Open Buddy Tournaments
News
Classified AdsScholarship Information
SJBCA History
E-Mail
the SJBCA Webmaster (Fred)
2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
2003 2002 2001
November 9, 2013 - Tournament Picks at November Meeting
Our annual tournament date/location pick process will again be done at the November member meeting (Nov 20). At this meeting, clubs in good standing (4 or more meetings attended in 2013) can choose to pick dates & locations for 2014 open buddy tournaments and club tournaments at NJ WMA lakes. This is also the first date that member clubs can submit tournament schedules for 2014. This information will be incorporated into the initial version of the combined tournament schedule (aka "Conflict List"). An email describing the whole process will be sent to club contacts shortly.
November 9, 2013 - Extreme Winter League Schedule Announced [w/updates]
Out of Line Bassmasters has announced the schedule for the 2013 portion of their Extreme Winter League trail. Times for all tourney are 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Entry fees are $40 per boat with $5 optional lunker pickerel pot. For more details and contact information click here (doc). The basic schedule is:
11/10 -- Parvin Lake (cancelled)
11/12 -- Rainbow Lake
11/24 -- Davis Mill Pond (cancelled)
12/01 -- Malaga Lake (cancelled - ice)
12/08 -- Parvin Lake
October 13, 2013 - Tidewater Takes Bass Bowl
On a day when the bite was pretty tough for most anglers, all three boats for Tidewater Bassers brought in decent bags of fish and allowed them to win this year's Bass Bowl at the Potomac River by a wide margin. Click here for detailed results and photos. These were the final club standings:
1. Tidewater Bassers -- 17 bass / 28.64 lbs
2. Delaware River Fisherman's Assoc. -- 10 bass / 15.99 lbs
3. Kickin Bass Fishing Club -- 5 bass / 11.77 lbs
4. S.J. Hawg Hunters -- 3 bass / 6.37 lbs
5. Pine Cone Anglers -- 3 bass / 6.00 lbs
6. S.J. Reel Burners -- 2 bass / 5.58 lbs
Thanks to everyone who participated and especially to those who helped out with the event.
October 4, 2013 - Volunteers Needed for Youth Fishing Event
Volunteers are needed for an upcoming youth fishing event. The HarvestFest/Trailblazer scout event is being held on Saturday, October 19, at Pine Hill Scout Reservation. Anyone interested in helping out with the pond fishing activity at this event should contact Chick Bay of Delaware River Fishermen's Assoc (let Fred know if you need his contact info). Click here for details on the event. Click here for directions. [NOTE: This event was going to be moved to the Camden waterfront for 2013 but that is not going to happen.]
October 4, 2013 - Bass Bowl Planning Finalized
This year's Bass Bowl will take place at the Potomac River in Maryland on Sunday, October 13 (7 am to 3 pm). We'll be launching out of the free Marshall Hall boat ramp. (The Smallwood State Park ramp will be closed for a triathalon on the weekend of the Bass Bowl.) The address of Marshall Hall ramp is 1005 Marshall Hall Road, Bryans Road, MD 20616. Bass Bowl details, directions, rules, etc will be discussed at the pre-tournament meeting on October 9. Clubs that have qualified to participate in the Bass Bowl should send a representative to the pre-tournament meeting. They need to have the names of their six-person team*, paired by boat, and their entry fee money (cash). *All six members of a club's team must be listed on the latest roster submitted to the SJBCA secretary by the July meeting.
August 23, 2013 - Mirror Lake Boat Ramp Fee Imposed
We learned that Pemberton Township has imposed an annual boat launch ramp fee for township-owned lakes, including Mirror Lake. The fee is $25.00 per calendar year for NJ residents ($20.00 for seniors) and $50.00 per year for out-of-state boaters ($40.00 for seniors). The ramp is free for township residents. Click here for details and the ramp sticker application on their township website.
August 23, 2013 - Best Youth Outdoor Day Ever
This year's South Jersey Youth Outdoor Day on August 17 saw 194 kids & their parents enjoy great weather and a wide variety of outdoor sports. The SJBCA hosted several fishing-related activities including pond fishing, target casting and bass fishing trips on the Salem Canal. We also gave away t-shirts, fishing tackle and magazines. We had a record 18 fishing volunteers come out to help and three bass boats doing the trips on the Canal. Thanks to everyone who helped out. Photos from the event will be posted on the event website at www.sjyouthoutdoorday.org .
| July
17, 2013 - Barbecue Meeting
& Scholarship Presentation Our annual barbecue meeting was held at the Thundergust Picnic Area at Parvin State Park on July 17. Free hot dogs, burgers, ribs (thanks BN06) and cold beverages were served. One of our two college scholarship recipients, Samantha Zelinksi, was in attendance with her father Dave. Click here to see photos from the meeting. |
 |
| June
16, 2013 - Cannon &
Ludwick Take Union Tourney Ted Cannon & Van Ludwick took first place in the SJBCA's annual open buddy tournament at Union Lake on Fathers Day. Their five-bass limit weighed 11.73 lbs. Their 4.16 lb kicker fish also took the overall lunker prize. 45 teams participated. Detailed results & photos are available here. Thanks to everyone who showed up to fish and to those who helped out with the registration & weigh-in. Also, a big thanks to those sponsors who made donations towards the event: Sandpiper Motel, Vineland Roofing, |
 |
| June
14, 2013 - Union Lake
Clean-up A group of volunteers conducted a clean-up of the Union Lake parking lot, ramp area and entrance road on June 14. This was in advance of the SJBCA's open buddy tournament there the following Sunday. Despite steady rain throughout the project, we managed to complete the task. Thanks to all of the guys who showed up to help out! |
 |
June 3, 2013 - Scholarship Winners Announced
The SJBCA's scholarship committee is pleased to announce that we are awarding TWO scholarships this year. The winners are: Brandon Hudik of Bordentown High School and Samantha Zelinski of Ocean City High School. They each will be receiving $500 and an invitation to our July 17 meeting at Parvin State Park (Thundergust Picnic Area).
