Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest Back for the 10th Annual Contest | Explore Warren

 

Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest Back for the 10th Annual Contest

The 10th annual Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest is on for 2021, starting Thursday, April 22. Open to New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents, the fish are being reeled in already in good amounts.

“Anglers from all over the country come to fish in this event,” remarks Eric Fistler, founder of the Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest.

There will be 10 cash payouts for the largest Shad caught as well as cash payouts each day for the heaviest fish. Everyone who enters has a chance to win a boat package sponsored by Mayberry Marine, Yamaha Outboards, G3 Boats, and Bear Trailers, a value of $20,000.

This tournament was started as a replacement for the Easton Shad Tournament, which ran for 31 years before it ceased operating.


Fistler’s event started with 48 participants and a $500 payout and had grown to more than 1,000 in 2019 with 10 payouts and a 1st place prize of $20,000. There are two age divisions for kids and a ladies division.

“We have grown more than I could have ever imagined,” Fistler remarked.

“The prizes are determined by the number of contestants each year, and the amount of sponsorship money that we take in,” Fistler noted, keeping in mind the uncertainty with COVID and the shut down last year. He says the organization is close to keeping the same prize amounts as 2020.

All mail-in entries must be received by April 21 at midnight, though last minute entries can be made until 8am April 22 by contacting Fistler at 610-762-0440.

The weigh station will be at the Phillipsburg boat launch, directly behind Jimmy’s Doggie Stand, on the New Jersey side of the Northampton Street “Free Bridge” in Union Square.

For more information on the Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest and the official registration form, visit www.shadfishingcontest.com.