The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds anglers to register now to make the April 21 early registration deadline for the 23rd Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament! This year's tournament has been moved for the first time to the spring, and will be held on May 18 at Island Beach State Park.

The tournament offers participants an excellent opportunity to learn more about the sport of surf fishing, while enjoying a fun day with family and friends. The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park. Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in a variety of species and age group categories.

Anglers planning on participating in the tournament should register early to save $5 on adult registration. The early entry incentive ends April 21, 2014. After this date, anglers will be required to register at the tournament. Anglers who register early are also eligible for special prizes offered to pre-registrants on the day of the tournament, including an early entry raffle for a surf rocket (www.surfrocketfishing.com).

The pre-registration fee for the tournament is $15 for ages 18 and up and the registration fee on tournament day is $20. The registration fee for ages 13-17 is $5 and registration is free for ages 12 and under.

For more information visit the GSFT page at www.njfishandwildlife.com/gsft.htm.

The Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament is sponsored by the NJ DEP's Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Forestry, as well as the NJ State Federation of Sportsman's Clubs, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.