What the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is and who can fish it
The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is New Jersey's official saltwater fishing competition, held annually along the state's Atlantic coast. The tournament runs for a set period each year — typically several months in the fall — and is open to anyone with a valid New Jersey saltwater fishing license. You fish from shore, jetties, or other public access points; you do not need a boat to enter.
The tournament tracks catches of specific species: striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and summer flounder are the main target fish, though the list can shift year to year. Anglers submit their catches to official weigh stations, and prizes are awarded in multiple categories — largest fish overall, largest fish by species, and sometimes divisions by age or residency. The tournament is run by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife within the Department of Environmental Protection.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a current New Jersey saltwater fishing license to enter the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament.
- The tournament runs for several months in the fall and tracks catches of striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and summer flounder.
- Fish must be weighed at official weigh stations during the tournament period to count toward prizes.
- Prizes are awarded in multiple categories, including largest fish by species and sometimes by age division.
- Entry and participation are free once you hold a valid saltwater license.
How to get a New Jersey saltwater fishing license
Before you can enter the tournament, you need a saltwater fishing license from New Jersey. You can purchase one online through the state's Fish and Wildlife website, by phone, or in person at license agents throughout the state. Licenses are available as short-term (three-day or seven-day) or annual permits, and the cost varies by license type and residency status.
Non-residents pay more than residents for the same license type. If you fish only occasionally, a three-day or seven-day license may be cheaper than an annual one. The license is issued immediately when you purchase it online or by phone, so you can start fishing the same day. Keep your license with you when you fish — it is required by law.
When the tournament runs and how to enter
The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament typically begins in September and runs through November, though the exact dates shift slightly each year. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife announces the official tournament dates, target species, and weigh station locations on its website and through fishing publications well in advance of the start date.
Entry is automatic once you have a valid saltwater license — there is no separate registration form or entry fee. You simply fish during the tournament period and bring your catch to an official weigh station. Weigh stations are located at various points along the coast and are staffed during set hours. Check the tournament announcement for the full list of weigh station locations and their operating hours, as they vary by region.
Where to weigh your fish and what to bring
Official weigh stations are scattered along New Jersey's coast from Cape May to the northern shore. Each station has specific hours — typically morning and evening to accommodate anglers fishing at different times of day. You must bring your fish to a weigh station during the tournament period for it to count; fish weighed after the tournament ends do not may have access to for prizes.
Bring your catch on ice or in a cooler to keep it fresh. Have your saltwater fishing license ready to show when you arrive. The weigh station staff will record the species, weight, and your information. Some stations may photograph your fish as part of the record. Ask ahead if you are unsure whether a particular fish meets the tournament's size or species requirements — staff can answer questions before you make the trip.
Prize categories and what you can win
Prizes are typically awarded in several categories: the largest fish overall, the largest fish in each target species (striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder), and sometimes separate divisions for youth anglers or New Jersey residents. Prize amounts and specific categories can change from year to year, so check the official tournament announcement for the current year's structure.
Prizes are usually merchandise, gift certificates, or cash awards. The largest fish overall typically wins the most substantial prize. Even if you do not win a major category, your catch is part of the tournament's data collection — the Division of Fish and Wildlife uses catch records to monitor fish populations and health along the coast, so every weighed fish contributes to that work.
Fishing regulations that apply during the tournament
All standard New Jersey saltwater fishing regulations remain in effect during the Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament. This means you must follow size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions for each species. A fish that is too small or caught during a closed season for that species will not count, even if you bring it to a weigh station.
Check the current New Jersey saltwater fishing regulations before you fish — they are published on the Division of Fish and Wildlife website and are updated regularly. Size and bag limits can differ by species and sometimes by region within the state. If you are unsure whether a fish meets the legal size, ask the weigh station staff; they can measure it and tell you whether it qualifies.
How to find weigh stations and tournament updates
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife publishes the full tournament schedule, weigh station locations, and hours on its official website each year. You can also find updates through New Jersey fishing forums, local tackle shops, and fishing publications that cover the state. Weigh station locations and hours are usually posted by late August, before the September start date.
If you are new to the area or unfamiliar with the coast, call ahead to a weigh station to confirm its hours and location. Staff can also answer questions about size limits, species may be able to access, and what to bring. Local tackle shops often have printed tournament information and can point you toward nearby weigh stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a New Jersey resident to enter?
No. The tournament is open to anyone with a valid New Jersey saltwater fishing license, including non-residents. Non-residents pay more for a license than residents, but there is no separate entry barrier once you hold one.
Can I fish from a boat during the tournament?
The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is specifically a surf fishing event, meaning you fish from shore, jetties, piers, or other public access points — not from a boat. Check the official rules to confirm what access points are permitted.
What if I catch a fish but miss the weigh station hours?
Your fish must be weighed during the weigh station's operating hours to count. If you miss the hours on the day you catch it, the fish does not may have access to for the tournament. Plan your fishing around weigh station schedules, or ask if any stations near you have extended hours.
Are there size minimums for fish in the tournament?
Yes. Fish must meet New Jersey's legal minimum size for that species, and the tournament may have additional size requirements. Check the tournament announcement and ask the weigh station staff if you are unsure whether your fish qualifies.
How do I learn about I won a prize?
The Division of Fish and Wildlife announces winners after the tournament ends, typically through its website and fishing publications. Winners are usually notified directly as well. Check the official tournament page for the announcement date and how prizes are claimed.