From Fluke to Bass: Expanded LBI Surf Fishing Classic Brings Fresh Action in 2025

Thanks to Hurricane Erin, Long Beach Island fishing came to a temporary standstill. The down time provided anglers with the chance to begin preparations for this fall and the 71st Annual LBI Fall Surf Fishing Classic. 

This year’s version will have a few new wrinkles designed to add more fishing days along with additional categories for prizes. In past years, the tournament did not start until October running into early December. This year’s Classic kicks off on Saturday, August 30, and runs until Sunday, November 30.

The Classic is run by volunteers and is designed to stimulate fishing enthusiasm for anglers and bring visitors to Long Beach Island in the fall. Always having a leading role in the contest are the bait and tackle shops on the island. These businesses function as the official registration and weigh-in stations.

These shops are institutions on LBI and have been around for many years. They are family businesses accustomed to personal relationships with their customers. The fishing experts manning these shops know the local fishing situation. They know where the fish are biting, what they are eating, and what equipment will catch the fish.

Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven serves the southern end of Long Beach Island. Steve and Carole Ann Palmer purchased the shop in 2017 from Margaret O’Brien. Margaret and her husband Jingles originally opened the business in 1976. The Palmer’s son Rod is now also part of the operation helping anglers catch fish. In his spare time, Steve is a captain in the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association.

Fisherman’s Headquarters, located on the inbound causeway in Ship Bottom, is owned by Greg Cudnik, who is also a charter fishing captain. “Fish Heads,” as it is affectionally referred to, was originally purchased by Greg’s dad, Stan, back in 1984. The shop originally opened after the disastrous March 6 storm in 1962 by Russ Walls. Other owners have been Vince Goddard and Bob Dodds.

Surf City Bait and Tackle in Surf City is owned by Tom Santaguida, who took over from his sister, Susan. She and another brother took the reins from Bruce and Pat Hoagland in 2000. Tom has a vast knowledge of fishing following a career as a commercial lobsterman and fisherman in Point Pleasant and then in Maine. Surf City Bait and Tackle is the longest serving shop on Long Beach Island, having first opened in the 1930’s. 

Anglers who want to succeed in the Classic are advised to stop by any of the three shops and pick the brains of the expert staffs. Successful anglers mean good business for the shops. The ideal time to stop by is when business is slow, and the experts have time to impart their wisdom. 

This year a category for summer flounder was added. The early starting date of August 30 should bring in a sizable number of fluke entries as well as additional kingfish. When the season for fluke ends on September 25 and the kingfish leave our waters, then the action for bluefish and striped bass begins. Blackfish, especially in the Barnegat Light area, will be making appearances throughout most of the tournament.

Registration is $40 for adults and $20 for anglers 17 and under. Anglers must be registered before entering any fish. All fishing must be done from the shorelines of Long Beach Island. Registrations and information on the Classic can be handled at any of the shops mentioned above.

There will once again be a free surf fishing seminar to help get contestants on the right path. This year’s seminar will be on Saturday, September 6, from 9am-noon at the Ship Bottom Fire House on 20th Street. 

Complete information regarding the Classic can be found online at http://www.lbift.com.