May 17, 2013 - Union Lake - Fathers Day Buddy Tournament Finalized
Plans have been finalized for our annual open buddy tournament at Union Lake on Sunday, June 16 (Fathers Day), from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. This has always been a well attended tournament. The entry fee is $60.00 per team. This tournament will again feature the special Sandpiper Motel morning largemouth lunker prize (entries submitted prior to 10 am) and the Vineland Roofing smallmouth lunker prize. There will also be a raffle held with prizes from Bait N' Hook tackle shop, Precision Tackle, Doc Irv Custom Baits and others. One change for this year's tournament is a reduction in the fish limit from 7 bass to 5 bass, allowing solo competitors to legally bring in a tournament limit. Click here for a printable copy of the front & back of the entry form. Volunteers are needed to help out with this tournament in the morning and/or afternoon. For more details on this tournament contact SJBCA tournament director Steve Steinmetz at 609-868-4216.
April 4, 2013 - Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers Announces HS Championships
The Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoors Program announced that the FLW/TBF/Student Angler Federation high school bass fishing championship tournament for the states of NJ, PA, DE & MD will be held on Saturday, July 27. The location of the tournament is the Upper Chesapeake, launching from Elk Neck State Park. Any interested high school student can participate. Click here for more details on a flyer. Also check out www.highschoolfishing.com.
March 20, 2013 - Paperwork Needed to Fish Wilson
We received clarification that a "use agreement" needs to be signed and submitted prior to tournaments held at Wilson Lake in Scotland Run Park (Clayton area). The contact for scheduling your tournament and obtaining the paperwork is Terry Dalton, Recreation Supervisor, at 856-881-0845.
| March
15, 2013 - Fish Habitat
Project Completed at Audrey The South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club held a club project on March 9 to place fish habitat structures in Lake Audrey. Approximately 100 Christmas trees were used. For photos from this project and general information about this lake check out our Lake Audrey page. |
 |
| March
2, 2013 - Fishermen's Flea Market a Success Our annual fishermen's flea market saw a record number of vendor tables and a pretty good crowd of over 350 paying adults (kids 14 & under get in free). The winners of our tackle box raffles were: freshwater = Mitch Smith; saltwater = Lenny Wagner. Thanks to all of the vendors, customers and volunteers who showed up to make this a great event. To continue supporting our flea market vendors in the future, check out the links to their websites on our Flea Market page. Photos from this year's flea market are posted on our Flea Market Photos page. |
 |
| February
20, 2013 - Annual Awards Presented Recipients of our annual fishing excellence and youth activity awards were presented with plaques at our February meeting. The winners of the 2012 Bass Bowl and BB lunker winner were also given their awards. Photos from the presentation ceremony have been posted in the Awards Photos section of this website. |
February 20, 2013 - Potomac Selected as Site of 2013 Bass Bowl
In a close vote, the Potomac River was selected by members as the location of this year's Bass Bowl on October 13. (Union Lake was a close second in the voting.) The launch site will likely be Smallwood State Park on Mattawoman Creek, unless a larger event forces us to use a different ramp. More details to come.
February 20, 2013 - Vendor Tables for Annual Flea Market Sold Out
Our Fishermen's Flea Market organizing committee announced at the February member meeting that all available vendor tables for this year's event have been rented and that we'll even need to reconfigure the floorplan a bit to fit all of the rented tables in. Sounds like a great event is in store for us.
February 20, 2013 - By-Laws Change Approved
At the February meeting the membership approved a by-laws change that requires regular members to be in "good standing" as of the November member meeting in order to participate in the tournament pick process. Updated copies of the complete by-laws and standing rules will be provided to all clubs in the near future.
February 20, 2013 - Permits Now Required for Tourneys in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources now requires that tournament hosts apply for a permit for all bass tournaments held in that state. Technically the permit is only required for tourneys that have at least ten boats, but DNR would prefer that all hosts get the permit so that they can capture more complete tournament results. The permits are free and can be obtained using an online registration form available at... http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/fish/tournament/register2.asp .
| February
20, 2013 - Dave Golden Speaks at Member Meeting Dave Golden, Regional Superintendent for the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife's Bureau of Land Management spoke at our February member meeting. He gave updates on recent and planned projects at a variety of NJ Wildlife Management Area properties. He also answered questions from the audience. Among many topics, he mentioned that the State had acquired Stevens Lake in the Tuckahoe area and that they are scouting out South Jersey sand quarries to see if any may be suitable for acquiring & turning into productive fishing ponds. |
 |
January 16, 2013 - 2012 Fishing Excellence and Youth Activity Award Winners Announced
Final submissions were accepted at the January member meeting for our 2012 fishing excellence and youth activity awards. In order to win these awards a club has to have submitted a nomination form by the beginning of the January meeting. (Full details on the award rules are listed on the nomination form.) Plaques will be presented to the award winners, and the Bass Bowl winning team & lunker winner, at the February member meeting. The award winners for 2012 are:
Heaviest Lunker -- Mark Edmeads, South Jersey Hawg Hunters, Bargaintown Lake, 6.66 lbs.
Heaviest 3-Bass Limit (Lunker Lake) -- Jay Niessan, South Jersey Hook This, Lake Assunpink, 9.45 lbs.
Heaviest 5-Bass Limit -- Mike Pfancook, Swimming River Bassmasters, Lake Champlain (NY), 21.75 lbs.
Heaviest 6-Bass Limit (Lunker Lake) -- Zeke Zellman & Wade Schoonover, South Jersey Hawg Hunters, Lake Assunpink, 8.85lbs.
Heaviest 10-Bass Limit -- Reno Regalbuto & Joe Tobolski, 4th Ward Bass Anglers, North East River (MD), 28.80 lbs.
Major Youth Activity -- Kickin Bass Fishing Club, "Woodbury Heights, Glen Lake, Kids Fishing Derby".
January 16, 2013 - Bass Bowl Locations Nominated
Candidates for the location of the 2013 Bass Bowl were nominated at the January member meeting. The proposed locations are: Beltzville Lake (PA), Conowingo Lake (MD/PA), Marsh Creek Lake (PA), Nanticoke River (MD/DE), Potomac River (MD) and Union Lake (NJ). A vote on the official location will be conducted at the February member meeting. Each club with voting rights (regular members) will get one vote (by secret ballot).
