Beat the Fleet

Presented by: The Boatyard, Fisherman’s Headquarters, Jingles Bait and Tackle, Magictail Outfitters & Jigging World

2025 - EVENT CANCELLED

While Saturday may ultimately prove to be fishable, the lingering ground swell from Hurricane Erin combined with the possibility of a stiff breeze could make for uncomfortable—and potentially unsafe—conditions. Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event. Unfortunately, there is no scheduled foul weather date.

About the Tournament

Beat the Fleet (formerly Rock the Dock, 2021–2024) is Long Beach Island’s largest and most inclusive summer flounder tournament. Now in its 6th year, this event brings together anglers of all backgrounds — from offshore veterans chasing trophies to families and weekend warriors enjoying a day on the water.

This tournament is for everyone:

  • Private boat crews

  • Kayak anglers

  • Shore-based locals

  • Party boat regulars

With multiple divisions, flexible entry options, and a wide variety of prize categories, Beat the Fleet offers a fun, competitive experience for anglers at every level.

2026 Details

  • No Shotgun Start: Anglers can depart at their convenience, allowing greater flexibility and participation.

  • Mandatory Polygraph: Winning anglers (over $5,000) are subject to a polygraph to ensure fairness and tournament integrity.

  • First 25 Boat Entries will receive a free captains bucket: High-impact-resistant, with rope handle. Includes sponsor swag. Buckets will be handed out at awards ceremony.

Boundaries

You may depart from any location, but all fishing must occur within the following boundaries:

  • No more than 25 nautical miles north and east of Barnegat Inlet (39°45.109'N 74°4.828'W)

  • No more than 25 nautical miles south and east of Little Egg Inlet (39°28.662'N 74°17.607'W)

Weigh-Ins & Awards

  • Location: The Boat Yard, Manahawkin

  • Check-In: By boat or vehicle

  • Awards Ceremony: Immediately following weigh-ins

  • Payout Policy: Prizes exceeding $5,000 are subject to polygraph confirmation before distribution. Prizes will be distributed via US Mail or will be available for pickup 1 week after the tournaments conclusion.

Food and drinks will be available on-site throughout the event.

Entry Options & Fees

Boat Entry – $150 per vessel + $25 per angler.

  • Private/Chartered vessels only (limit 8 people per boat)

    • ***Charted vessels are eligible to fish, however, the captain and mate must be included in the total angler count even if they are not actively fish. 8 ACTIVE ANGLERS Maximum)

  • Includes eligibility for standard prize pool

Mary M Entry – TBD

  • Includes boat fare, gratuity, Superpool + Tournament entry

Miss Beach Haven Party Boat Entry – $50

  • For single anglers aboard the Miss Beach Haven out of Beach Haven

  • Includes tournament entry only.

  • Boat fare purchased separately (discount code provided after registration)

Land-Based / Kayak Entry – $50

  • For single anglers fishing from shore or kayak (includes 14’ skiffs with single anglers)

  • Includes tournament entry

  • Bonus: Single Angler Prize awarded if 10+ entries

Tournament Prize Categories

Main Tournament Prizes

  • Heaviest Single Fluke (1st–5th Place)

    • Anglers may only place once in this category

  • 1st Place: 40% of prize pool

  • 2nd Place: 25% of prize pool

  • 3rd Place: 15% of prize pool

  • 4th Place: 10% of prize pool

  • 5th Place: Sponsor Prize Package ($250++ in value)

Calcutta Options (Optional)

Combined Entry Calcutta

  • $300 per boat

  • $50 per single angler

Calcutta Categories Include:

  • Heaviest Single Fluke (1st & 2nd) (25% & 15%)

  • Heaviest Combined 3-Fluke Weight (1st & 2nd) (25% & 15%)

  • Heaviest Sea Robin (20%)

Bonus Prizes & Special Categories

  • $1,000 Bonus Drawing: Any angler (boat or single entry) weighing in a legal fluke is entered to win! Drawing at awards ceremony. Must be present to win.

  • Land-Based / Kayak Division: Heaviest Fluke (Minimum 10 entries required)

  • Female Angler Division: Heaviest Fluke (1st & 2nd)

  • Junior Angler Divisions:

    • Ages 12 & Under – Heaviest Fluke (1st & 2nd)

    • Ages 13–17 – Heaviest Fluke (1st & 2nd)

All anglers are eligible for all applicable tournament prizes.

Entry Fee Breakdown: We like to keep things transparent. Here you can find how your entry money is used and what percentage goes to the prizes and what goes to NJ Fishing Club and the costs to run the event. Registration Fees* are included in the entry cost: 90% of all remaining monies goes directly to the prize pool and payouts. 10% is retained by the club.

Registration Fees: These fees help cover credit card processing, website hosting, and administrative costs.

  • $50 per boat (including Mary M entries)

  • $20 per single angler

  • $15 per Calcutta entry