Apr 13

LAKE HOPATCONG – FINAL RESULTS

The first NJBF event of the season saw a field of 29 teams take to New Jersey’s Lake Hopatcong with hopes of starting the year with a bang.
 
As is often the case in early spring, fishing is fickle, often dependent on weather patterns and moon phases.  Overall, the fishing was spotty, with some teams finding good numbers of fish, while other teams struggled.
 
The winner of the event, Tom Gilroy, fishing solo, posted a solid five-fish limit weighing 14.77 pounds, enough to take the first prize of $2,740 by over one pound.
Second place also went to an angler fishing alone as his usual partner could not make the event.  That angler, Ron Schneider, had a solid mixed five-fish limit of largemouth and smallmouth weighing 13,40 pounds.  He received the second-place check of $1,420.
Third place went to another “team” missing one of its anglers.  Al Pallavicini held up his end by posting five fish weighing 12.84 pounds, worth $790.  Fourth place (by 0.01 pounds over fifth) went to the brother team of Wally and Shawn Peer with 11.98 pounds.  They received $530.
The lunker for the event, a 4.50 largemouth was caught by the team of Dave Williams and Desmond Byfield. That one fish was worth $560.
 
The next event is fast approaching. It is May 3 on the Northern Chesapeake Bay.  It could be epic. REGISTER EARLY!

Mar 31

LAKE HOPATCONG REGISTRATION – LESS THAN TWO WEEKS TO GO

The first 2026 event is set for April 12 on Lake Hopatcong. As in previous years this year’s circuit is a “buddy” or “team” event.
The deadline is April 9. Late entries will not be accepted.
 
Remember, to be eligible both you and your partner must be NJBF members. Not a member, send an email to nickangiulo@verizon.net for more information.

Mar 02

(No title)

Robert “Bob” Gilbert passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2026, at the age of 71.
 
Bob was a long-time member of the New Jersey Bass Federation.  He was a member of South Jersey Hawg Hunters beginning in 2000 and then joined Castaway Bassmaster in 2010.  In addition to participating in Federation tournaments and helping out at many Federation events, he proudly volunteered his time as a boat captain and mentor for young anglers in the Riggin-N-Jiggin Junior Bassmaster club, where he shared his vast knowledge of bass fishing with young anglers to promote the sport of bass fishing.  Bob was a good friend to all who knew him and will be missed greatly. 
 
Funeral arrangements were made at Hillsborough Funeral Home, 796 US 206, Hillsborough, New Jersey with visitation for family and friends scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, from 3:00pm-5:00pm. For more information, please visit:  www.hillsboroughfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-listings

Feb 12

Sad News

We have just been informed that, after a long and valiant fight, longtime NJBF member Rob Laufenberg lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026.
 
Rob was a member of several clubs during his over 30 years in the NJBF.  He won numerous events, was on several winning team tournament teams, made several State teams, fished in several Divisional events and TBF National Semi-Finals, and fished in the TBF National Championship.
Rob’s fishing accomplishments were only overshadowed by his courage and spirit, which was indominable. Always with a smile and friendly word, Rob was universally liked by all who were fortunate enough to know him.  He will be missed.
 
Rob’s arrangements are below:
Visitation
Date: Monday February 16, 2026
Time: 4-8PM
Location: Norman Dean Funeral Home, 16 Righter Ave. Denville NJ 07834
 
Mass
Date: Tuesday February 17, 2026
Time: 10AM
Location: St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Ave. Denville NJ 07834