June is a busy tournament time in southern New Jersey, and there is something for just about for all tastes and styles. It all starts Saturday, June 4, with popular boat events, plus a women's-only surf-fishing event.
The Greater Atlantic Bluefish Tournament holds its 24th classic. This is one of the local contests that goes beyond competition to commendable community involvement. The money raised by GABT Inc. has helped more than 270 families in seven South Jersey counties with donations of $250 to more than $2,000 in the last nine years, according to the contest website, www.GABT.com.
The money helps families trying to cope with cancer and other serious illness pay for prescription drugs, utility bills, transportation costs and hospital payments.
The non-profit, all-volunteer GABT raises money from entry fees and individual and corporate contributions. According to the website, more than $48,000 was raised in last year's tournament.
The prize money is $10,000 based on a 75-boat entry for the total weight of three fish per boat down to 10th place. There is also a summer flounder category. The captain's meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Elks Lodge, 400 W. Shore Drive, Brigantine.
The Margate Log Cabin Buddy Devlin Memorial Flounder contest is Saturday, June 4. Anglers can fish from a boat in back bays and and inlets or from beach, bridge or jetty between Townsend Inlet and Little Egg Inlet. The entry fee is $35 non-members, $30 members. Sign up at Log Cabin located on Jerome Avenue or Captain Andy's Marina and Ray Scott's Dock, both on Amherst Avenue, Margate. The captain's meeting is 6 p.m. Friday, June 3 at the Log Cabin.
Add to the lineup Proud Mary's Sports Bar and Grill Flounder Tournament that covers Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5. Register for $15 at Proud Mary's, 3209 Fairmount Ave. in Atlantic City. It benefits a women's charity.
The women's-only Wendy Llewellyn Memorial is Saturday on the Brigantine beach. Registration is 6 to 7 a.m. at Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave. It is $20 for experienced female surfcasters over 14 and $10 for novice no age limit. The following weekend is crowded, too.
The 31st South Jersey Marina Shark Tournament June 10 to 11 gives offshore big-game anglers a first shot. Late registration is 6 p.m. followed at 7:30 by the captains meeting June 9 at South Jersey Marina in Cape May. Total payout last year was $288,410. Call 609-884-2400 or go to www.southjerseytournaments.com for details.
The Atlantic City Recreation Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs Free Fishing Derby is June 11 for A.C. residents age 5 to 13. It takes place on the beach at Lincoln Place. Participants can sign up at Atlantic City school offices, recreation department, Police Athletic League building at 250 N. New York Ave. or at an A.C. recreational site. Call 609-347-5506.
Maynard's Cafe Flounder Tournament is also June 11. It is co-sponsored by Captain Andy's Marina and benefits the Gold Foundation. Sign-ups are $40 per person. Captain's meeting is 6 p.m. June 9 at Maynard's in Margate. Payouts are 1-2-3 heaviest fish with youth under 12 and women's cash awards. Call 609-822-0916 or 609-822-8423.
Another popular tournament heads the June 18 schedule. It is the Ladies Invitational Bluefish Tournament. The LIBT raises money for the AtlantiCare Ruth Newman Shapiro Mobile Mammography fund. Those interesting in competing or becoming a sponsor can call Kim Kirk at 609-412-0641
The Moose Lodge 216 is host to a Chelsea Cup flounder contest June 18 to 19.
