Pixabay/Atlantic County Surf Fishing Derby kicks off Sept. 25.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
The Atlantic County Surf Fishing Derby that honors angler Pat Erdman will kick off Sept. 25 at Atlantic County beaches that are legally accessible to anglers.
Scott Bonar of Ray Scott’s Dock on Amherst Avenue in Margate is chairing the event with the assistance of longtime volunteer organizers Ed Berger and Don Brown.
The tournament, which runs until Dec. 4, includes striped bass and bluefish, tautog and kingfish caught from beaches, bridges and piers from Brigantine to the Ocean City-Longport toll bridge in Egg Harbor Township.
Although most Atlantic County municipalities require permits to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles on their beaches at your own risk during the derby, Longport does not permit vehicles on the beach. However, beach-block parking is available.
Driving permits are required and are available at Ventnor City Hall and Margate Police Department. Brigantine requires a full season beach permit, and Atlantic City only accepts applications online with proof of insurance. Permits must be prominently displayed on the dashboard the vehicle and the 15-miles-per-hour speed limit is strictly enforced by all municipalities. Violations will result in revocation of fishing derby permit.
Entry fee is $25 and participation badges must be purchased 24 hours before any weigh-in. Permits can be purchased at official weigh stations:
- Absecon Bay Sportsman’s Center, 81 Natalie Terrace, Absecon
- One Stop B&T, 416 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City
- Riptide B&T, 1201 Brigantine Ave., Brigantine
- Ray Scott’s Dock, 9211 Amherst Ave., Margate
- Tight Lines B&T, 830 Bay Ave., Somers Point
- Point Tackle, 644 Bay Ave., Somers Point
- The Ship Shop, 118 N. Dorset Ave., Ventnor
Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the derby as follows:
- Striped bass – 1st place $500, 2nd place $200, 3rd place $100
- Bluefish, tautog and kingfish – 1st place $300, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50
Fishing decals, long and short-sleeved T-shirts, and hats are available for purchase at www.steelfinangling.com.
For more information, see http://www.facebook.com/ACSurfFishingDerby/
Copyright Mediawize, LLC 2023
