The last NJBF event of the 2026 point tournament season was held on July 26, 2026, at Lake Hopatcong under beautiful mid-summer conditions. Many of the 20 participating teams had more on the line than just one event, as many were fighting for a top 6 overall spot in the final standings and a spot in the TBF District 15 National Semi-Final.
With nearly every team weighing in a limit of bass, the weights were predictably close. However, one team found a way to separate themselves from the field. That team of Ron Schneider and his father, Ed Schneider, weighed in a stout 14.81 pounds, enough to take the $2,000 first prize by more than 1.25 pounds.
Second place went to the team of Nick Angiulo and Joe Venuto with five fish weighing 13.49 pounds. That finish also got the team the coveted top spot in the overall yearly team and individual standings. They also received $1,100.
Third place went to Tom Gilroy fishing solo with 13.06 pounds. enough by .01 pounds to collect the $550 third place prize.
The lunker was weighed in by the fourth-place team of Kevin Albright and Mike Zampese. Their behemoth 6.36 pound largemouth was worth $400.