January 16, 2013 - Standing Rules Changes Made &; By-Laws Change Proposed
At our January member meeting, member clubs approved some changes to our Standing Rules and heard a "first reading" of a proposed By-Laws revision. The Standing Rules have been revised to require that regular member clubs be in good standing (at least four meetings attended during the award year) in order to participate in the annual Fishing Excellence and Youth Activity awards. Also, a new award category was added for 2013 for the Heaviest Five-Bass Limit Caught in a Buddy Tournament (club or open buddy). The complete lists of rules for the annual awards are available on the award nomination forms.
A first reading was conducted for a proposed revision to the Association's by-laws. This revision requires that regular member clubs be in good standing (have attended at least four member meetings in the current year) in order to participate in the tournament pick process at the November meeting. That November meeting will count towards the total number of meetings. A vote on this by-laws revision will be conducted at the February member meeting.
January 16, 2013 - Flea Market Preparation Underway<
At our January member meeting the committee members reported that planning for our annual Fishermen's Flea Market (March 2) is well underway. Approximately 20 vendor tables have been rented so far. Anyone interested in renting a vendor table, or who needs more info on this event, can check out our Flea Market page. Volunteers will be needed to help out with the event that day.
| December
19,
2012
- Holiday Feast at December Meetingg Our December member meeting featured a holiday food spread fit for a king. Club delegates enjoyed a full deli platter, two types of ribs, baked ziti, salads, chips, desserts and an assortment of beverages. Thanks to those volunteers who made & brought food for the event. Some photos are posted in the Photo Gallery section. |
 |
| December
19,
2012
- Steinmetz Wins Participation Awarrd At the December meeting, tournament director Steve Steinmetz was awarded a custom personalized fishing rod. This award is for accumulating 110 participation points. Steve has served as an Association officer for many years and volunteered at numerous Association events. In the history of the SJBCA only three members have earned this award. |
 |
South Jersey Bass Busters, a club that was an Association member more than ten years ago, rejoined the SJBCA at our December member meeting. After we lost one member club that disbanded, the addition of SJBB brings our member total back up to 31. Welcome to the group Bass Busters!
November 21, 2012 - Clubs Pick Tournament Dates
At the November member meeting, clubs picked dates & locations for some of their 2013 tournaments, including open buddy tournaments. The schedule of next year's open buddy tournaments will be published in our Open Buddy Tournaments section soon.
November 3, 2012 - 2012-2013 Winter Schedule Announcced
The Extreme Winter League announced the dates & locations of their 2012-2013 winter tournament trail:
$40 per boat; buddy format (they welcome solo anglers); 7 am to 1 pm.
11/11 -- Wilson Lake 12/2 -- Parvin Lake
11/18 -- Parvin Lake 12/9 -- Davis Mill Pond
11/25 -- Davis Mill Pond 12/16 -- Parvin Lake
All January and February tournaments are TBA. Contact Jerrod Lloyd @ 856-404-8559.
October 31, 2012 - BRRC to Host Fishermen's Flea Market on January 27
Barrington Rod & Reel Club is again co-hosting a fishermen's flea market at Highland High School on Sunday, January 27, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Public admission is $3.00. Dealer tables are $25.00 per 12 ft. table. Highland High School is located at 450 Erial Road, Blackwood, NJ. For more information contact: Darryl Hunt (856) 546-0430 or dhunt425@comcast.net.
| October
20,
2012
- Big
Crowd of Kids Again at Pine Hill HarvestFest Event For the 7th consecutive year, SJBCA members ran the fishing activity at the Pine Hill HarvestFest /Trailblazer Event at Pine Hill Scout Reservation. Members from five different clubs, along with five non-SJBCA fishermen, helped the kids choose a loaner rod, get baited up, learn to cast and maybe even catch a fish. Attendees who were Cub Scouts could earn a "belt loop" by trying some fishing, learning about baiting a hook and being aware of NJ fishing regulations. Click here to view some photos from the event. |
 |
October 13, 2012 - DRFA and L&L Members Help at Kids Fishing Event
| The
Camden Shipyard & Maritime Museum and Urban Promise/Urban Trekkers,
a youth group from Camden, sponsored the Third Annual Fall Youth
Fishing Derby at the Michael Doyle Fishing Pier on the Delaware River
in Camden. About 80 kids from the Sacred Heart School and the
Urban Promise School from Camden participated. Members of
Delaware River Fishermen's Association, assisted by a couple members of Limits & Lunkers Bass |
 |
| October
16,
2012
- Riverside
Bass Club Takes First Bass
Bowl On a very tough day of fishing, Riverside Bass Club took their first Bass Bowl win on October 14 at Lake Hopatcong. The top five finishing clubs & lunker winner were: 1. Riverside Bass Club 2. Top Rod Bassmasters 3. Tidewater Bassers 4. South Jersey Hook This! 5. South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club Lunker - Rick English, SJ Reel Burners For detailed results and some photos, click here. |
 |
October 12, 2012 - Bass Bowl Arrangements Finalized
Arrangements have been finalized for this year's club-against-club bragging rights tournament at Lake Hopatcong on Sunday, October 14. Thirteen clubs have signed up to participate (35 boats and two kayaks). Should be a good time.
