What the Raritan Bay Fluke Tournament Is

The Raritan Bay Fluke Tournament is an annual summer fishing competition held in the waters off central New Jersey, where anglers fish for summer flounder (fluke) from boats. The tournament typically runs for several weeks in July and August, with weigh-ins at a designated marina where catches are recorded and ranked. You fish on your own schedule during the tournament window, bring your catch to the official weigh-in location, and compete against other anglers in your boat category — usually divided by boat size or number of anglers aboard.

The tournament draws both recreational and serious competitive fishers. Entry fees vary by year and boat type, and prizes are awarded to top finishers in each division. The event is organized by a local fishing club or marina that handles registration, sets the rules, and manages the weigh-in process. Because fluke seasons and regulations change annually in New Jersey, the tournament dates and specific rules shift each year — you'll need to confirm current details with the organizing body before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Raritan Bay Fluke Tournament runs for several weeks in mid-to-late summer, with anglers fishing on their own schedule and bringing catches to a central weigh-in location.
  • Entry fees, boat divisions, and prize structures change year to year, so you must contact the tournament organizer directly for current rules and costs.
  • New Jersey's fluke season dates and size/bag limits are set by the state and may affect tournament timing, so check the state's fishing regulations before you register.
  • Fluke are bottom feeders that respond to live bait, bucktail jigs, and soft plastics fished near structure in 30 to 60 feet of water in Raritan Bay.
  • Weigh-ins are typically held at a single marina on set days and times, and fish must be brought in whole and alive or on ice to count.

How to Register and What It Costs

Registration for the Raritan Bay Fluke Tournament opens several weeks before the tournament begins, usually in late spring or early June. You register through the organizing marina or fishing club — contact them directly by phone or their website to learn the current entry fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $150 per boat depending on boat size and the year. Some tournaments charge per angler instead of per boat, so confirm the structure before you commit.

When you register, you'll provide your boat information, the number of anglers fishing from your boat, and your contact details. The organizer will assign you to a division based on boat size or angler count, and you'll receive weigh-in details including the location, hours, and any rules specific to that year. Many tournaments require you to register before a set deadline — missing it means you cannot compete that year, so mark the date on your calendar and reach out early if you have questions about whether your boat qualifies.

Fishing Tactics for Raritan Bay Fluke

Fluke in Raritan Bay are bottom feeders that hunt in sandy and muddy areas, often near structure like shipwrecks, rock piles, and channel edges. They typically hold in 30 to 60 feet of water during summer, though depth varies with tide and season. The most effective approach is to anchor or drift over known fluke grounds and fish the bottom with live bait — live mackerel, mullet, or squid are standard choices — or with artificial lures like bucktail jigs tipped with soft plastic bodies.

When you're anchored, cast your bait or jig uptide and work it slowly along the bottom, keeping contact with the seafloor. Fluke bite with a distinctive tap or tug; set the hook immediately with a firm upward strike. If you're drifting, cast ahead of the boat's path and retrieve slowly, pausing to let the lure settle near bottom. Early morning and late afternoon are typically most productive, though fluke will bite throughout the day. Bring a good fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, and don't hesitate to move if you're not seeing activity after 20 or 30 minutes.

Weigh-In Rules and What Disqualifies a Fish

Weigh-ins are held at the designated tournament marina on specific days and times — typically Friday through Sunday afternoons or evenings during the tournament window. You must bring your fish whole and either alive or on ice; fish that are filleted, damaged, or missing the head will not be counted. The tournament staff will weigh each fish, record the total weight for your boat, and rank all boats in your division by total catch weight.

Most tournaments have a minimum size requirement that matches or exceeds New Jersey's state minimum for fluke, which is currently 18 inches (this can change, so verify the current rule). Fish below the minimum are rejected at weigh-in. Some tournaments also set a bag limit — a maximum number of fish you can weigh in — so read the rules carefully. If you fish multiple days during the tournament window, your total weight across all weigh-ins counts toward your final score. Ties are usually broken by the largest single fish caught, so keep track of your biggest catch.

