New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell joined Governor McGreevey in thanking the many prize sponsors, volunteers and participants who helped make the day a success. The Governor also announced the raffle and tournament winners, awarded prizes and posed for pictures with the winners and their families.

During the past 12 years, more than $90,000 has been raised for conservation efforts in and around Island Beach State Park (IBSP). The following have been either partially or fully funded by tournament proceeds: specialized balloon tire beach wheelchairs that provide beach access for the disabled and elderly at IBSP; educational displays for the Interpretive Center at IBSP; a beach access ramp connecting parking area A7 to the beach at IBSP; an automatic heart defibrillator unit for IBSP; two mobile fishing equipment trailers with rods and reels for use in fishing education programs statewide; and educational materials/field study equipment for various environmental education programs including Barnegat Bay Kayak Tour and Environmental Education Enhancement, Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs, Pathways to Fishing, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, and the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center.

The tournament aims to encourage youngsters and adults to learn more about surf fishing and enjoy a great family activity. The winner of the 2003 Governor's Cup was Travis Laureigh, of Bayville, who caught a 35½-inch striped bass. In addition to receiving some special prizes, the youngster had his name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park.

The DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife would like to thank the following organizations for their contributions to the 12th Annual Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament: Atco Sport, Baker Mfg. Co. Inc., Brownells Inc., Brunton, Bushnell Performance Optics, DeLorme Mapping, Dick's Sporting Goods, D.O.A. Fishing Lures Inc., Game & Fish Magazine, H2Optix, Invisible Technologies Inc., Jenkinson's Aquarium, Lamiglas, Inc., Legal Limits Co., Morrison's Seafood Inc., New Dolphin Bait and Tackle, Novalek, Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co., Ray's Sport Shop Inc., Scott's Bait & Tackle, Seeker Fishing Rods, Shakespheare Fishing & Tackle Division, Shoreway Marine Inc., Silver Horde, Sportsman's Outpost, The Delaware River & Bay Authority, The Outdoor Recreation Group, Totowa Sport and Bait Shop, Uncle Josh Bait Co., Wellington Leisure Products, Wetlands Institute, and Wright & McGill Co.