Seaside Heights to Host Largest Purse Surf Fishing Tournament in USA This Weekend

Striped Bass (Credit: NJ Shore Fishing/Facebook)

Seaside Heights will play host to the most valuable surf fishing tournament in the nation this weekend, with tens of thousands of dollars on the line for the angler who pulls in the biggest fish of them all.

Known as New Jersey SAT FEST, the groundbreaking fishing tournament known for its record-breaking cash purse will return to the Shore area this Sunday, Nov. 24 in Seaside Heights. The tournament attracts national attention, with video of the event having drawn in upwards of 38 million views online. Winners are judged not by the weight of their catch, but by the longest fish caught overall length-wise.

The tournament’s unique format ensures that every subsequent edition surpasses the previous one in terms of both prize money and excitement. As such, the tournament has become a must-attend event for anglers nationwide, who flock to New Jersey to catch the fall striped bass run near its peak. This is the first year the tournament is being held in Seaside Heights.

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The cash purse this year is $20,000 for the victor – an almost unheard-of size purse for a shore-based surf fishing competition.

Last year’s tournament was an unforgettable success, capturing the attention of the fishing nation with its impressive $15,000 cash purse. In a twist, nobody won last year’s event, and last year’s anglers were invited to participate for free this year to give it another chance. Miguel Rios, was the winner of the 2022 edition, reeled in a remarkable 22-inch fluke, securing first place and the $10,000 prize.

The significance of this victory extended far beyond the competition itself, as Rios utilized his winnings to fulfill his dreams of sending his daughter to college.

This year, organizers are touting an extra aspect to the event’s importance, with endorsements from public officials who are emphasizing the significance of the Shore’s surf fishing community to the economy of the region. The tournament has been endorsed by an official Congressional proclamation from U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who is expected to attend the tournament.

Anglers who are interested in joining the fray can still register at the event’s website. The buy-in for the tournament is $185, and beach buggy passes are also available. Ground rules apply. The tournament will be centered at the Boardwalk and Carteret Avenue.