More than 1,000 anglers turned out for the 14th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament on Sunday, October 2 at Island Beach State Park (IBSP) in Ocean County. Contestants enjoyed summer-like weather, with nineteen anglers receiving awards for prize-winning fish.

To date, the tournament has raised more than $100,000 for conservation projects and improved beach access. Funds have been used for the purchase of specialized beach wheel chairs that provide beach access for the disabled and elderly at IBSP; educational displays in the Interpretive Center at IBSP; a beach access ramp connecting parking area A7 to the beach at IBSP; an automatic heart defibrillator unit for IBSP; two mobile fishing equipment trailers with rods and reels for use in fishing education programs throughout the state; and educational materials/field study equipment for various environmental education programs.

Overall fish length determined the grand prize winner as well as place winners for each of the species categories. There were categories for children, teen and adult anglers, including sub-categories for male and female anglers. The first, second and third place winners were determined by the number of entries submitted in each species category. Awards were given for second and third place, in addition to first place, based on the number of entries in each species category.

Grand prize went to Carl Kogel of Jackson for a 34½-inch bluefish. Mr. Kogel received a plaque along with a Penn rod and reel combo and a gear bag. Additionally, his name will be engraved on the Governor's Cup, which will be permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park.

Nineteen surf rod and reel outfits were awarded as prizes. Along with the tournament prizes offered, the registration forms of pre-registrants and same-day entrants were placed into special drawings for additional prizes.

The event was sponsored by the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the N.J. State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.

A complete list of winners follows:

Kingfish Category
Child (Male)
First Place - George Sowner; Ocean City; 10 1/8"

Teen (Male)
First Place - Geo Laeger IV; Philadelphia; 10½"

Fluke Category
Teen (Male)
First Place - Kyle Kuch; Bayville; 17"

Adult (Male)
Second Place - Chris Stagg; Lincoln Park; 16 5/8"
First Place - Howard Beyrouty; New Brunswick; 17½"

Blackfish Category
Adult (Male)
Third Place - Alexander Vegh;Trenton; 14"
Second Place - Zoltan Egyed; Trenton; 18¾"
First Place - Claus Faller; Beachwood; 18 7/8"

Weakfish Category
Adult (Male)
First Place - Michael Washington; Marlton; 14"

Bluefish Category
Child (Female)
First Place - Maria Stevens; Burlington Twp; 18½"

Child (Male)
First Place - Vincent Altamari; Tabernacle; 19 3/8"

Teen (Female)
First Place - Jamie Janach; Toms River; 29¾"

Teen (Male)
Second Place - Shane Colvell; Hightstown; 19"
First Place - Larry Chan; Warren, 30½"

Adult (Female)
Second Place - Daerelle Appleby; Dayton; 19 3/8"
First Place - Beverly Dwyer, Whiting; 28¼"