegat Light at 4:30pm Friday on mullet bait. The lone weakfish was 9-2, caught at 7:15pm last Tuesday by Dale Beisel of Ship Bottom in the Brant Beach undertow on a Redfin.

The year's bluefish blitz, which started early and continues all along the New Jersey coastal front, is obvious in this year's derby totals.”

It has been talked about for many years… What is the largest striped bass in the history of the LBI Derby? Who caught it? When? Where? On What? We don’t know! What we can share is that one of the biggest was David Dodd’s 59-7 which was 55” and had a 29” girth. As per the newspaper clipping’s photo caption, “the third largest striper recorded in the history of the event.” Is this caption 100% accurate? If so who and what years? IT would be awesome to learn more about a possible 60# LBI surf caught striped bass.

1984 - The 30th Anniversary of the Derby (see the anniversary patch) The largest bass was entered by Troy Eggie, Cherry Hill NJ; his fish weighed 40 pound 13 ounces. Troy also won two high-hook club member trophies one for his catch of eight stripers, and the other for the 19 blues that put his club, Bluefish Express, over the top (62 blues) for the high club trophy. High club trophies were also won by Team Mullet for 26 stripers and Happy Hookers for 13 weakfish.

Segment grand prize winners for stripers were Troy Eggie (36 lbs 9 oz) John Mark Jordan, Beach Haven (28 lbs 4 oz) and Mark Simmons, Ship Bottom (35 lbs 2 oz). Winners in the bluefish category were Mark Simmons (18 lbs 4 oz), James R. Gatto, Mt. Laurel NJ (17 lbs 1 oz.) and Ray Benoit III, Mt. Holly NJ (17 lbs). The big weakfish prize winners were Robert O’Brien, Beach Haven NJ (11 lbs 9 oz), Michael Cucinotta, Burlington NJ (11 lbs 8 oz) and Bert Harper, Beverly NJ (13 lbs 9 oz).

By Marion Figley, “The arrival of good numbers of striped bass here abouts and the beginning of the 30th annual LBI Striped Bass Derby and Bluefisn and Weakfish Contest last Saturday coincided to produce good catches of stripers in the first few days of the contest. Sources and both Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom and Bruce and Pat’s in Surf City also spoke of outstanding striper catches on Sept 28th, the day before the derby’s start. At present, surface poppers, Redfins and swimming plugs appear to be the best lures for the stripers.

The North End of the Island had the most action last Friday, as Roger Pancoast pulled in six bass weighing as many as 12 pounds. On the same day Bob Gular landed two after losing a bunch in the surf. Also, Brian and Troy Eggie easily caught at least 10 linsiders each, releasing all but two that weighed approximately 18 and 24 pounds.

Weighmaster at derby headquarters in the LBI Southern Ocean County Chamber Of Commerce building In Ship Bottom recorded a total of 77 striped bass, blues and weakfish from last Saturday’s ope ing to Tuesday’s afternoon. A total of 25 stripers were caught on Saturday up to 36-9. The three winning bass for this day were caught on Barnegat Light on Redfin plugs… Troy Eggie 36-9, Brian Eggie 34-4 and Greg Crossland 31-2. On Sunday two bass were caught and on Monday four were taken, The winning fish on Monday again came from Barnegat Light on Redfin lures. Top anglers were John Jordan 22-14, John Draganetti 19, James Vogel 15-4.

Of the 15 blues caught last Saturday heavyweights were hooked by the following; Brian Eggie 15-14, Chuck Gogonzer 15-12, Charles Sedivi 14-10. Anglers with the heaviest blues of the 16 taken the next day were Peter Romer 17-13, Michael Buhles 17-9, Harold Ferreri 16-14. Last Monday Jingles O'Briens 17-14 blue taken on a lug at Holgate scored as the heaviest of 11 blues weighed in.