| October
9,
2012
- Sportsmen's
Jamboree On October 6 & 7, the SJBCA hosted a booth and kids casting activity at the annual Sportsmen's Jamboree in the Millville area. A good time was had by those kids who participated. Thanks to the volunteers who made this activity successful. |
| September
28,
2012
- Bass
Bowl Meeting Scheduled The pre-tournament meeting for this year's SJBCA Bass Bowl will be held on Wednesday, October 10, at 8:00 pm. Eligible clubs that plan to fish the tournament must send a representative to the meeting and submit the names of the members of their six-man team* & their entry fee money. Boat start numbers will be drawn at the meeting and tourney rules & procedures will be reviewed. This year's Bass Bowl is being held on Sunday, October 14 (7:00-3:00) at Lake Hopatcong, launching from Lee's County Park Marina in Mount Arlington, NJ. * all members of a club's six-man team must be listed on the latest club roster submitted to the SJBCA secretary as of the July meeting. |
| September
28,
2012
- WMA
Tournament Report Reminder Clubs are reminded that a tournament report must be filed within four weeks after holding a tourney at a NJ WMA lake. We were informed that there are many reports from this year that have not yet been submitted. Clubs must catch up on this paperwork ASAP. This has been an ongoing issue and could result in changes to the way WMA tournament permits are issued. |
| July
19,
2012
- July
Barbecue
Meeting a Success After having to move our annual barbecue meeting from Parvin State Park (which was closed for storm damage) to Lake Garrison, and a threat of severe weather on meeting night, everything worked out great. We endured a very brief period of hight winds and a couple of minutes of light drizzle and that was it. Featured speaker "Doc Irv" of Doc Irv Custom Baits explained the art/science of pouring soft plastic baits and poured a wide variety of baits for the attendees using their recommended choices of style, color, additives, etc. He is offering SJBCA members a 20% discount on orders placed through his website through the end of August. Use Coupon Code "SJBCA" (upper case letters) for your discount. Click here for photos from the meeting. |
 "Doc Irv" pours custom soft plastic baits for members |
July 14, 2012 - July Meeting Moved
Because Parvin State Park is closed due to storm damage, our July 18 member meeting (which features a free barbecue of burgers, dogs & beverages) has been moved to another outdoor location -- Lake Garrison at 849 Buck Rd (Rt 553) in Monroeville. The location is about a mile south of exit 45 off of Rt 55. Food will be ready around 6:00 pm with a presentation and the business portion of the meeting to follow. See more info on Lake Garrison at their website... www.lakegarrison.com
July 13, 2012 - Bait N' Hook Joins Discount Program
Bait N' Hook tackle shop on Delsea Drive in Franklinville has joined the SJBCA's discount program. They're offering 10% off of most in-store items. You must mention that you're in an SJBCA member club prior to your purchase. See our Member Discounts page for more details.
July 13, 2012 - SJ Youth Outdoor Day Scheduled for August 18
The annual South Jersey Youth Outdoor Day, of which the SJBCA is a co-host, will be held on Saturday, August 18. This free event for ages 7 to 17 allows kids to try out a wide variety of outdoor activities without having to buy any of the equipment or supplies. The SJBCA is in desperate need of volunteers to help out with the event. If you're available, please contact Fred Lentz. For more information on this event, visit their new website at www.sjyouthoutdoorday.org .
June 24, 2012 - Annual Scholarship Winner Announced
Last month the SJBCA Scholarship Committee announced that Mariah Dennis of A.P.Schalick High School was the winner of our annual college scholarship. It was a close contest among a number of good candidates but Mariah came out on top. Congratulations Mariah!
| June 20,
2012
- Annual
Union Lake Buddy Tournament Held on Fathers Day This year's open buddy tournament at Union Lake saw our highest attendance since 2007. Forty-nine teams participated (was 50, but one team left after experiencing motor problems prior to the tourney). For the second consecutive year Nelson Hares and Steve Cram took the win. Their seven fish limit weighing 13.85 lbs edged out a 13.71 lb bag weighed in by David Snedeker and John Paoline. Brenden Seeman took the " Sandpiper Motel morning largemouth lunker" prize with a 3.45 bass. Chris Oeser took the "Vineland Roofing morning smallmouth lunker" prize with a nice 3.07 lb fish. Steve Cram took overall lunker with a 4.04 lb largemouth. |
 |
| June 20,
2012
- Union
Lake Clean-up Held on June 14 Eight adult and three youth volunteers showed up for our project to clean up the parking lot and ramp at Union Lake WMA. A lot of trash was collected and the place looked pretty good for our annual open buddy tournament there on the following Sunday. Thanks to everyone who came out to help. |
 |
May 15, 2012 - Annual Union Lake Buddy Tournament Scheduled for Fathers Day
The SJBCA's annual open buddy tournament at Union Lake is again scheduled for Fathers Day, Sunday, June 17. In addition to payouts to the top five finishing teams and overall lunker winner, this year will see TWO special morning lunker prizes (weighed in before 10:00 am) -- the "Sandpiper Motel Largemouth Morning Lunker Prize" and the "Vineland Roofing Smallmouth Morning Lunker Prize". A raffle will be held with prizes scheduled to be gift certificates (including one for Precision Tackle), a large tackle pack & shirt from BIG'UN Baits and some baits from DocIrvCustomBaits.com. Click here for more tournament details and printable entry form.
June 3, 2012 - Union Lake Clean-up Scheduled for June 14
In anticipation of our annual open buddy tournament a few days later, the SJBCA has scheduled a parking lot/ramp/dock clean-up for Thursday morning, June 14, at 9:00 am. Volunteers are needed! Gloves and trash bags will be provided. If interested, please contact Fred Lentz.
| June 8,
2012
- Students
Invited to Enter NJ/PA Championship Tourney Mid-Atlantic Youth Angers & Outdoors Program and the FLW/TBF Student Angler Federation invite local high school (and 8th grade) students to enter the upcoming state championship tournament being held on August 3 & 4 at Blue Marsh Lake in Reading, PA. Click here for a flyer with more details. Mid-Atlantic Youth Angers & Outdoors Program has also announced the locations & dates of two other high school bass fishing state championship tournaments it will be helping to coordinate. They can use volunteers at all of these tourneys to serve as boat captains or to assist with registration/weigh-in support or possibly training workshops. The locations & dates are: |
  |
Md/De High School State Championship Tournament - June
23-24 (Smallwood SP, Potomac River)
NY/Ontario High School State Championship Tournament -
July 14-15 (Lake Oneida)
More information about high school bass fishing and
these tournaments can be found at www.highschoolfishing.com
. To volunteer or ask questions abou these tourneys,
contact Todd Pride at (215) 954-6998 or email him at CoachTodd@MidAtlanticYouthAnglers.com.
| May
20,
2012
- SJBCA
Supports Vineland Youth Fishing Derby On May 20 the Vineland Police hosted their annual youth fishing derby at South Vineland Park. The SJBCA supports this event by making an annual cash donation and sending a few volunteers to help out. Some photos from the event are posted in our Photo Gallery. |
 |
May 17, 2012 - Another Club Joins the SJBCA
On May 16, we admitted South Jersey Gra-Bassers to our ranks. After losing a member club earlier this year, Gra-Bassers' admission to the Association keeps our member club count at 31. Welcome guys!
