Welcome to American Angler!
American Angler Classic Rules for May 2, 2026 on L.B.I.
1. Only the following fish exceeding the minimum length listed below are eligible for entry:
Black Drum - 16+ inches. Bluefish - 14+ inches. Kingfish = 10+ inches. Striped Bass 28+ inches.
2. Fishing starts at 7 am and ends at 1 pm. Strictly enforced. No fishing before 7 am.
3. Fish caught from any boat, surfboard or other floating device will not be eligible.
4. Fishing will be done anywhere in a designated area of the beach that is about a 2-3-mile area.
5. Terminal tackle will be limited to 2 hooks. A plug counts as 1 hook. Individuals are limited to 2 rods.
6. All anglers should have a clear measuring device (Measuring board/Bump board or large carpenters’ tape, no vinyl or soft tape). Measuring boards will be available for sale. Loaner boards may also be available. All fish MUST be measured where caught.
7. All fish that wish to be scored need to have a picture taken with a measuring device (see rule #6) and a sticker provided in the picture. Mobile Judges will be limited but available to measure both catch-&-release fish & kept fish. A CLEAR picture of the fish should be sent via text to Carl at 201-481-4390 or 732-864-7990. Roaming judges: Glenn: 856-316-9242 or Tommy: 609-276-0598
8. All kept fish will have a vertical cut in the tail by judges to show the fish has been measured.
9. Fish shall be measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail (tail swiped).
10. Fish will be scored to the nearest 1/4 inch once beyond the minimum length is achieved. In case of a tie, the first fish submitted shall be the tie breaker.
11. Striped Bass = 28” +. All Striped Bass over 28” can be scored but released. However, any fish between 28.00” and 30.99” can be kept as per NJ Marine regulations.
12. This is a rain-or-shine tournament. Tournament may be rescheduled the next day if weather turns foul. Dress appropriately. Registration fees are non-refundable.
13. No wading beyond your waist. This means if your waist gets wet from the surf in any way, back up! Judges will only give one warning about this. A second infraction will disqualify you from the tournament. This is a safety and insurance issue.
14. Participants may enter as many fish as possible to be scored no matter what
qualifying species. However, only the 3 largest fish in the two categories will be winners.
15. Only one prize per winner in categories. No combinations, 1st, 2ndor 3rd place combinations, etc. Adults cannot win any prizes in the kids’ category, and Kids cannot win prizes in the Adult Category.
Any prizes not won will be returned to American Angler.
16. All rules, information, and registration forms can also be found at www.americananglerus.com. Questions: contact Carl Hartmann at cfishigotu@aol.com or 201-481-4390.
17. American Angler has the final decision on all matters related to this tournament.
18. Tournament rules, location, prizes, and all matters related to this tournament is subject to change for any reason. If no one catches fish, prizes will be up to the discretion of the tournament director.
American Angler Classic SATURDAY, MAy 2, 2026.
Scan code for the adult registration: $27.00/Kids $15.00
- For the May 2, 2026, Classic Surf Fishing Tournament. Adults are $27.00 ($30.00 late) Kids are $15.00 snail mail check: American Angler-1010 Treasure Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050
- Pay in person cash day of event $30 adult/$15 kids. Free 4x4 access!
Welcome to American Angler!
Proposed Prize Structure of the American Angler Classic Surf Fishing Tournament on May 2, 2026.
Welcome to American Angler!
Our Story
At American Angler, we've been passionate about fishing for over 30 years. We started as a small family-owned club, and we've grown into a company that's dedicated to providing the best fishing experience possible for our members and customers. We believe in sustainable fishing practices and protecting our environment for future generations. With over 300 members, we are American Angler Strong!
Our Mission
American Angler is a group of recreational fishermen who make active use of our surrounding water system and are concerned with the present and future state of these fisheries. Our objectives are to encourage the responsible use of aquatic resources and protection of habitat. We assist where possible in efforts to promote sportfishing and the management of that recreation. And to bring the kids back into fishing. We enforce clean fishing areas and do our own clean ups.
Corporate Sponsors of American Angler 2025
January
Our corporate sponsors for 2025
Proposed Prize Structure for the American Angler Classic May 2, 2026
1St Place angler:
A Visser 5K reel engraved. Retail Value $700.00
Carolina Cast Pro G3 11' 2-5 oz surf Fishing Rod with travel bag! Retail value is $315.00!