Like the stripers, most o the blues have been caught in Barnegat Light and Zone 1. Redfins, plugs, mullet and bunker are producing blues. From the opening of the derby until the following Tuesday afternoon, only three weakfish had been entered in the contest. The heaviest weighed 11-7 and it was caught by Dave Grimes on a plug in Zone 1, Jingles O'Brien landed a 10-9 weak on a live pinfish at Holgate and Bert Harper had a 7-10 weak on mullet on Zone 3.”

1985 - A year of change... In an effort to aid conservation efforts, striped bass were eliminated from the fishing contest and the tournament name was changed to Long Beach Island Fishing Tournament. Savings Bonds are out and cash was in! The $225 grand prizes in the bluefish category were won by Albie Jordan, Ship Bottom NJ (22 lbs 6 oz), John Lincoln, Burlington NJ (19 lbs 1 oz) and Greg Crossland, Glen Hills PA (17 lbs 12 oz). Albie Jordan also won the high-hook non-club member trophy with 10 blues. Bluefish Express won the club trophy with 79 blues.

The $150 grand prizes in the weakfish category were won by Jack Adana, Ship Bottom NJ (12 lbs 13 oz), Michael Cucinutta, Burlington NJ (12 lbs 3 oz) and Frank Susco, Manahawkin NJ (13 lbs 12 oz). Tean Mullet won the weakfish trophy with 15 weakfish.

Here’s some anglers from the Bluefish Express fishing club in the back of a Rick Zanes Ford F150. Rick shared the photo and recalled, “This day we got into the blues really good on poppers fishing Barnegat Light. The largest size blue Creek Chub was the best lure at that time/day.” In the photo from left to right; Albie Jordan, Rick Zanes, Duane Eggie, Carl Buhles, Troy Eggie.

1986 - Running from September 27 to November 9th, 1986 was the year of the chopper blues! Out of 666 anglers a total of 2,066 bluefish were weighed-in. Mike Sheppard from the AC Press wrote in his fishing column, “One of the biggest bluefish beach blitzes in the history of southern New Jersey occurred October 30th when 332 bluefish were caught for a one-day record.” The largest, 19 pounds, won the second segment for derby angler Duane Eggie from Ocean City.

The Happy Hookers won the club championships with 591 bluefish and three weakfish. Second went to the Bluefish Express with 505 blues. There were five other teams this year. The high-hook club member was Karl H. Rubles, Wenonah NJ, who brought in 77 blues for the Bluefish Express. Albie Jordan of Ship Bottom caught the most fish for a non-team individual with 73 blues to his credit. Lewis R. Old, age 10, Vincentown NJ swept most of the juvenile prizes--Lewie weighed-in 13 blues, the largest was 13 pounds 8 ounces. Other juvenile prize winners were Matt Kuntzi of Mt. Holly NJ, age 9 (13 lbs 5 oz) and Devin Reilly of MilIville NJ, age 12 (13 lbs 7 oz) Grand prizes were won by Connie McGinnis, Medford NJ (17 lbs 9 oz), Duane Eggie for his 19 pounder, and Karl H. Burbles, Sr., Wenonah NJ (18 lbs).

Not a such a good year for weak fishing--only seven were weighed in. The grand prizes were won by Michele Little, Burlington NJ (12 lbs 8 oz -- the largest) and Ray Benoit III, Mt. Holly NJ (7 lbs 3 oz). The club trophy went to Happy Hookers.

1987 - Running from September 26 to November 8th, there were again no striped bass weighed in. However there was not a shortage of action on the beach and at the scales. There were 876 bluefish entered and 310 were from the Bluefish Express, the 1987 leading club. Grand prize winners in the bluefish category were Robert F. Ackerman, Tuckerton NJ (16 lbs 9 oz), Amadeo Ribiero, Philadelphia PA (17 lbs 13 oz) and Richard Zanes, Wenonah NJ (14 lbs 5 oz). Grand prize winners in the weakfish category were Albie Jordan, Ship Bottom (12 lbs 2 oz) and Richard 0’Brien, Beach Haven NJ (12 lbs 3 oz). This was the last year of an official weight station one sole location.

1988 - Striped Bass were included in the competition in cooperation with the NJ State Division of Fish and Game; however, no money prizes were awarded for striped bass. Daily prizes for weakfish were introduced, but they never showed up! The bass and the blues provided all the excitement. This was the first year that fish could now be weighed at three stations (Bruce & Pats in Surf City, Fishermans Headquarters in Ship Bottom, Jingles in Beach Haven).

Trophies for the largest bass in each segment were won by David L. Bonanni, Mercerville NJ (22 lbs 2 oz), Jerry Barks, Yeadon PA (18 lbs 15 oz) and Ed Hughes, 34 lbs. 4 oz). Ed also won the trophy for the largest striper of the Tournament.

Winners of the $400 cash prizes in the bluefish category were Edgar S. Masson, Springfield PA (17 lbs 6 oz), Jay Mann, Ship Bottom NJ (19 lbs 1 oz) and Anthony Cucinotta, Groveville NJ (20 lbs 10 oz-- the largest). The high club trophy was won by Bluefish Express with a total of 299 blues. Jim White, Waretown NJ, won the high club member trophy with his 64 bluefish. The high non-club member trophy was won by Barry White, Mystic Island NJ with 32 blues. The women’s largest bluefish was awarded to Margaret O’Brien for her 17-12.

Margaret O’Brien from Jingles Bait & Tackle recalled, “Near the end of the tournament there was a nasty northeast day. There were lots of bluefish and people all fishing bait in Holgate. Some were out on the bar and others bait fishing from the beach. Jingles did not bait fish so he took a nap in the truck. I was fishing near Frank Panzone (Panzone’s Pizza) and Bruce Hoagland (Bruce & Pat’s Bait & Tackle). Well that day I caught my largest bluefish 17-12 which won the woman’s category. Also that night the largest juvenile bluefish was caught by Louie Ott as well as the largest men’s division bluefish by Tony Cuccinnota, 20-10. Tony and I were going back and forth on who’s was the biggest. That night we came back to the store and Frank Panzone was the weigh master on my fish.” THE END OF A 34-YEAR REVIEW...

Al Dunkelberger, a Surf City resident has fished almost every LBI Surf Fishing Tournament since it began. By going out early or late in the day, Al found a way to fit in his tournament fishing even through some of the busiest years of his life.

1989 - Coming One Day
1990 - Purple, 200 total fish entered, More to come.
1991 - Red, 335 total fish entered, More to come.
1992 - Dark Green, 260 total fish entered, More to come.
1993 - Blue, 250 total fish entered, More to come.
1994 - Brown, 230 total fish entered, More to come.
1995 - Maroon, 390 total fish entered, More to come.
1996 - Green, 272 total fish entered, More to come.

Alex Majewski shared some of his Derby registration pins from the early and mid 90’s.

1997 - Running from October 4 thru November 16th, Penn Fishing Co. offered a $5000 prize for catching a NJ state record breaking bluefish so long as the fish was caught with a Penn rod or reel. There were four weigh stations; Ed’s Boat Rentals in Barnegat Light, Bruce and Pat’s Bait & Tackle in Surf City, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom and Buckalew’s Fish Pound in Beach Haven. It is noted in the Rules & Regulations Section 8.C. Property Rights - The Wildlife Refuge in Holgate is considered private property and is clearly posted with “Keep Out” signs. Contestants must abide by posted closings.

1998 - Coming One Day
1999 - Coming One Day

2000 - The Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament ended at 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 19... 757 anglers entered a total of 276 striped bass and 122 bluefish. The largest striped bass 41-1 was caught by Jason Marti of Harvey Cedars winning $1000 cash Grand Prize. The largest bluefish 16-11 was caught by Ray Curnew of Maple Shade. Distinguishably Decorated War Veteran Stanley Steinberg of Warrington, Pa had the largest striped bass 15-1 by a senior.