April 10, 2012 - Member Collecting Used Soft Plastic Lures
Stu Cohen, a member of SJ Kayak Bass Fishing Club, is pouring soft plastic worms to give away to kids. He's melting down used baits to make them. Anyone who would like to contribute their torn soft plastic baits to a good cause can deposit them in the designated collection bin at the 4th Ward Bass Anglers clubhouse where the SJBCA member meetings are held. Your help is appreciated.
April 10, 2012 - Cooper River Ramp Info
After a recent report about the Cooper River park ramp being barricaded for several days, it was determined that the ramp blocking was due in part to a sculling event taking place over the weekend. Per Camden County Parks Dept, anglers can call the boathouse where the sculling events are based to find out if any sculling events are planned for a particular date. The number for the boathouse is 856-661-3188.
April 3, 2012 - Parvin Lake Launch Fee Imposed
We've been informed that Parvin State Park has imposed a boat ramp launch fee for the period of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The fee is $12.00 per launch for NJ residents and $20.00 for non-residents. An annual permit is available. Also, the beach area will be undergoing improvements which will include dredging the lake bottom in front of the beach. This is expected to take place during April and May. For more information, check the Parvin State Park website.
| March
20,
2012 - "SJBCA Night"
Held at Blackwater Blackwater Sports Center in Vineland hosted a discount shopping night for all SJBCA club members on St.Patricks Day, March 17. There were in-store specials, door prizes, free food & drinks, a Power Team Lures pro-staff member on site and a Dobyns factory rep on site. Thanks to Blackwater for holding a great event. And to Jeff Sr, Jeff Jr, Steve, Vince and Rick for sharing their fishing tackle expertise throughout the evening. |
 |
| March
3,
2012
- Another
Great Flea Market The 2012 edition of our annual Fishermen's Flea Market saw 470 paying adults and a lot of kids pass through the door. The SJBCA thanks all of the vendors, customers, volunteers and seminar speakers who came out to support our organization and its worthwhile activities. And thanks to "On The Water", "The Fisherman" and "Boat Shopper" for their magazine donations. The winners of the tackle box raffles were: freshwater -- Taylor Mathis, saltwater -- Lou Amico. Photos from the event are posted in the Flea Market Photos section. |
 |
February 15, 2012 - Hopatcong Voted as Site of 2012 Bass Bowl
In a close vote, our member clubs selected Lake Hopatcong as the site of this year's "Bass Bowl" bragging rights tourney on October 14. (Union Lake was a close second in the voting.) More details will be announced about the launch ramp and other arrangements.
| February
15,
2012
- Annual
Awards Presented At the February member meeting plaques were presented to the winners of our annual fishing excellence awards and best youth activity award. The 2011 Bass Bowl winning team members and lunker winner also received plaques. Two volunteers received jackets for having earned "participation points". Details of the awards are in our Annual Awards section and photos of some of the winners are posted in the Annual Awards Photos section. |
 |
February 15, 2012 - Preparations Continuing for 2012 Fishermen's Flea Market
The flea market committee is busy getting ready for this year's Fishermen's Flea Market. As always, the event will be held on the first Saturday in March (March 3) from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. The location will be the same as the last few years -- the Millville Elks Lodge on Broad Street (aka Mays Landing Rd). Admission is still only $2.00 and vendor tables still rent for only $20.00 each. Click here for more information here on our website.
January 26, 2012 - Hook This Adopts Oak Pond
As part of the Adopt-a-Lake program set up between the SJBCA and the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, member club "South Jersey Hook This!" has agreed to adopt Oak Pond WMA in Winslow. SJHT will be conducting shoreline clean-ups at the lake several times a year and may be involved in any lake improvements that take place.
January 18, 2012 - Annual Award Winners Announced
The winners of the SJBCA's annual fishing excellence and youth activity awards were announced at the January member meeting (the last date to submit nominations). The winners are listed in the Annual Awards section of this website. Plaques will be presented to those winners, as well as the Bass Bowl winning team and lunker winner at our February member meeting.
January 18, 2012 - Two New SJBCA Members Admitted
At the January member meeting, two organizations were voted in as new members of the SJBCA. We welcome Lunker Hunters and Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoors Program. The latter organization helps with the formation of youth fishing clubs and organizes youth fishing tournaments. More information on these groups is available in our Member Club Profiles section.
January 18, 2012 - Bass Bowl Locations Nominated
Club delegates at the January meeting nominated locations for this year's SJBCA Bass Bowl to be held on October 14. The official location will be voted on at the February member meeting. The locations nominated are: Beltzville Lake, PA; Conowingo Lake, MD/PA; Lake Hopatcong; Union Lake and Lums Pond, DE (lake size & parking accommodations are being reviewed).
| January
18, 2012 - Todd Pride
Speaks at January Meeting Todd Pride of Mid-Atlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoors Program spoke to members at our January 18 meeting. He gave background on his organization and explained how our organizations may be able to assist one another. His organization's website is www.midatlanticyouthanglers.com/. |
 |
At the January member meeting, members of the SJ Kayak Bass Fishing Club handed out free fishing towels to all of the meeting attendees. The towels which bear a leaping bass and "Coors Light Bass Fishing" were provided by their club sponsor.
January 15, 2012 - Saltwater Registry Reminder
Anglers who fish in New Jersey tidal water and/or saltwater are reminded that you need to register for the current year. Each coastal state has their own registry procedure (either a separate angler registry or registry incorporated into a fishing license). In New Jersey, the saltwater angler registry is separate from the fishing license and is free. Click here to register or to renew your NJ registration from last year. For tidal or saltwater fishing in other states, check on that particular state's fishing website.
