- Written by Nick Haas
New Jersey Shark Tournament Overview 2018
June means multiple tournaments are gearing up in New Jersey. Fisherman are welcome to compete for numerous calcuttas and high purse amounts.
The 38th annual South Jersey Shark Tournament will take place from June 6-9, 2018. The South Jersey Marina will be hosting the event, as well as providing nightly dining and entertainment. The entrance fee is $600 per boat, and includes tickets for five participants; additional tickets may be purchased at the Captain’s Meeting, but only five lines may be in the water at a given moment. Entry Fees paid before June 1st will be entered in a drawing for a full refund. All boats must set sail from and back to the Cape May Inlet.
The tournament has a number of trophies and prizes available based on a point system. Calcuttas provide more incentives, but are separate from the tournament’s proceeds. Participants have the option of participating in calcuttas, but are not required. Last year, the tournament paid out $307,763.
Warriors for Warriors Inc. is hosting the 5th annual Charity Shark and Tuna Fishing Tournament from June 8-10, 2018. All boats will leave Manasquan River Mile Marker Buoy for a Shotgun Start at 5:30 am. The entrance fee is $500, half of which will be donated to Operation Restored Warrior (ORW). This charity is run by veterans and aims to assist veterans suffering from PTSD.
The other half of the entrance fee goes to the winners. The style of the tournament has been changed to a daily fishing format. The prizes available range from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Mako, and 1st and 2nd place Thresher. The highest tournament prize is estimated at $4,218 and two commemorative engraved Avet 50 EXW 2 Speed Reels. There are calcuttas available for fishers, who must include the payment with the entrance fee.
One representative must attend the Captain’s Meeting on June 8th, 2018 at Hoffman’s Marina West from 5-7 pm. Each boat can fish either Saturday or Sunday, and this designation must be made at the Captain’s meeting. An award banquet will be held on a different day than the tournament. Lastly, a fundraising dinner will be held on July 28.
The Brett T. Taylor Mako Rodeo honors the life of Brett Bailey, who passed away on September 11, 2001. It is the 17th annual tournament, and will take place from June 14-16, 2018 at Hoffman’s Marina West in Brielle, New Jersey. The entrance fee has increased to $800, $300 of which is donated to Brett T Bailey Foundation @ Fidelity
Charitable Gift Fund. This provides scholarships to individuals and families who have demonstrated personal sacrifice in their service to their country, community or fellow man. The remaining $500 is distributed as prizes, including a winner take all for largest Mako. Calcuttas are available for first Mako, Thresher, etc. Last year, contestants fished for over $19,000 in prize money, while also raising over $20,000 for charity.
The tournament is introducing a Mako Rodeo Point award system. The tournament will be working with state fishery and tagging initiatives to study the history of sharks in the Atlantic Ocean. One representative must attend the Captains Meeting on Thursday, June 14 at 4:30 pm. This tournament is Mako only, with a minimum weight of 200 lb to qualify for prizes. Boats may set sail from any inlet, but have to return Manasquan Inlet and weigh in at the Hoffman’s Marina by 6pm on June 16th .
The dates for the 33rd annual Mako Mania Shark Tournament have been announced. The tournament will take place Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24. The Captain’s Meeting on Friday, June 22 will begin at 6:30 pm at Wherlen Brothers Marina. Captains must choose which day they want to fish, Saturday or Sunday, but only one day is permitted. There is a maximum of six fishers and six lines per boat. Teams may leave from any inlet, but have to return to Captain Bill’s Inlet to qualify. Mako Mania is a Mako First tournament, with a fork length of 83” and over.
Last year, the winner reeled in a 276 pound male Mako shark. The prize amounted to $19,125.
Mako Fever has established a new format for the 2018 tournament. Participants will attend a Captain’s Meeting on June 15th, at least one representative from each boat must be present. There will be nine tournament days, starting on June 16 and finishing on June 24. Prizes are available for the six heaviest Mako and/or Thresher, but Mako and weigh-in time takes precedence. Mako Fever is Mako First with 83” minimum, and minimum fork of 66” for Thresher. Other regulations include a maximum of six anglers per boat, and six lines in the water. Any discrepancies or protests must be filed while the fish is on the scale. A committee will review the protest and make a final decision.
The event is hosted by the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers and intended for members. The group formed the club in 1978 and later merged with another club to become what it is today. Today, the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers active member count is over 200.
