2026 Thresher Fever Rules
1. At least one representative MUST attend the Captains’ Meeting to register and receive all pertinent tournament information.
All anglers are required to have the appropriate required NJ Saltwater Registry or Licenses applicable.
2. In case of a tie, prizes will be combined and split.
3. All boats must display their entry number on side of the boat so it may be seen by both the check-in committee and other participants.
4. All boats must be in the Manasquan Inlet by 5:00 pm in order to weigh in eligible THRESHERS-NO EXCUSES.
5. All Federal and State Rules and Regulations prevail.
6. Positively no transferring of fish between angler and/or boat.
7. All anglers fish at their own risk. The captain and crew are solely responsible for their boat and personal safety.
8. All winners must submit their social security number and picture ID before the prizes are awarded. They must fill out all paperwork at the time of the awards and submit the same prior to receiving cash prizes No exception. A 1099 form will be issued and filled out by all winners.
9. All fish shall be weighed in their natural state - No Jaws Wired. Circle hooks are mandatory.
10. The Tournament may be cancelled or postponed by the Tournament Committee.
11. Any protest must be presented to the Committee Person while the fish is on the scale. The Committee Person and Weigh Master shall serve as judge and all decisions shall be final.
12. JCSA may retain a certified Marine Biologist to ensure that each qualifying fish has been caught during the tournament hours and the method of catch was rod and reel.
13. If there is any alleged infraction or question about the winning fish the ANGLER will be asked to take a POLYGRAPH TEST AT HIS OR HER OWN EXPENSE. If the angler refuses he or she will automatically forfeit the Place in the tournament and ALL MONIES WON.
14. All Tournament Committee decisions are final.
15. All threshers must meet 54" minimum fork length and will be measured before moving fish from boat to scale.
16. All sharks must be caught on rods and reels. 130-pound class maximum. No Harpooning.
17. Maximum of 6 anglers per boat. Maximum of 6 lines Fished at any one time.
18. VHF channel 72 will be channel for all tournament-related communications and channel 65 would be the alternate.
19. Any boat with a potentially qualifying fish assisting a distressed boat MUST report the circumstances immediately to a Committee Person or the Weigh Station. Contact Rick Carroll at 732-773-3409 or Frank Ross at 732-856-2576.
20. In the event that the Tournament is cancelled or no eligible Threshers are landed the winner will be determined by a drawing.
21. All contestants must read the rules and regulations and agree to abide by them.
22. Weigh-Ins will be between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm @ Captain Bill‘s Landing 49 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.
23. Boats SHALL NOT fish within ½ mile of another boat. While underway, please avoid established chum slicks by passing on up windward side. All fishing must take place 3 miles or more offshore.
24. All vessels fishing in the tournament must have a valid HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Head boat permit.
25. All boats returning to their inlets Even if they do not have a fish to weigh MUST REPORT THEY ARE IN PORT SAFELY. Check in by text to Mary McElroy at 732-773-9210.
26. In the event of a participating boat being disabled prior to declared fishing day they may transfer to a substitute vessel
and use the disabled vessels boat number. Any and all Calcutta money from the disabled vessel will be transferred to the new vessel. The disabled and the new vessel MUST BE REPORTED TO THE JSCA COMMITTEE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.
I understand that in conjunction with engaging in the tournament, I could experience hazards and would be involved in certain risks. I further recognize that it would be impractical as well as unfair for the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, it’s officers, directors and committee members, sponsors and/or any and all persons or boat owners and crew directly or indirectly involved in or connected with this tournament to be liable or responsible in any way for my safety. I hereby release, hold harmless and forever discharge the Tournament and its officers, directors and committee members, sponsors, the boat owners, and their crew from liability and or liable, slander, loss, damage, harm, injury, or death suffered by me or which may occur during the Tournament. I understand this includes any claims based upon any negligent act or mission. I understand that I enter the Tournament at my own risks. I hereby agree to the terms and conditions of the general release and agree to abide by the rules and regulations for competition in the JCSA Thresher Fever Tournament and affix my signature hereto.