January 13, 2012 - Nominations Due for Annual Awards
Member clubs are advised that the January 18 member meeting is the last date to submit nominations for our annual fishing excellence and youth activity awards. The fishing excellence awards are for fish caught by SJBCA club members in tournaments hosted by SJBCA clubs (or the SJBCA itself). The youth activity awards are for large or small youth fishing events such as fishing derbies, kids casting contests, etc. Nomination forms are available from secretary Al Franchetta. For more information on these awards, click here. Remember, you can't win if you don't submit your club's nomination form.
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE
| December
21,
2011
- Lee Widjeskog Speaks at Member Meeting The featured speaker at our December member meeting was NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife employee Lee Widjeskog. Lee gave an update on the current status of, and planned improvements at, a wide variety of NJ WMA lakes. Because this was our holiday meeting, a free food spread was served. |
 |
Barrington Rod & Reel Club announced that they will be hosting a fishing flea market at Highland High School on January 29, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is $3.00. Dealer tables are $25 and $20. For more information, contact Darryl Hunt at (856) 227-4100.
| October
19,
2011
- Rippin' Lipz Takes Record Bass Bowl on Occt 16 New member club Rippin' Lipz Bassmasters won this year's Bass Bowl in record fashion. The previous best winning weight at a Bass Bowl was 48.95 lbs (in 2003, also at North East River, MD). This year, the top three finishing clubs all topped that mark in an extremely close finish. Rippin' Lipz ended up with 55.56 lbs and was closely followed by Top Rod Bassmasters with 54.32 lbs and South Jersey Bass Stalkers (fishing one man short) with 53.18 lbs. Rippin' Lipz member Warren Wolk took the lunker prize with a nice 6.53 lb fattie, missing the Bass Bowl lunker record by .07 lb. Thirteen clubs (39 boats) participated in this bragging rights tournament. For complete results and photos click here. |
| October
19,
2011
- Mob Scene at Pine Hill Kids Fishing Eventt on Oct 15 Our annual effort to run the pond fishing activity at the Pine Hill Harvest Fest event stretched our resources to the limit. Six volunteers helped 500 kids try out fishing in the scout camp pond. Although it got a bit "hairy" at times, all of the kids and volunteers enjoyed themselves immensely. Click here for photos from the event. |
 |
| October
19,
2011
- DRFA Runs Kids Fishing Derby in Camden For the second consecutive year, members of Delaware River Fishermen's Association helped out with a kids fishing derby on the Michael Doyle Fishing Pier in Camden. According to club member Chick Bay, all of the kids had a great time and a few fish got caught (including one decent largemouth bass!). Click here for photos from the event. |
 |
October 11, 2011 - Final Preparations Being Made for 2011 Baass Bowl
The pre-tournament meeting for this year's SJBCA Bass Bowl will be held on Wednesday, October 12, at 8:00 pm. Eligible clubs that plan to fish the tournament must send a representative to the meeting and submit the names of the members of their six-man team & their entry fee money. Boat start numbers will be drawn at the meeting and tourney rules & procedures will be reviewed. This year's Bass Bowl is being held on Sunday, October 16 (7:00-3:00) at the Susquehanna Flats in Maryland, launching from Anchor Marina in North East. Fourteen clubs have already qualified to participate in the Bass Bowl and another seven clubs can qualify by attending the pre-tournament meeting.
October 10, 2011 - 2011-2012 Winter Schedules Announced
Two SJBCA member organizations announced the dates & locations of their winter tournament trails.
South Jersey Reel Burners' schedule is (7:00-1:00, $30 per boat + side pots):
11/12 -- Union Lake 1/7 -- South Vineland Park
11/19 -- Newton Lake 1/21 -- Parvin Lake
11/26 -- Union Lake 2/4 -- Cedarville Pond
12/3 -- Malaga Lake 2/18 -- Rainbow Lake
12/10 -- Wilson Lake 3/3 -- Union Lake
12/17 -- Davis Mill Pond
The Extreme Winter League schedule is (7:30-2:00, $40 per boat):
11/13 -- Parvin Lake 12/4 -- Parvin Lake
11/20 -- Davis Mill Pond 12/11 -- Davis Mill Pond
11/27 -- Davis Mill Pond 12/18 -- Mary Elmer Lake
| September 9,
2011
- Hawg Hunters Hold Clean-up at Rainbow Lakke The South Jersey Hawg Hunters, who adopted Rainbow Lake WMA last year, conducted another shoreline and parking lot clean-up on September 5. Several bags of trash were collected and the project was followed by a barbecue at a member's nearby home. |
 |
| August 20, 2011
- Another Successful
SJ Youth Outdoor Day The 12th annual South Jersey Youth Outdoor Day saw 190 kids and their parents enjoy a day of various outdoor activities. The SJBCA ran the pond fishing, loaner rod/reels, target casting, live bait distrubution, bass boat display, t-shirt & tackle giveaways and bass fishing trips out on the Salem Canal. The SJBCA had a record number of volunteers there. Photos from this year's event are being posted on the event website at www.sjyouthoutdoorday.org/photgall.htm . |
 |
| July 20, 2011 -
Annual Barbecue Meeting Held As usual, our July member meeting was held at the Thundergust picnic area at Parvin State Park and included a free barbecue. We presented our annual college scholarship to winner Conor Cahill, with his parents in attendance. NJ Fish & Wildlife biologist Chris Smith was the featured speaker and provided a lot of info on fisheries management in South Jersey. Click here to see a few photos from the meeting. |
 Greg Lentz, Conor Cahill, Fred Lentz |
| June
19, 2011 - Hares & Cram Take SJBCA Open Buddy Tournament Nelson Hares and Steve Cram brought in the only seven-bass limit at our annual open buddy tournament at Union Lake. Their 13.75 lb bag won by more than a pound and a half over the second place team of Jack & Joe Taylor. Rounding out the top five were: 3rd - Chick Bay & Scott McDonough, 4th - Greg Keller & Chuck Mahon, 5th - Brian Keister & Kevin Foley. The Sandpiper Motel Morning Lunker and Overall Lunker were both won by Russ Wright and Paul Wright with their 4.82 lb largemouth. The winner of the Precision Tackle gift certificate in our raffle was Joe Taylor. 42 teams participated in the tournament. The SJBCA would like to thank all of the competitors, sponsors, volunteers and attendees for their support. |
 Brian Keister |
June 18, 2011 - SJBCA Open Buddy Tournament at Union Lake - June 19
Preparations are being finalized for our annual open buddy tournament at Union Lake on Sunday, June 19 (Father's Day) from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. This well-attended event attracts the area's best tournament anglers and a few who are trying it out for the first time. This year's event will feature free hot dogs & beverages for the participants and a raffle for a nice fishing tackle gift certificate (Precision Tackle).