A set of J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators (The pro set!). Retail: $100.00
A set of Bajio Sunglasses. Retail value $269.00
A $600.00 gift card to Century Rod/Advanced Fishing USA.
A Florida Fishing 5000 CE Pro Osprey Fishing Reel. Retail value $250.00
A Prize lure package by Deadfish Lures, Papa’s Plugs and Phase II Lures. Retail value $80.00
An X-Rack Heavy Duty 65-inch Sand Spike. Retail Value $85.00
1st Place Plaque by Patriot Woodworks.
2nd Place Angler:
A $500.00 gift card to Century Rod/Advanced Fishing USA.
A set of Bajio Sunglasses. Retail value $269.00
Tyler's Custom's 9-foot 2-piece surf fishing rod. Retail value: $200.00
A fishing reel from Fisherman’s HQ. Retail value: $150.00
A set of J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators (The pro set!). Retail: $100.00
A 5 pole Porta Rod holder system. Retail value: $180.00
An X-Rack Heavy Duty 65-inch Sand Spike. Retail Value $85.00
2nd Place Plaque by Patriot Woodworks.
Plug/Lure Package. Retail value: $100.00
3rd Place Angler:
A $300.00 gift card to Century Rod/Advanced Fishing USA.
A set of Bajio Sunglasses. Retail value $269.00
A Fishing reel by Jingles: Retail value $100.00
A set of J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators (The pro set!). Retail: $100.00
A Heineken Barbeque Grill. Retail value is $100.00
An X-Rack Heavy Duty 65-inch Sand Spike. Retail Value $85.00
3rd Place Plaque from Patriot Woodworks.
4th Place Angler:
A $200.00 gift card to Century Rod/Advanced Fishing USA.
A Yozuri Striped Bass Lure Kit! $75.00 value
Miller Lite Umbrella Retail value: $75.00
5th Place Angler:
A $100.00 gift card to Century Rod/Advanced Fishing USA.
A Coors Light Beach Chair. Retail value: $50.00
Kids 1st Place Prize:
$50.00 gift card to Fisherman’s Headquarters.
A Penn Rod with Shakespeare Alpha Reel Combo: Retail Value $100.00 sponsored by Beach Haven Marine.
Kids 2nd Place Prize:
$25.00 gift card to Fisherman’s Headquarters.
Kids 3rd Place Prize:
$15.00 Gift Card to Fisherman’s Headquarters.
* Largest Striper of the two (Spring and fall) American Angler Classics wins a free set of Cornhole boards from the Cornhole guy, NJ. Retail value: $300.00
* Largest Bluefish of the two (Spring and fall) American Angler Classics will win a Piscifun Nautix 4000 reel in honor of Dr. Karl Chen. Retail Value: $80.00
*Largest Black Drum of the two (Spring and fall) American Angler Classics a Miller Lite 75 quart Grizzly Cooler
* Every Child who registers in the events will get a Deadly Dick Lure compliments of Deadly Dick Lures. Retail value is $10.00 each.
* Every person (Adult/Child) who registers before May 1 will receive a free package of Fishbites Bloodworms. Retail value: $5.00 each.
*All Prizes are subject to change without notice!
Some of our corporate sponsors in 2025! Garabedian Realtors, Muller Insurance, Michael Fioretti Esq, M & M&T Bank, Stop n Shop Supermarkets. Plus Performance Marine Solutions
Thank you for your support!
Next Up with American Angler Team members and friends!
Next up with American Angler:
We are having a free and open, and public meeting at Barnegat Bay Bait and Tackle with a guest speaker, Salty Sam Fishing. He is going to do a seminar on Fluking from the beach. Plus the restaurant 30 feet away, called Caribbean Pete's, is offering any participant to the meeting 10 percent off your meal!
Sam created the Salty Sam Fishing YouTube channel in 2023, growing a dedicated community by sharing his journey of becoming a better angler. Drawn to fishing for the escape it offers from daily life, he quickly became obsessed with learning everything he could to improve. With a background in graphic design and video, Sam brings a love for storytelling to his land-based fishing adventures all along the New Jersey coast. His videos aim to help new anglers feel confident getting started, encourage others to try new techniques, and keep the fishing experience honest and real. He believes the learning never stops, and the best part of fishing is sharing that journey with others along the way.