2001 - A Big Fish Year! 2001 was a year of big fish on the beach of Long Beach Island. Every weekly winner was a 30#+ striped bass and two of the three segments were won by 44# bass. It wasn’t only big bass but large gator blues too. Tommy Stackhouse took the largest blue at 16-4 with the second largest 14-2 blue being caught by Todd Avery.

The 791 participating anglers caught a total of 585 fish. The 468 striped bass was almost twice as many as the previous year (2000 - 265 bass). Ron Faust caught the big one, second biggest in Classic history. On Halloween he caught the 56-15 monster on the Barnegat Light surf on bunker.

2002-04 - Coming One Day

2005 - Don Ingling of Surf City caught a 44-2 striped bass that earned the grand prize In the Striped Bass Division. The photo here shows Don in his waders at his house with the fish shortly after weigh-in.

2006 - Larry Weidner of Beach Haven had the largest striped bass at 42-10.

2007 - Kevin Wong was the 2007 Grand Prize striped bass winner. He earned it catching a 40-4 off the north end surf.

2008 - David Smith caught a 47-7 and took the top spot in the 2008 LBI surf fishing tournament. Merchantville Fishing Club’s Gregory M. O'Connell caught a 47-2 striped bass that earned the club the heaviest striped bass by a fishing club.

2009 - Michael Kane’s 42-11 was the largest striped bass of the 2009 tournament. It was caught on 10/12/09 off of the Love Ladies surf on bunker.

2010 - The numbers of angler signups were light but the fishing was good. Margaret O’Brien owner of Jingles Bait & Tackle in Beach Haven notes, “We had an amazing year.” There were 163 bluefish and 358 striped bass entered. Dick Crosta of Beach Haven took the top bluefish prize with a 16-1 bluefish. Raymond Sullivan Jr of Beach Haven won the striper bass category with a very large 56-7 striped bass.

Ray Sullivan - 2010 - 56lb 7oz

"It's been a long time coming," Ray Sullivan said. Sullivan fishes beaches, ocean and bays around Long Beach Island, most often with fishing partner and wife Joanne.

Sullivan said his previous heaviest fish was 31 and change during past LBI Classics.

"I've been right next to five (Classic) winners," Sullivan said. "Right place, wrong pew."

On Thursday October 21, 2010 his time came. Sullivan had seen bunker chased up on to the sand by bluefish, and he picked up the pieces. Then he spotted bunker in the surf and spent the day netting while bluefish blitzed the beach. This warm sunny day was a very active one for the surf anglers on Long Beach Island. Quality striped bass and bluefish hit the beach for the second half of the day, 31 fish were entered.

Ray caught so many bunker, he gave a lot away but saved some for bait. That's what he was using at low water on the Haven Beach surf when he picked up the bass.

He took it to Jingle's Bait and Tackle in North Beach Haven to weigh it. Margaret O'Brien at Jingle's said while the fish was on the scales, a crowd of 20 people gathered. She said another angler hauled up a much smaller bass while all that was going on but did not even bother to weigh his.

This heavyweight was a tough beat being one of the biggest weigh ins in the history of the tournament. Sullivan’s was the third heaviest bass to date in the Classic only ones larger; Ron Faust of Lansdale, Pa., caught a 56-15 bass in 2001, David Dodd’s caught a 59-7 bass in 1983.

And to add to Sullivan's big day, he reclaimed the family lead for big bass. He said it topped a 46-pounder caught by Joanne.

~ Mike Shepherd, The Press Of Atlantic City

2011 - 57th Annual ran Oct 8th to Dec 4th. The two biggest winners were Gary Naylor of Mt Holly and Randy Matlack of Beach Haven Park, both winning $1000 cash prizes. Gary’s 41.65# striped bass was caught on opening day and held up on the leaderboard for al 8 weeks. Coming One Day

2012 - Hurricane Sandy catastrophically hammered Long Beach Island. The area suffered from sever flooding and erosion. The storm’s direct hit took place right in the heart of the Fall Run. The event, scheduled for October 6 to December 2 was cut short and closed at the end of the day 10/28/12. Registrants were offered pro-rated refunds to compensate for the situation. Major turmoil ensued. The Tournament Committee’s core group banded together, separated from the Chamber of Commerce, incorporated as the LBI Surf Fishing Class and took off stronger and better than ever.

Joe Czapkowski of East Brunswick won the striped bass division with the largest bass weighing in at 48.63#. Martin Supsie of Forked River won the bluefish division with his 16.81# catch. Both were awarded $1000 for their division wins. The first segment was won by Rob Vallone, 28.88# and Tim Stumpf 36.31# won the second segment.

2013 - Oct 7 to Dec 1 were the dates of the 59th Annual LBI Surf Fishing Classic. Brian Schmidt’s 31-13 striped bass was the heaviest. Bill Montrey’s 12# bluefish was the heaviest. The $250 Paul L O’Connell Memorial Prize for the striped bass closest to 23-12 was won by Nick Frugillo for his 23-10 bass weigh in. The $250 Paul L O’Connell Memorial Prize for the bluefish closest to 14-2 was won by Bill Montry for his 12# blue. Another notable catch was Rob Vallone’s 30-6 Segment Two winning striped bass which earned him $400. No bass or blues were entered by a female angler nor a youth angler.

2014 - 60th Anniversary - 719 anglers, 44 Bass, 7 Bluefish - Bill Bannon caught the winning striped bass 39-9 on 10/30/14 at 1pm fishing live herring at Barnegat Light. Bill won the Senior Division too with this fish. Jason Hoch’s 14# bluefish won top honors in the blue division. This was the first year running on the tournament’s new cloud database application offering anglers a clean, quick, mobile friendly way to view live weigh in results as well as more data than ever before. For the 2014 season, the NJ Recreational Striped Bass Regulation was a two fish bag limit at a 28” minimum.

Sam Adams (6 years old) weighed in this 47” striped bass at Jingles Bait & Tackle on November 6, 2015.

2015 - This year had a good showing of striped bass (172 total bass weighed in) on the beaches of LBI. Much better than recent years. In the solid showing there were a dozen striped bass caught over 30# and 11 bluefish over 10#. The high hook was Rob Vallone of Little Egg Harbor with eight total striped bass up to 44-10.

The eight week event had the senior division and youth catching big fish, both bass and bluefish! Jim Corson won the Bluefish Grand Prize and the Bluefish Senior Division with his monster 19-lb 5-oz yellow eye gator. Ed Krzanowki took the Striped Bass Grand Prize with his trophy bass of 47-lb 5-oz. Ed also won the Striped Bass Senior Division as well as John Parzych's Special Prize, a Custom Rod to the angler who catches the largest striped bass on a lure. Yes Ed caught his winning striped bass plugging the Harvey Cedars surf (late morning, low water). Christine Johnson won the Largest Striped Bass in the Ladies Division with her 16-lb 2-oz bass. Marie Rhubart won the Largest Bluefish in the Ladies Division with her 11-lb 2-oz blue.

Six year old Sam Adams of Pitman caught a 41-5 striped bass. It was the largest fish in the Juvenile Division which won him the Adult Devision's Segment Two. Adams was fishing with his grandfather Don Adams on November 6th at Spray Beach. Hope everyone saw Sam's video which went viral. If not check it out. https://youtu.be/GNI-cOrs4M8

For the 2015 season, the NJ Recreational Striped Bass Regulation was changed from previous years to one fish at 28” to less than 43” and one fish at 43” or greater. This rule change was put in to reduce mortality on larger “spawning stock” striped bass that are vital to the coast wide stock.

2016 - The 62nd Annual had 656 anglers fishing for the top prizes of $1000 Cash and a RH Custom Surf Rod with a Penn Reel in both striped bass and bluefish categories. During the event (October 8 to December 4) there were 55 striped bass and 19 bluefish weigh ins entered. The Grand Prize winners were Brain Schmidt 37.1# striped bass and Rick Ziegler 17.74# bluefish. This was Brian’s second time taking top honors in recent years. He also won in 2013.

In the Woman’s Division Linda Donnelly caught the largest striped bass 33.16# and Wendy Essinger caught the largest bluefish 13.84#. In the Senior Division William Collins caught the largest striped bass 22.82# and William Montrey caught the largest bluefish 17.84#.

When looking at the weigh ins over the years, 2016 is when the switch to digital took place. The tournament upgraded to digital scales so weighs are recorded in hundredths of a pound (XX.XX#). No more pounds and ounces. All weigh-in shops were outfitted with the same make and model (top quality) digital scales which were certified (done annually) both by NJ State Weight & Measures as well as an internal checks to ensure all scales are exactly the same.

A two week Catch And Release Special Segment was added as a test to gauge interest and participation. It was a total flop with only three fish entered. Jason Hoch won (https://www.lbift.com/content.php?id=1249). After talking with a number of anglers the general consensus was anglers primarily fished and hunted for responsible harvest. Considering the angler count to fish kill ratio the LBI Surf Fishing Tournament is a very low kill event. The LBI Surf Fishing Tournament may revisit a catch and release segment in the future. *It did so in 2023.

2017 - There was a good showing of nice sized striped bass in the stretch of early to mid-November. 750 anglers. 83 striped bass. 11 Bluefish. There were 11 striped bass caught over 20 pounds, all between Surf City and Barnegat Light on bunker. The largest was John Matt’s 51.5” 48# monster striped bass that took the win and also the Fishermans Headquarters Striped Bass Calcutta Side-Bet!

John caught his winning bass on November 1st at 2:25pm fishing bunker off of the beach in Surf City. At weigh in John said, “I’m on the beach everyday. It’s been slow but there’s some fish here. It’s starting up. Drove the beach and found a nice bowl that was holding water at low tide. Set up and planned to fish the flood tide. At about 1:30pm, a half hour in, one rod with a small bunker chunk with a short wire leader (rigged up for bluefish) had a bump. I picked it up and felt another tug so I set the hook and it began! It was mean! What a battle! Got it to the beach and we were both beat. I’ve been fishing the Long Beach Island surf for a long time. Got 20’s and 30’s but never a fish of this class. It’s my trophy!”

On the bluefish side of things, there was some good ones that hit the beach and scales. Size over 10# and three of those were over 13#. The largest was Rob Vallone’s 15.16 pound bluefish. Rob shared at weigh-in, “For me it was a good day today because it has been slow. I fished the mid-island surf this morning. At the top of the flood tide I got two bass on salted clam. Both were released, about 28-29″ range. I also got a couple big skates. I headed back out in the afternoon and was on the search for more bass fishing a bucktail. AND BANG!” Rob hooked into the 15+# big gator bluefish. Fortunately he was fishing a quality heavy hooked bucktail.

2018 - Beach Haven’s Chris Masino’s 43.06# striped bass catch beat out a total of 687 anglers winning the 64th annual tournament. Chris caught the striped bass chunking bunker off of his home town turf, the Beach Haven surf. The next largest striped bass 36.82# was caught by Courtland Foos. In total 40 striped bass were caught and entered but no bluefish were caught. The female division was won by Wendy Essinger, 8.12#.

2019 - The 65th Annual tournament was not one for the record books. There were only 15 total fish caught and entered by the 599 participants. All were striped bass. The Striped Bass Grand Prize of $2000 Cash as well as a Penn Spinfisher Spinning Reel was won by Mike “snake man” Curtin for his 35.72# bass. He caught his fish off the Barnegat Inlet Jetty fishing the night shift (11/7/19 2AM) on a live eel. Brandon Pomykacz was a stand out angler with three good fish on the board; 25.12#, 19.46#, 18.16#. Joseph Hettler took the top spot in the Senior Division with an 11#. No catches entered by a female or youth anglers. For 2019 the NJ Recreational Striped Bass Regulation was one fish at 28 to less than 43” and one fish at 43” or greater. This would be the last year of this regulation which was first introduced in 2015. For 2020 it was changed to a one fish bag with a 28-38” slot for NJ saltwater anglers. With the new 2020 slot also came a circle hook mandate when fishing bait, imposed to reduce recreational release mortality.

2020 - Events across the globe were cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic. The LBI Spring Fishing Tournament was canceled however the 66th Annual Fall Classic went on. The Title Sponsor was Ship Bottom Brewery. There’s no better way to socially distance than enjoy fishing on the beach. Well for most enjoying a cold Ship Bottom Brew while fishing is tops!

While only 574 total anglers registered, the tournament was a success considering the world wide crisis. Kingfish were added in 2020 to spice things up. The mullet run was very poor so Kings made up for it. No bluefish were caught. 33 Striped bass were weighed in. Due to new state “slot fish” regulations only fish 28” or larger but less than 38” could be kept and weighed in. Due to these state mandates the Grand Prize was removed and the three Striped Bass Segment Prizes were boosted to $1000 awards. 9 Weekly prizes at $250 and 65 $100 Daily Prizes were up for grabs among many other cash awards. The first three weeks of November offered surf anglers a legit shot at quality striped bass. Dozens of striped bass over 38” were caught and released by tournament anglers. Some mid to upper 40” range fish. Red Drum prize won by Pat

2021 - Kicking off on October 9th the 67th Annual ran 9 week and ended on December 12. It was was another year of no bluefish, but a $100 red drum prize was offered each segment and one was caught and won by James “Jimmy Betz” Worobetz. He caught a 25” slot fish (18-27” NJ Slot Limit) that weighed in at 5.42#. There were 517 registrants who in total caught 43 kingfish and 32 striped bass.

The largest striped bass was caught by Nick DeGennaro, a 18.02# 34.5” which he caught in Barnegat Light on a lure. This earned him a custom rod by John Parzych, a long time friend and participant of the Classic, who offers two custom rods; one to the largest bluefish and one to the largest striped bass caught on a lure.

Richard Bergman won the Senior Division with his 18# striped bass. Brenda Gaydula-Cook was awarded the Ladies Division win for her 12.84# striped bass that she caught off Surf City on a lure.

2022 - The 68th Annual had a new addition which was a favorite target species for Long Beach Island land based anglers, Tautog. It turned out to be a a hit with 47 weigh ins, the largest a 4.8# 19-1/4” was caught on Halloween Day in Barnegat Light by Fred Finger on green crab.

Grand Prize Blue Chris Masino, Grand Prize Kingfish Paul Donnelly, 1 st . Seg Tog Alex D’Agostino, 2 nd .Seg Tog Fred Finger, 3 rd . Seg Tog Terry Sirdevan

STRIPED BASS: Seg 1 Frederick Anderson, Seg 2 Alfonso Parente, Seg 3 James Worbetz. Lady Bass Susan Drummond, SR. Bass Alfonso Parente

2023 - October 7th to December 10 the 69th Annual offered over $25,000 in prizes and registration remained at $30. The tournament committee did all they could to fight the global inflation and not follow the broad price increase trend.

There were 173 total fish entered; 65 striped bass, 9 bluefish, 29 kingfish and 70 tog. Tog offered great action for almost the duration of the event. The last weekend of the tournament was best for striped bass activity with 18 weigh-ins the last three days. There were also a lot of under size and over sized striped bass caught during the last week flurry.

Team Top Notch dominated, leading all teams in points and accounted for a third of all the fish entered.

The Surf Masters Division was successfully introduced with broad participation and 35 qualifying striped bass catch and release submissions. It was a great sigh of relief since the last attempt in 2016 was a flop. The new breath of fresh air and let anglers participate in fishing competition even with a three 3” coast wide slot limit. On July 2, 2023 a new striped bass slot limit of 1 fish at 28 to 31” was put in place to comply with ASMFC mandate.