| June
15, 2011 - Kickin' Bass Hosts Kids Fishing Derby SJBCA member Kickin' Bass Fishing Club hosted a kids fishing derby on June 11. The 3rd Annual Woodbury Heights Glen Lake Fishing Derby had 80 participants and featured free refreshments & prizes in a variety of categories. A total of 130 fish were caught.  June
10, 2011 - SJBCA Scholarship Winner Announced
The SJBCA Scholarship Committee has selected Conor Cahill of Shawnee High School as the 2011 winner of our annual college scholarship. Conor, an avid fisherman and member of Top Rod Bassmasters, plans to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. Congratulations Conor! June 10, 2011 - Precision Tackle to Provide Raffle Prize Precision Tackle is generously donating a $50 gift certificate for the raffle we're holding at our Union Lake open buddy tournament on June 19. The raffle will be open to anyone who participates in the tournament or shows up for the weigh-in. Please show you support for the SJBCA by buying a few tickets. Precision Tackle's online store can be found at www.pttackle.com . May 18, 2011 - New Sponsor for Buddy Tournament Morning Lunker Prize The SJBCA is proud to announce a new sponsor for the special morning lunker winner prize at our annual Union Lake open buddy tournament -- Sandpiper Motel of North Wildwood. More information on this resort business can be found on their website at www.sandpipermotel-wildwood.com . We thank them for their support of our event. May 15, 2011 - DRFA Helps with Youth Fishing Event
April 13, 2011 - Scholarship Application Due Date Nears High school seniors who are interested in applying for the SJBCA's $500 college scholarship are reminded that the deadline for submission of applications & supporting materials is May 1. This scholarship is available to students in southern/central NJ, southeastern PA and northern DE who are entering a college degree program that may one day benefit fishermen (eg, fisheries management, marine biology, etc). More details on this program are available on our Scholarship Information page.
March 16, 2011 - Another New Member Club At the March member meeting we admitted Rippin Lipz Bass Club to the SBJCA. Welcome to the Association guys!
February 17, 2011 - February Member Meeting Held at Barrington Clubhouse
February 17, 2011 - North East River Voted as Location for Bass Bowl At the February meeting, our member clubs voted to have the North East River (Susquehanna Flats area) in Maryland as the location for our 2011 Bass Bowl on October 16. January 19, 2011 - 2010 Fishing Excellence and Youth Activity Award Winners Announced Final submissions were accepted at the January member meeting for our 2010 fishing excellence and youth activity awards. In order to win these awards a club has to have submitted a nomination form by the beginning of the January meeting. Plaques will be presented to the award winners (and the Bass Bowl winning team & lunker winner) at the February member meeting. The award winners for 2010 are: Heaviest Lunker -- Chris Oeser, South Jersey Hawg Hunters, Davis Mill Pond, 7.48 lbs. Heaviest 3-Bass Limit (Lunker Lake) -- Bill Leach, South Jersey Hook This, Parvin Lake, 10 lbs 0 oz. Heaviest 5-Bass Limit -- Jack Justice, 4th Ward Bass Anglers, Potomac River, MD, 15.68 lbs. Heaviest 6-Bass Limit (Lunker Lake) -- Scott Bowen & Bill Ridel, South Jersey Hawg Hunters, Lake Assunpink, 10.46 lbs. Heaviest 10-Bass Limit -- Spencer Hatton & Joe Reiss, Top Rod Bassmasters, Elmer Lake, 18 lbs 13 oz. Major Youth Activity -- Kickin Bass Fishing Club, "Woodbury Heights, Glen Lake, Kids Fishing Derby". January 19, 2011 - Locations Nominated for 2011 Bass Bowl Six locations were nominated by our member clubs for the location of the 2011 Bass Bowl on October 16. The official location will be decided by a vote at the February member meeting. The locations nominated are: Beltzville Lake, PA; Candlewood Lake, CT; Lake Hopatcong, Hudson River, NY; North East River, MD; and Union Lake. November 29, 2010 - Fee Established for Tidal Fishing Registration NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that their annual National Saltwater Angler Registry will now cost $15.00. Fishermen who plan to fish in tidal (or marine) waters in coastal states that do not have a saltwater fishing license must register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry. Examples of the waters where registration is required are: Delaware River, Potomac River, Susquehanna Flats. You only need to register once per year, regardless of how many states you fish in. This registration was free for 2010. You can register online or by phone and they'll send you a card with your registration number on it. Click here for more information on NOAA's National Saltwater Angler Registry website. November 18, 2010 - Tournament Picks Made at November Meeting Our annual process for picking dates & locations for open buddy tournaments and club tournaments at WMA lakes took place at the November member meeting. Following the pick process, clubs began submitting their 2011 club tournament schedules. All of this data is being compiled into the initial version of the 2011 "Conflict List" and clubs will be notified of any issues that need to be resolved.
September 25, 2010 - DRFA Runs Kids Fishing Activity Someone in the city of Camden came up with the idea of holding a kids fishing event there in the city at a pier right on the Delaware River. The SJBCA was approached about providing some fishing expertise
September 15, 2010 - Another Club Joins SJBCA At the September member meeting we admitted a new club to the Association -- Prme Time Anglers. Welcome to the group guys!
