Since this one is a much more manageable drive(approximately 35 minutes or so) we'll do this one at American Beach. Start time 7am until 1:30. Just as with the Fishbites tournament, members can enter if they want but certainly can just come fish with us. Chip(the sinker Guy) reports they'll have a nice little post weigh in gathering to celebrate the tournament so members may want to head down to the weigh in even if they don't compete.
If you have any questions call Sean Person at 978-335-9705.
The NE Florida Coastal Classic Surf Fishing Tournament is a family-friendly surf fishing competition bringing anglers together from across Northeast Florida for a great cause!
Hosted by Connect Church, Florida Holy Waters, and The Sinker Guy, this tournament benefits Ark Academy School! All tournament proceeds go directly to support Ark Academy School.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Captain’s Meeting
Friday, April 24th | 6:00 PM
Connect Church
Sponsors will be set up outside and inside (weather permitting).
Tournament Day
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
13056 Perdue Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Official Weigh-In
1:00–3:00 PM EST
Connect Church
⏱ Official time is based on the weigh master’s phone time.
TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS & ENTRY
Adult Division
$30 Entry
3 Fish Aggregate by Weight
Pompano / Whiting / Combo
Prizes
1st Place – $950 + an OTB 13
2nd Place – $650 + an OTB 12
3rd Place – $400
Children’s Division (Ages 12 & Under)
$15 Entry
1 Pompano & 1 Whiting
Prizes
1st Place – $150 + OTB10 & Reel Combo
2nd Place – $100 + Swag Bucket
3rd Place – $75 + Swag Bucket
Catfish Calcutta
$10 Entry | 50/50 Split
All unwanted fish will be donated to the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
TOURNAMENT RULES
Fishing begins at first safe light on the 25th - Projected time 5:48am
All fish must be caught off the sand in saltwater only
No fishing from piers or bridges
No fishing from rocks
No fishing from boats
No pooling fish
All fish will be judged by weight.
Weights will not be rounded to avoid a tie.
In the result of a tie the fish weighed first will be declared the winner.
Whiting must be minimum 12" overall, and Pompano must be minimum 11" nose to fork when presented to Weigh Master to be weighed.
Catfish - Bring Em'
Non-Legal fish presented to Weigh Master will result in disqualification.
All decisions made by the Weigh Master will be considered final.
