More than 900 anglers turned out for the 17th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament on Sunday, October 5 at Island Beach State Park (IBSP) in Ocean County. Contestants enjoyed fishing the surf on a beautiful, sunny fall day, and fourteen anglers received awards for prize-winning fish.

Governor Jon S. Corzine and DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson greeted anglers as they registered for the tournament early in the morning and also talked with representatives of conservation organizations sponsoring the event. The Governor then took a ride down the beach to meet tournament participants who were fishing and enjoying the day. Grand prize went to Richard Abdill of Delran with a 21-inch summer flounder (fluke). Mr. Abdill received a plaque, along with a 7' Penn rod and reel combo, and a Penn reel with an 11' Tsunami rod. Additionally, his name will be engraved on the Governor's Cup, which will be permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park. Along with the tournament prizes offered, the registration forms of pre-registrants and same-day entrants were placed into special drawings for additional prizes.

Winner Richard Abdill with Governor's Cup and tournament sponsor representatives Click to enlarge

To date, the tournament has raised more than $120,000 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.

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

The date for next year's tournament is October 4, 2009.

A complete list of winners follows:

Bluefish Category
Adult (Female)
First Place - Pat Polovina; Silver Beach; 18"

Adult (Male)
Third Place - Phil Rosso; Lambertville; 18 1/2"
Second Place - Frank Fairchild; Westampton; 19"
First Place - Michael Clinton; Carlisle, PA; 20 1/8"

Blackfish Category
Child (Female)
Second Place - Kaitlyn Bach; Toms River; 14 1/2"
First Place - Amelia Valdes; Toms River; 20 1/2"

Teen (Male)
First Place - Chris Rosetti; Bloomfield; 14 7/8"

Adult (Male)
Third Place - Claus Faller; Beachwood; 17"
Second Place - Larry Margiotta; Theills, NY; 17 1/2"
First Place - Zoltan Egyed; Trenton; 19 1/2"

Fluke Category
Adult (Female)
First Place - Maryanne Batten; Kenilworth; 18 1/2"

Adult (Male)
Third Place - Joe DeMarie; Neptune City; 18 1/4"
Second Place - Steven Rudkin; Willow Grove, PA; 19 3/4"

First Place and 2008 Governor's Cup Winner: Richard Abdill; Delran; 21"

Note: Although the regular fluke season closed on September 7, approval was obtained from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament participants to keep legal sized fluke on the day of the tournament.