June 20, 2010 - Taylors Take Annual Union Lake Buddy Tournament Joe and Jack Taylor weighed in five nice bass for 13.29 lbs to win the SJBCA's annual Union Lake Open Buddy Tournament. Second place was a seven bass limit weighing 10.23 lbs brought in by Nelson Hares and Steve Cram. 3rd place was a six bass 9.96 lb bag weighed in by Chick Bay and Scott McDonough. The winner of both "The New Jersey Angler" Magazine Morning Lunker Award and the overall lunker award was a 4.59 lb largemouth weighed in by Shawn Mangan. Click here for complete results. May 19, 2010 - Two More Clubs Join SJBCA At the May member meeting two clubs joined the Association. We admitted one club that has been in existence for decades -- Swimming River Bassmasters -- and one brand new club -- South Jersey Reel Burners. Welcome to the group guys! May 17, 2010 - Volunteers Needed for Aug 21 Youth Day Volunteers are needed to help run the fishing-related activities at the annual South Jersey Youth Outdoor Day on Saturday, August 21. This event is held at the Salem County Sportsmen's Club from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Anyone interested in helping out can contact Fred Lentz. All volunteers earn a point towards an SJBCA fishing jacket. More details on this event can be found on the event's website at www.sjyouthoutdoorday.org .
March 19, 2010 - SJBCA Scholarship Program Reminder Members are reminded that the deadline for submission of applications for our annual scholarship program is May 1. A scholarship of $500 is available to a high school senior who is entering college in a degree program that may one day benefit fishermen (e.g., fisheries management, marine biology, etc.). All details on the program requirements and the application form are available in the Scholarship Information section of this website. March 18, 2010 - Adopt-a-Lake Program Available for SJBCA Clubs The southern region of the NJDFW Bureau of Land Management has agreed to our proposal for an adopt-a-lake program for Wildlife Management Area lakes. Under this program, bass clubs can arrange with NJDFW to "adopt" one of the WMA lakes in the southern region (below the Mullica River) and take some responsibility for its upkeep and improvement. Adopting clubs will be expected to conduct a shoreline clean-up two or three times a year (with NJDFW providing & removing the trash bags) and those clubs can propose lake & facility improvements and be involved in any projects undertaken at their lake. Click here for more details on the SJBCA website. If you have any questions or want your club to get involved in this program, please contact SJBCA VP Joe Hoban by email at jhoban1115@comcast.net .
March 10, 2010 - Sunset Lake Information The Bridgeton Recreation Department suggests that clubs call that department during the week before their tournaments to find out if anyone has the picnic area facilities reserved on the club's planned tournament date. The recreation dept can be reached by dialing 856-453-1675. Clubs that plan to use the picnic area facilities (e.g., for a public buddy tournament) must get a permit from the recreation department. Permits for reserving the entire picnic area, including the boat ramp, must be obtained at least two weeks in advance and cost $75.00 (as of 2009).
February 19, 2010 - Free Magazines Available The publishers of "Bass Club Digest" magazine make free copies available to bass clubs. The magazine focuses on the activities of bass clubs and club tournaments, but also includes general articles on bass fishing. There are three issues published each year -- pre-spawn, post-spawn and summer. Member clubs can have copies of the magazine shipped to them (in a bulk shipment) by going to the BCD website at www.bassclubdigest.org , clicking on the "Club Registration" link on the left and completing the short form. February 19, 2010 - Open Buddy Tournament Schedule Now Official As the issuance of permits for tournaments scheduled at NJ Wildlife Management Area lakes has been assured, the 2010 schedule of open buddy tournaments hosted by SJBCA member clubs is now considered official. We still anticipate that more buddy tournaments will be added to the schedule over the next couple of months. Note that the SJBCA has rules stating that no two member clubs may host a buddy tournament on the same day and two on the same weekend must be at least fifty miles apart (unless both clubs agree to waive a rule). February 18, 2010 - Tidal Fishermen Need to Register Effective this year, all fishermen who plan to fish in tidal (or marine) waters in coastal states that do not have a saltwater fishing license must register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry. Examples of the waters where registration is required are: Delaware River, Potomac River, Susquehanna Flats. You only need to register once, regardless of how many states you fish in. This registration is free for 2010. You can register online or by phone and they'll send you a card with your registration number on it. Click here for more information on NOAA's National Saltwater Angler Registry website. February 18, 2010 - New Club Joins SJBCA At our February member meeting we welcomed a new club -- the South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club. This is a brand new club that is generating a lot of interest among local kayak fishermen. All of their tournaments will be "paper tournament" format. February 18, 2010 - Delaware River Selected as 2010 Bass Bowl Location In a very close vote by our member clubs, the Delaware River was selected as the location of our annual Bass Bowl. The launch site has yet to be determined, but we are planning to use the Gloucester City ramp if it is available on our tournament date of October 17. More info to come.
February 18, 2010 - Bass Clubs Are Looking for New Members Several SJBCA clubs are seeking members for the upcoming season. If you or a friend are looking for a group to fish with, please check out the Member Club Profiles section of this website. That section indicates whether the clubs are looking for members and whom to contact for more information. Club fishing offers the opportunity to test your skills against other anglers and learn some new techniques & spots while you're doing that. Three particular clubs that are very interested in new members -- boaters & non-boaters; experienced & less-experienced -- are: Limits & Lunkers Bass Club (fomerly Atlantic County Bass Anglers), Happy Hooker Bassers and South Jersey Bassers. Their contact information is listed in their profile. January 21, 2010 - SJBCA Elections Held The annual election of new officers was held at the January member meeting. Those elected to new terms were: Fred Lentz, President; Rob Kunze, 2nd Vice President; Gary Corliss, Treasurer; Steve Steinmetz, Tournament Director; Mike Graham, Director; and Carmen Bersani, Director. The offices of 1st Vice President (Joe Hoban) and Secretary (Al Franchetta) were not up for election this year. January 21, 2010 - Bass Bowl Locations Nominated At the January member meeting, nominations were accepted for the location of the 2010 Bass Bowl. The location could not be one that was used in the past three years. The locations nominated were: Delaware River, Union Lake and Lake Hopatcong. Regular member clubs will be able to vote on the final location at the February member meeting. The date of the Bass Bowl is October 17. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE |
