The Fall Classic Is Coming Up!

As the mid-point of summer on Long Beach Island nears, accompanied by 90 plus degree heat, it is difficult to think of fishing on the beach for striped bass. However, that thought is certainly on the minds of those anglers who yearly participate in the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic.

When thoughts of the 71st annual Classic come to mind, images of blustery northeast winds, breakers topped by white foam, and striped bass attacking both lures and natural baits. This year’s edition, however, includes some changes which will attract substantial interest much earlier than in the past.

Before looking at what is new in 2025 along with the standard information, this is a suitable time to close out the Long Beach Island Spring Fishing Tournament before looking to the future. 

The cost of registration was $20, and all registration fees were returned to anglers in cash prizes. This year’s edition was the 23rd annual event.

The top three stripers along with the heaviest bluefish won cash while a special category took place with a prize for the largest catch and released striped bass. The prizes for this category were $50 gift cards awarded by Surf City Bait and Tackle, Fisherman’s Headquarters, and Jingles Bait and Tackle.

The spring event ran from April 5 through June 22. Entries began coming in on April 22 with the last fish checked in on May 18. A total of 30 fish hit the scales, including 23 striped bass and 7 bluefish.

Taking home top honors, and its top cash prize, was Steve Taylor for his 14.46-pound striped bass. George Konowal Jr. took second place with Luke Suydam coming in third.

In the bluefish division Patrick Presutto led the field with his 12.44- pound fish. Richard Rasiul won the coveted “Catch And Release Surf Master” gift cards with his 44-inch beauty that swam away after pictures.

As indicated earlier, this year’s fall fishing Classic will be seeing some tweaks, especially with the dates of the tournament. Traditionally, the event began in early October and ran into December. This year an additional species with prizes has been added along with an opening date for entries of Saturday, August 30. The final day of the 2025 event will be Sunday, November30.

The changes in the tournament guidelines are designed to produce more participation as well as an increase in weigh-ins. The new target species is summer flounder, or fluke as they are commonly known on Long Beach Island. The season for fluke closes on September 25, giving anglers over three weeks to reel in a prize winner.

With September being a prime month for summer flounder that have migrated from the bay waters, this should be an exciting addition.

Kingfish and tautog have been welcome additions to the Classic for the past few years. However, they move away from the beaches early in the fall. The additional fishing time in September will produce more of their entries.

As some species leave our waters, the striped bass and bluefish will be making their appearance in greater numbers.

Fishing from the shores of Long Beach Island is the only permitted angling method for entering the Classic. This includes not only the beach but inlet and bay waters. The cost of registration is $40 for adult anglers and $20 for those 17 and under.

There are three weigh-in stations on Long Beach Island that serve as registration headquarters. A full listing of rules for the event and expert advice on local fishing can be found at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, Surf City Bait and Tackle, and Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven. 

Information is also available online at http://www.lbift.com.