The Barnegat Bay Fluke Tournament runs each summer in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, and welcomes both experienced tournament anglers and people fishing competitively for the first time.

The tournament is organized by local fishing clubs and the Barnegat Bay Anglers Association, and it typically runs from June through August, with weigh-ins held at marinas around the bay. The exact dates, entry fees, and rules change from year to year, so you will need to contact the Barnegat Bay Anglers Association directly or check with tackle shops in the area — places like Barnegat Bay Bait & Tackle or local marinas — to learn the current tournament schedule and how to register.

Fluke (also called summer flounder) are the target species. The tournament measures fish by length, and only fish that meet the state minimum size — currently 19 inches for fluke in New Jersey — count toward your score. Most tournaments award prizes for the heaviest single fish and the heaviest total catch, though some also have categories for the most fish caught or the largest fish by a junior angler.

Key Takeaways

  • The Barnegat Bay Fluke Tournament runs seasonally, usually June through August, with weigh-ins at local marinas and entry through the Barnegat Bay Anglers Association.
  • Only fluke that meet New Jersey's 19-inch minimum size count in the tournament, and fish are ranked by total weight or individual fish weight depending on the division.
  • Entry fees and tournament rules vary by year, so you need to contact the organizing club or a local tackle shop to learn current details before you register.
  • Fishing happens in Barnegat Bay itself, which is a shallow estuary with specific seasonal patterns for where fluke hold and feed.

Where and When the Tournament Takes Place

Barnegat Bay is a shallow estuary on the central New Jersey coast, roughly 30 miles long and bordered by Long Beach Island to the east and the mainland to the west. The bay has multiple access points and marinas where weigh-ins happen — common locations include Toms River, Seaside Park, and Barnegat Light. The tournament season aligns with fluke season in New Jersey, which opens in mid-May and runs through September, though most tournaments concentrate their events in the warmest months when fluke are most active.

Fishing typically begins at dawn and continues through the afternoon or early evening, depending on the tournament's rules. Weigh-ins happen at a designated marina, usually in the late afternoon, and that is where you bring your catch to be measured and recorded. Some tournaments allow you to fish anywhere in Barnegat Bay; others restrict fishing to specific zones or channels. Check the tournament rules before you register so you know where you are allowed to fish.

How to Register and What It Costs

Registration usually happens through the Barnegat Bay Anglers Association or through a local tackle shop that serves as a registration point. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and sometimes proof that you hold a valid New Jersey fishing license. Entry fees vary — some tournaments charge per person, others charge per boat, and fees typically range from $25 to $75 per entry, though this changes year to year.

Most tournaments allow you to fish as an individual angler or as part of a team. If you are fishing alone, you compete in the individual division. If you are part of a boat with other anglers, check whether the tournament combines all catches from the boat into one score or keeps individual scores separate. Some tournaments also have a "big fish" side pot — an optional extra entry that costs a few dollars more and pays out to whoever catches the single largest fluke of the day.

Fishing Techniques for Fluke in Barnegat Bay

Fluke are bottom feeders that hunt in shallow water, and Barnegat Bay's depths — typically 4 to 12 feet — are ideal for them. The most common technique is drifting or anchoring over sandy or muddy bottom and jigging with live bait or soft plastics. Live killifish and mullet are the traditional baits; if you use artificials, small shads and jigs in white, pink, or chartreuse work well. Cast toward structure — channel edges, drop-offs, and grass beds — where fluke wait to ambush prey.

Timing matters. Fluke feed most actively around slack tide and the first hour of moving tide. Early morning and late afternoon are usually more productive than midday. Water temperature also affects where fluke hold: in early summer they stay in shallower water near the edges of channels, and as water warms in July and August they move to deeper holes and the bay's outer edges. Local tackle shops can tell you which areas are holding fish in the week before the tournament.

Rules and Size Requirements

New Jersey's fluke minimum size is 19 inches, measured from the tip of the mouth to the end of the tail. Any fluke under that length must be returned to the water immediately. The tournament may have its own additional rules — some tournaments disqualify fish with obvious damage or require that all fish be caught during the official fishing window. Read the full rule sheet before you fish, because violations can result in disqualification or forfeiture of your entry fee.

Most tournaments also have rules about how fish are handled and stored. You may be required to keep fish on ice in a cooler, and some tournaments inspect coolers before weigh-in to make sure fish have been kept properly. Mishandled fish can be rejected at the scale, so treat your catch with care from the moment it is landed.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a valid New Jersey fishing license — you will need it to fish legally, and some tournaments check before you leave the dock. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your fish fresh throughout the day. Bring a measuring device (many anglers use a Boga Grip or a measuring board) so you can check fish size before you bring them in; this helps you avoid wasting time on undersized fish. Bring sunscreen, water, and food — you will be on the water for six to eight hours, and the sun reflects hard off the bay.

Check the weather forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament. Barnegat Bay can get rough in wind, and shallow water creates steep, choppy waves. If conditions are unsafe, some tournaments postpone or cancel. Wear a life jacket, tell someone on shore where you are fishing and when you expect to return, and fish with a partner if you are new to the bay.

Finding Current Tournament Information

The Barnegat Bay Anglers Association maintains a schedule and posts updates on local fishing forums and social media. Tackle shops in the area — particularly those near the bay — often have flyers or registration forms and can answer questions about entry, rules, and current fishing conditions. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website lists state fishing regulations and season dates, which help you understand the legal framework the tournament operates within.

If you have fished Barnegat Bay before but not in a tournament, ask other anglers at the marina or at a local shop what to expect. Tournament fishing is different from casual fishing — the pace is faster, the competition is real, and the rules are strict — but it is also a way to meet other people who fish the bay and to learn new techniques by watching how experienced anglers work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a New Jersey fishing license to fish the tournament?

Yes. You must have a valid New Jersey fishing license to fish legally in state waters, including Barnegat Bay. You can purchase a license online through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. Licenses are available as daily, seasonal, or annual permits.

Can I fish the tournament if I have never fished Barnegat Bay before?

Yes. Tournaments welcome anglers of all experience levels. If you are new to the bay, arrive early to scout the area, talk to other anglers at the marina, or hire a local guide for a practice day. Local tackle shops can also point you toward productive spots and tell you what bait and techniques are working that week.

What happens if I catch a fluke under 19 inches?

Return it to the water immediately. Undersized fish do not count toward your score and keeping them is illegal under New Jersey law. Handle the fish gently so it has the best chance of surviving after release.

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry fees vary by tournament and year, typically ranging from $25 to $75 per person or per boat. Some tournaments offer side pots or optional big-fish pools for a few dollars extra. Contact the Barnegat Bay Anglers Association or a local tackle shop to learn the current fee for the specific tournament you want to fish.

Can I fish with a guide or charter boat in the tournament?

Many tournaments allow charter boats and guides, though some have separate divisions for guided and unguided anglers. Check the tournament rules before you book. If you hire a guide, make sure they are familiar with the specific tournament's rules and boundaries.