The annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is held on the third Sunday in May at Island Beach State Park. In 2019 the tournament will be held on Sunday, May 19.
A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament each year. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements. Tournament fishing hours are 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Winners from the early entry drawing and the tournament must be present during the afternoon awards ceremony to claim their prizes or they will be forfeited.
Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should always register early: doing so entitles you to save on the adult registration fee, be eligible for special prizes and avoid delays when entering the park. The 2019 early entry incentive ends April 22, 2019. After this date, anglers are required to register at the tournament beginning at 5:00 a.m. at Pavilion #1.
For more inforamtion visit https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/gsft.htm.