And a link to my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@SaltySamFishing
Barnegat Bay Bait and Tackle is located at Key Harbor Marina, 2 Point Road, Waretown, NJ. Turn left onto the gravel road and continue around the corner. Email: BarnegatbayBT@gmail.com
American Angler Angler would like to thank you
American Angler and it's members would like to thank all of the participants, volunteers and everyone involved in our 2024 season. We are now starting to set up our 2025 events which will include a kids only tournament We would also like to thank all of our sponsors and friends of American Angler. You are great!
The new American Angler License Plates
Welcome to American Angler fishing Flea Markets 2026
Saturday, February 21, we are going to be at the American Legion.
Announcing the American Angler fishing flea market for 2026. 9 AM to 1 PM.
Saturday, February 21, event are going to be at the American Legion in Barnegat. All fishing-related items like lure and rig manufacturers, and more! Plus a Fly Fishing 101 seminar!
Location: American Legion, 499 North Main Street (Route 9), Barnegat, N.J. Look for the big Tank!
Come out to our event and get your fishing brain on!
As of today, we are sold out with vendors in the event; however, if you wish to get on the waiting list, please send me a private message or email at cfishigotu@aol.com. Call or text 201-481-4390
Welcome to American Angler
American Angler Membership
Featured Sponsor: Century Rod/Advanced Fishing-USA
American Angler Merchandise
American Angler has a paid membership fishing team of about 250 members. With membership you get discounts at tackle shops and fishing manufacturers. This also entitles you to all of the tournament and BBQ's we hold and other events.
Currently there is a waiting list. To inquire, contact Carl Hartmann at 201-481-4390 or cfishigotu@aol.com
American Angler Merchandise
Featured Sponsor: Century Rod/Advanced Fishing-USA
American Angler Merchandise
American Angler has a whole line of merchandise. Sweatshirts, UV shirts, Koozies, Flags, Beer pint glasses, Vinyl Stickers, Winter Caps/Hats, Tank Tops and Jackets !(to be ordered) and now license plates.
To inquire, contact Carl Hartmann at 201-481-4390 or cfishigotu@aol.com
Featured Sponsor: Century Rod/Advanced Fishing-USA
Featured Sponsor: Century Rod/Advanced Fishing-USA
Featured Sponsor: Century Rod/Advanced Fishing-USA
Introducing Century Rods/Advanced Fishing-USA as our Featured and major sponsor of American Angler in 2023.
Contact Mike for more details.
856-839-6916 or mkulickaf@gmail.com,
American Angler L.B.I. Grand Slam Tournament May 31, 2025
Tournament details
Our second public tournament this springis our American Angler L.B.I. Grand Slam Surf Fishing Tournament on May 31 in L.B.I. This is a team and individual tournament. Teams are $90.00 ($100.00 day of) and can have up to 6 anglers. Individuals are $25.00 ($30.00 day of) $15.00 for kids. There are several categories. Teams, Individuals and kids with great prizes served with a free light lunch. 4x4 access is free with paid registration. Rules are located at www.asaconline.org This is a rain or shine event with no refunds.
Sponsors of American Angler.
Sponsors include: Fisherman's Headquarters, Century Rod/Advanced Fishing- USA, Toadfish, J.T.Brooks Tire Deflators, Papa's Plugs, Muller Insurance, Costa Delmar, Portarod, Shimano, Fisherman Magazine, The Cornhole Guy NJ, Fisbites, X-Rack, Tica, Jingles bait and tackle, Garabedian Reality, Defio Jeep, Barnegat Bay Bait and Tackle, Performance Marine Solutions, Micheal Fiorettio esq,and many more.
American Angler Grand Slam Surf Fishing Tournament May 31
Adult registration: $90.00 per team (Late $100.00) Kids $15.
- For the May 31 tournament in L.B.I. Teams (up to 6 anglers) are $90.00 ($90.00 if late/day of) Individuals are $25.00 ($30.00 late/day of) Snail mail Checks can be mailed to American Angler, 1010 Treasure Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050