LBI Surf Fishing Classic Statistics v2023

Stories shared by Margaret O’Brien of Jingles Bait & Tackle about her memories of the tournament over the years…

My parents moved here full time before I was born and I was raised on LBI. My parents fished in the boat and on the beach but my mom told me she did not remember my dad ever catching striped bass in the 30s and 40s. The first one she saw was in the 50s. When I met Jingles he was strictly a boat fisherman fishing every night catching his limit of bass at the sod bank. Small fish but a lot of them... One lousy night it was too wind to go in the boat so he walked down Holgate and he was then hooked on the beach too. Catching his limit. That night Roy Stone gave him a ride off the beach and the next day we went and bought a 57 Willies. Roy Stone was one of the winners of a Jeep in the derby.

Jingles summered in Holgate in Liddy’s trailer park and hung out at Bill McNeil Luncheonette ( now Lorry’s) which was all about the 800 Fishing Club, Even though he did not surf fish as a kid he joined the derby for 3 dollars.. His parents bought their home during the 62 storm. When his father passed away his mom and him moved here full time. 1965. He had worked at Kosseffs in the summers since he had been 14 so when he moved here full time he worked there after school and summers.

Working at Kosseffs (fishing and marine dept) he got to know more about the derby as they were sponsors of it. Back then business knew how important the fisherman were to the community in the off season and they got involved. All the gas stations, restaurants and banks had derby banners.

As you can see by the statistics not all years were great with fish. Yes there was a moratorium striped bass for those years and that is when the weakfish were added.

We saw it happening by what were catching. Along with giving away a Jeep or car they gave away a boat to the 2nd place fish. If you lived here you could not win the Grand prize but you could win the 2nd. They felt locals had more time to fish. Also the club completion was a big deal with clubs going against each other. The 800 club had a lot of member's with a lot of them being boaters. The Beach Haven Club was very popular. Holgate had the Happy Hookers and the north end had the Bluefish Express. Bluefish Express was a small club but boy could those Eggie boys fish. Local club of LBI Surf Anglers was started by locals only.

Like I said we could see the stripers declining cause you also had locals and non locals competing for most fish. The year Jingles won it he had 50 some fish and the next year he caught 1.. One year when he was having a great year he was neck and neck with George Damon ( the one that blew the whale up 1957) George signed a complaint against Jingles for possession. When the game warden came to serve Jingles he was out crabbing that day so he went to the boat and served him. He had to go to court in Ship Bottom because that is where weigh in was. The 800 club hired a lawyer for Jingles. When we went to court even Andy's (Tonys Bait and Tackle) grandfather was there. His grandfather always netted mullet in Holgate so he knew Jingles. We went to court and the judge asked him if he was guilty or not guilty. He said I guess I am guilty and the judge said what do you mean... He told him I went to the beach at 8 pm and caught 6 stripers. Came home at 11 put them in the garage and went out the next morning and caught 5 more. He weighed them in that morning... That night he did not catch anything. The warden was waiting for him and weigh in. He had 2 different sets of witnesses that fished with him on the days in question. The judge asked him again and then told him that possession was in a 24 hours day which ends at midnight and then told him his fish were caught in 2 days and he was not guilty.. They disqualified Damon's fish from the Beach Haven Club making 800 Club the winner that year. After that Jingles never fished for most fish.

I can only hope that more anglers are making memories.

I know that Sam Adams and his grand father Don have.

Help Us Find Missing Information!!! We have detailed news articles from the early days to 1988. However a lot of the time from 1989 to 1997 are missing. Feel free to share stories and photos!

Established in 1954, the Long Beach Island Fishing Classic has stood the test of time.

The prizes were over the top with winners taking home automobiles, electronics (cameras, tvs, radios) and one year a 17’ skiff. 1962 Storm…. Back on up and running…

As time went on, things changed. In the late 70’s and 80’s the striped bass stocks declined (due to over fishing and environmental factors) and so too did the tournament participation. The three year period of 1985,86,87 no striped bass were entered into the tournament. The striped bass stocks were in dire straights and a moratorium was put in place as an emergency measure to help protect the stock. Bluefish took over and stole the spotlight those years.