The LBI Fall Classic

2026 72nd Annual Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic

The 72nd Annual Fall Surf Fishing Tournament runs from August 29th to November 29, 2026. Last year’s new format was a success and we are excited to see even more competition on the beaches this fall. Be sure to review and familiarize yourself with the rules and prizes which will be posted once finalized.

Dates: August 29th to November 29, 2026

$40 - General Registration
$20 - Youth Registration (17 & Under)

Weekly Facebook Photo Contest Rules and Details

The LBISFC weekly photo contest is open to all registered tournament participants. To participate, first follow us on social media. Then capture amazing moments while fishing. It could be a fish catch, sunrise or another angler enjoying time on the water. Share it on our Facebook page. Each week a winner is chosen and a great prize is awarded. There are 13 awesome prizes, 9 of which were donated by Tsunami Tackle; 8 Tsunami Surf Fishing Rods and a Tsunami SaltX Reel.

WEEKLY FACEBOOK PHOTO CONTEST RULES:

•On the LBI Surf Fishing Classic Facebook page you’ll find a weekly contest post. For a chance to win, submit your photo along with your name and badge # in the comments section of each week's contest post.

•One submission per angler per week.

•Only submit photos if you haven't already won a prize.

•Each photo may only be submitted once, but they remain eligible for the entire contest.

•The photos are to be taken from land based fishing areas of LBI during the tournament. 

•Promotions of any kind such as logos or overlays and / or product promotion is prohibited. These photos will be removed and ineligible for a weekly prize.

•Winning photos are voted on by the members of the LBISFC committee.  Specifically, each member votes for their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice and points are assigned to each placement.  The photo with the most points wins that weekly prize and is announced on our Facebook page.

•Winners will be notified which tackle shop has their prize for easy pick up.

•The winning photo will be featured as the background on our Facebook page for the week.

•All decisions made by the committee are final.

Participating Bait & Tackle Shops

2026 Live Results

Code Of Ethics

Long Beach Island Surf Masters - Catch & Release Fishing Contest

The LBI Surf Master is a Catch - Photo - Release segment of the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament Series. It is open to all registered anglers of the event. Score is based on length determined by photograph submission. The angler must display their registration badge number in a clear photo with tape measure NEXT TO (NOT UNDER) the fish to definitively show the measurement. Read below for complete details on the rules.

2026 LBI Spring Surf Master Catch & Release Prizes

Top Striper

Awarded to the angler with the largest overall (length) striped bass

• Quantum Cabo Reel

• Custom Wood Lure Lot

• Spring Surf Master Plaque

Most Points

Awarded to the angler with the most points overall - see scoring below

• $50 Fisherman’s Headquarters Gift Card

• $50 Jingles Bait & Tackle Gift Card

• $50 Surf City Bait & Tackle Gift Card

• Custom Wood Lure Lot

Top Drum

Awarded to the angler with the largest overall (length) black drum

• $100 Fish Head Gift Card

RULES

An angler must first sign up for the LBI Surf Fishing Tournament to obtain a registration form and numbered angler badge. Do so at one of three participating LBI tackle shops. An angler must have a legitimate measuring device (fold out stick ruler, metal tape measure, roll up fish measuring mat, etc.) with legible measurement graduation markings. A stiff device is recommended and advantageous over a soft tape. Anglers must have a device capable of capturing a sharp photo and the ability to submit the photo via email.

• MINIMUM SIZE 34” - All striped bass submissions must be at or larger than 34” in length. Bluefish and black drum do NOT have a minimum size for this division.

SCORING

Scoring is based on the total length of the fish determined by the judges (panel of three LBISFT Board members with no shop affiliation) after careful examination of photo submission.

The score or points awarded to a catch (submission) are based on the measurement in inches rounding down to the nearest ½ inch. For example a submission that judges find to be 38 ¼ or 38 ⅜ will be scored and awarded 38 points. A fish 41 ¾ or 41 ⅞ will be scored and awarded 41.5 points.

Length is a straight line distance from the tip of the snout with the mouth closed to the tip of the tail fin. In the event of a tie, the email submission received first will take the win.

PHOTOGRAPHING

It is the responsibility of the angler to best measure and photograph the measurement of the fish, including THREE MUST HAVE features; 1) The Fish 2) The Measuring Device 3) The Angler’s Registration Number On A Card/Paper. It is suggested to write in bold print with marker on a large index card / paper and laminate or put in a zip lock bag to keep dry. Add a sinker to the bag or tape on a small weight to the back. Here’s an idea, use an index card with clear packing tape to protect. Then punch a hole and zip tie on a small sinker to keep from blowing away.

Fish must be photographed on a relatively flat surface, straight over the top. Any photos with a distorted angle/perspective will not be scored.

It is the angler's responsibility for any and all photos to be clear and easy to judge/score. Any blurry images where the ruler is illegible, will not be scored. 

The full length of the measuring device used for judging the fish must be shown. The fish and/or sand can not cover a portion of the measuring device, hindering the ability to read, analyze and judge. Photos with 3" or more of the ruler obscured will be disqualified. Any portion of the fish masked with sand (for example: tip of tail slightly buried) will not score.

Anglers are encouraged to QUICKLY take a couple photos and even a short video to capture and record the catch and measurement before reviving and responsibly releasing the fish into the water. See more below about proper fish handling and the Stripers For The Future campaign.

SUBMISSION

No more than THREE photos of the catch are to be submitted via email ( SURFMASTER@LBISFC.COM ) with the SUBJECT including the anglers registration/badge.

The angler does not state or claim the size of the fish. The size is determined solely by the LBISFT judges based off of the submission; therefore the photo is paramount! In the rare case questions arise, an additional photo or video is admissible for secondary clarification.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All LBISFT Rules Apply. All scoring challenges must be made via email. Cheating will not be tolerated and a polygraph may be asked before awarding any prize. Altering photos with post processing graphics software like photoshop is prohibited.

A proper catch-and-release begins before a bass is hooked. Participants must have a measuring device ready and when fishing in low or no light, a headlamp/flashlight is vital. Upon hooking a fish, an entrant should land it as quickly as possible. This prevents the quarry from becoming over exhausted. Once on the beach, keep the fish on wet-sand for fast measuring and photo. Minimize handling time, DO NOT pull a fish onto dry sand, NEVER lifting by the mouth or gills, keep the fish in a horizontal position. Larger fish, being held vertically can cause excessive downward weight of internal organs and can also damage the jaw. Always revive fish at the water’s edge before releasing.

More Info For Anglers On LBI

Where To Stay

LBI Hotels & Motels

Located in Beach Haven at Long Beach Island’s south end, The Engleside Inn is a year round family owned and operated beach front motel. It’s family oriented and has a great restaurant and sushi bar. Book Now

Located in at the heart of Long Beach Island in Ship Bottom, The Islander Motel is conveniently one block to the beach, two blocks to the bay and just a few blocks from the causeway. With three style rooms there is the right one for your next trip. Offering 10% Booking Discount To Tournament Participants Book Now

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