NJ Fishing Tournaments
From legendary surf fishing classics to big-money offshore marlin tournaments, compete against the best anglers on the Jersey Shore.
2026 Tournament Season
New Jersey hosts some of the most prestigious fishing tournaments on the East Coast, from the historic LBI Surf Fishing Classic (since 1954) to million-dollar offshore marlin tournaments in the canyons off Cape May.
10
Total Tournaments
3
Surf Fishing
5
Offshore
$2M+
Biggest Purse
Featured Tournaments
LBI Spring Derby
Long Beach Island
Apr 4 - Jun 21
The longest-running spring surf fishing tournament on LBI, spanning 79 days from early April through late June. Anglers compete in multiple species categories including striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and fluke.
Mid Atlantic Blue Marlin Cup
Cape May
Jul 3 - Jul 5
$17,000+ prizes
A July 4th weekend tradition at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May. Teams compete for blue marlin, white marlin, and tuna in one of the premier offshore tournaments on the East Coast.
Blue Haven White Marlin Invitational
Beach Haven
Jul 15 - Jul 19
$346,521 prizes
With over 50 years of history, the Blue Haven White Marlin Invitational is one of the most prestigious offshore tournaments on the East Coast. Top teams earned prizes up to $88,000 in 2024.
MidAtlantic Tournament
Cape May / Ocean City MD
Aug 17 - Aug 21
$2,000,000+ prizes
The MidAtlantic tournament is considered one of the premier billfish tournaments on the East Coast, with purses exceeding $2 million. Staged at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, MD.
LBI Surf Fishing Classic
Long Beach Island
Oct 10 - Nov 15
$25,000+ prizes
Started in 1954, the LBI Surf Fishing Classic is one of America's oldest surfcasting tournaments. Anglers from across the East Coast compete for over $25,000 in prizes across multiple species categories.
Offshore Marlin Tournaments
Big-money tournaments targeting blue marlin, white marlin, and tuna in the canyons
Mid Atlantic Blue Marlin Cup
Cape May
Jul 3 - Jul 5
$17,000+ prizes
A July 4th weekend tradition at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May. Teams compete for blue marlin, white marlin, and tuna in one of the premier offshore tournaments on the East Coast.
South Jersey Offshore Showdown
Cape May
Jul 10 - Jul 12
A mid-July offshore tournament based at Canyon Club Resort Marina, focusing on tuna and other pelagic species found in the offshore canyons.
Blue Haven White Marlin Invitational
Beach Haven
Jul 15 - Jul 19
$346,521 prizes
With over 50 years of history, the Blue Haven White Marlin Invitational is one of the most prestigious offshore tournaments on the East Coast. Top teams earned prizes up to $88,000 in 2024.
Cape May Marlin & Tuna Club Tournament
Cape May
Jul 29 - Aug 2
The Cape May Marlin & Tuna Club Tournament caps off July with competitive offshore fishing for marlin and tuna. Based at Canyon Club Resort Marina with access to the famous offshore canyons.
MidAtlantic Tournament
Cape May / Ocean City MD
Aug 17 - Aug 21
$2,000,000+ prizes
The MidAtlantic tournament is considered one of the premier billfish tournaments on the East Coast, with purses exceeding $2 million. Staged at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, MD.
Book a Tournament Charter
Need a boat for offshore tournaments?
Many charter captains specialize in tournament fishing. Book early for popular tournament weekends - experienced captains fill up months in advance.
Book a Cape May Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
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Surf Fishing Tournaments
Classic surf fishing competitions for stripers, bluefish, and more
LBI Spring Derby
Long Beach Island
Apr 4 - Jun 21
The longest-running spring surf fishing tournament on LBI, spanning 79 days from early April through late June. Anglers compete in multiple species categories including striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and fluke.
Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament
Island Beach State Park
Oct 4
An annual state-sponsored surf fishing tournament held at Island Beach State Park on the first Sunday of October. Open to all ages with categories for adults and youth.
LBI Surf Fishing Classic
Long Beach Island
Oct 10 - Nov 15
$25,000+ prizes
Started in 1954, the LBI Surf Fishing Classic is one of America's oldest surfcasting tournaments. Anglers from across the East Coast compete for over $25,000 in prizes across multiple species categories.
Inshore Tournaments
Bay and nearshore competitions for stripers, fluke, and more
ACIM Striped Bass Classic
Atlantic City
May 15 - May 17
The ACIM Striped Bass Classic takes advantage of the spring striper migration with an inshore tournament based at Atlantic City Inlet Marina.
Barnegat Light Fluke Tournament
Barnegat Light
Aug 8 - Aug 9
A local favorite based at Viking Village marina in Barnegat Light, timed for the peak of summer fluke season.
Where to Stay for Tournament Weekend
Tournament weekends draw anglers from across the region. Book accommodations early, especially for major offshore tournaments in Cape May and Beach Haven.
Cape May
Gateway to offshore canyons. Host to the MidAtlantic, Blue Marlin Cup, and more.
Book Your Stay
Search HotelsBeach Haven / LBI
Home of the LBI Surf Fishing Classic and White Marlin Invitational.
Book Your Stay
Search HotelsBook a Beach House
Perfect for tournament teams and families
Rent a beach house near your tournament location. Great for teams traveling together or families who want space to spread out after a long day on the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest fishing tournaments in New Jersey?
The LBI Surf Fishing Classic (started 1954), MidAtlantic Tournament ($2M+ purse), and Blue Haven White Marlin Invitational ($346K purse) are among the largest. Offshore marlin tournaments in July-August feature the biggest prize pools.
When is the LBI Surf Fishing Classic?
The LBI Surf Fishing Classic runs in fall, typically October through mid-November. The LBI Spring Derby runs April through June. Both are organized by the LBI Surf Fishing Club.
How much does it cost to enter a fishing tournament?
Entry fees vary widely. Surf fishing tournaments range from $40-100. Offshore marlin tournaments range from $2,500-7,500 with optional calcutta pools. Some state-sponsored tournaments like the Governor's Surf Tournament are free.
Do I need a charter for offshore tournaments?
Yes, offshore tournaments require a boat capable of reaching the canyons (50-100+ miles offshore). You can enter your own boat or charter one. Many charter captains specialize in tournament fishing.
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