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.
To register, go to New Jersey Bass Federation Online Tournament Registration
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
Dec 03
2026 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Sunday – April 12 – Lake Hopatcong
Sunday – May 3 – Northern Chesapeake Bay
Friday/Saturday – June 19 & 20 – Saratoga Lake (2-day event – $300 entry)
Thursday/Friday – July 9 & 10 – St. Lawrence River (6-man team tournament)
Sunday – July 26 – Lake Hopatcong
We have two rule changes, otherwise, everything else stays as is.
The first rule change is that we are eliminating the “first-come, first-served” boat numbering. We will draw boat numbers by random assignment.
The second rule change (based on club vote) is that the 2026-point circuit final standings will be based on a team’s best 3 events. In other words, if a team fishes all 4 events, they can “drop” their lowest finish.
To participate in any NJBF events, you must be a NJBF member. Interested but not a member, contact Secretary Nick Angiulo at nickangiulo@verizon.net for more information.





