New Jersey Fluke Regulations You Need to Know

New Jersey's recreational fluke season typically opens in early July and closes in late September, though exact dates shift annually based on federal management decisions. The current minimum size is 18 inches, and the bag limit is usually five fish per angler per day — meaning if you have two people on your boat, you can keep up to ten fish total. These regulations are set by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and can change from year to year.

Before you fish the tournament, check the current season dates and size/bag limits on the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website or call their hotline. If the tournament runs during a period when the state season is closed, the tournament may not proceed that year, or it may operate under special rules. Some tournaments hold their event during the state's open season but set their own stricter limits — for instance, requiring fish to be 19 inches instead of 18. Always confirm the tournament's specific rules match the state's current regulations before you register.

Where to Fish in Raritan Bay

Raritan Bay stretches between Staten Island and the New Jersey mainland, with productive fluke grounds scattered throughout. The deeper central channel, running roughly north to south through the middle of the bay, holds fluke during summer and is accessible to boats of most sizes. Popular spots include the area around the Raritan River mouth, where structure and current attract baitfish and feeding fluke, and the shallow ridges and drop-offs along the bay's eastern edge.

Local tackle shops in Perth Amboy, South Amboy, and Keyport can point you toward current hot spots and provide up-to-date information on where fish are being caught. Many tournament participants fish the same grounds repeatedly during the tournament window to learn the bottom and locate productive structure. If you're new to the bay, consider hiring a charter boat for a day or two before the tournament to learn the layout and get a feel for the fishing. Your GPS and fish finder are essential tools — mark waypoints where you catch fish or see baitfish activity, and return to those spots during the tournament.

Boat and Safety Requirements

Your boat must be seaworthy and equipped with all required U.S. Coast Guard safety gear: life jackets for all aboard, a throwable flotation device, a fire extinguisher, and a sound-signaling device. Raritan Bay can develop rough conditions quickly, especially in summer afternoon thunderstorms, so check the weather forecast before you head out and don't hesitate to stay ashore if conditions look unsafe. Inform someone on shore of your planned fishing location and expected return time.

Most tournaments require that your boat be registered and insured, and some ask to see proof of registration at weigh-in. If you're chartering a boat or fishing from someone else's vessel, confirm that the boat owner is comfortable with the tournament participation and that all insurance and registration are current. Bring a working VHF radio, a cell phone in a waterproof case, and a first aid kit. The bay is busy with commercial traffic, so stay alert and follow navigation rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to fish every day of the tournament?

No. You fish on your own schedule during the tournament window and bring your catch to weigh-in on any of the designated weigh-in days. Many anglers fish only a few days during the several-week tournament period. Your total weight across all your weigh-ins counts toward your final score.

What if I catch a fish that's close to the minimum size?

Bring it to weigh-in and let the tournament staff measure it. They have a certified measuring device and will tell you whether it meets the minimum. If it's too small, it won't count, but there's no penalty for trying. When in doubt, keep the fish on ice and let the official measurement decide.

Can I fish from a charter boat in the tournament?

Yes, many tournaments allow charter boat participation. You'll typically register the charter boat as your entry, and all fish caught by anglers aboard that boat count toward your total. Confirm with the tournament organizer that charter boats are permitted and whether there are any special rules for multi-angler charters.

What happens if the state closes the fluke season during the tournament?

If New Jersey closes the recreational fluke season, the tournament cannot proceed as scheduled. The organizer will either postpone the event to dates when the season is open or cancel that year's tournament. This is why it's critical to confirm the state's current season dates before you register.

How are prizes distributed?

Prizes are typically awarded to the top three boats in each division based on total weight. Some tournaments also award a prize for the largest single fish. Prize amounts and structures vary by year, so ask the organizer for details when you register.