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 2024 LBI Surf Fishing Tournament, Spring Derby aka Simply Bassin’ (LBISFT). Score is based on length determined by photograph submission. The angler must display registration badge number or registration badge in a clear photo with tape measure NEXT TO (not under) the fish to definitively show the measurement. Read below for the full rules. (view pdf version for printing)
LBI Spring Surf Master PRIZE - Awarded to the angler with the combine total three longest striped bass...
- $50 Fisherman's Headquarters Gift Card
- $50 Jingles Bait & Tackle Gift Card
- $50 Surf City Bait & Tackle Gift Card
RULES
An angler must first sign up for the LBISFT 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, 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 31” - All fish submissions must be at or larger than 31” in length
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 equal to 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. Cheating will not be tolerated and a polygraph may be asked before awarding any prize. Altering photos 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.
