What comes to mind when you think of New Jersey? Jersey Shore? Atlantic City? The Sopranos?
Well, believe it or not, with iconic fishing destinations such as Ramapo River, Round Valley Reservoir, Lake Hopatcong, and the Raritan River and beautiful, sunny summers, New Jersey has a truly thriving fishing tournament scene.
The top New Jersey fishing tournaments differentiate themselves with large prizes, great fishing conditions, excellent competition, and high-end amenities.
At any of the top seven saltwater fishing events in New Jersey, anglers can look forward to catching some fish, honing their craft, and making some lifelong memories, all while supporting local causes.
Top Saltwater Fishing Tournaments in New Jersey
As the kick-off event of the South Jersey Tournament season, the MidAtlantic Tuna Tournament brings the heat.
Held on offshore waters of Southern New Jersey, anglers can expect some of the best tuna fishing of the season.
There is no better way to start the fishing season with red hot yellowfin and bigeye bites. Anglers can compete in various competitions, including the High Stakes Bigeye, High Stakes Yellowtail, and Battle of the Tuna Prize Payout.
In search of some majestic Blue Marlin? If so, there is no need to look further than the MidAtlantic Cup Blue Marlin Tournament.
The Blue Marlin Tournament is the largest open boundary tournament, with weighing stations from Manasquan Inlet to Virginia Beach. Fishing begins at 8:30 am and ends at 4:30 pm. Anglers can depart anytime they want, and from any inlet they desire. With a $17,000 prize from last year’s tournament, the Blue Marlin Tournament attracts anglers across the East Coast.
The tournament entry fee also includes event access passes, dinner reservations for parties of five, and the Battle of the Tuna Calcutta.
Put on at the legendary Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ. The South Jersey Yacht Sales Offshore Showdown is genuinely unique. The event will kick off once the 2022 captains meet at the Cape May Brewery.
The captains’ crew and families are welcome to come, and there will be pool-side dining after Friday’s fish day. Additionally, the local Cape May Trolley will provide all transportation to and from the showdown.
The awards banquet at The Grand Hotel in downtown Cape May. Special prizes will be included for the anglers who catch the heaviest Tuna, Dolphin, and wahoos.
Held at Seaside Park, New Jersey. The Berkeley Striper Club Spring Striped Bass C&R Tournament is split into three divisions: Surf/Shore, Boat, and Kayak, with separate prizes for each. Each division will compete for different awards.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Berkeley Striper Club Fisheries Defense Fund, which is used to help fund organizations to continue their efforts towards preserving striped bass through research, management, or habitat protection.
If you’re looking to support a great cause while also enjoying striped bass fishing, The Berkley Striper Club Spring Striped Bass C&R might be for you.
After throwing countless TDs and putting on a legendary fishing tournament in South Florida, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johson is bringing his fishing tournament to New Jersey.
Located in Atlantic City, Jimmy Johson’s Atlantic City Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week is the pinnacle of competitive fishing. The event will be hosted at the Frank S. Farley State Marina at the Golden Nugget, and Anglers will want to bring their A-games to Atlantic City, as there is a guaranteed $1 million purse and entry into Coach Johnson’s Ring of Honor.
The event includes a kick-off party at the Golden Nugget Rooftop and celebratory parties for the teams and their families each night.
With over 50 years of history and put on by the prestigious Blue Heaven Marlin and Tuna Club, the Blue Haven White Marlin Invitational is a top-tier fishing tournament. Located in Beach Haven, New Jersey, Anglers will head offshore in search of a wide variety of fish, including prized white and blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dorado. Last year, top teams earned prizes ranging from $3000 to $88,000, with a total purse of $346,521.
The MidAtlantic fishing tournament is about as good as it gets in terms of prize money, hospitality, and conservation. Staged at two world-class fishing ports: Canyon Club Resort Marina and Sunset Marina, the MidAtlantic is about as blue-chip as it gets.
Both ports have top-tier class accommodations and offer distinct amenities for participants to enjoy while dockside.
They also both have entirely run weigh-ins simultaneously, which are broadcast via our live stream media to keep everyone informed as the excitement happens. Anglers will compete for White Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Tuna. The competition will last from Monday, August 22 to Friday, August 26.
So, are you interested in perfecting your craft and competing in some of the best fishing tournaments in the country?
Then, keep New Jersey in mind as you plan your summer fishing tournament schedule. When it comes to fishing tournaments, the state is indeed a gem.
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