The 28th annual Brutus Fluke Tournament drew 92 anglers to South Jersey waters May 31, raising funds for the charitable efforts of Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge No. 2563 and Somers Point AMVETS Post 911.
Held in memory of Walter “Brute” Gregory Sr., the tournament was moved to its alternate date after high winds forced the postponement of the original May 30 event. Organizers said the weather delay marked the second consecutive year the tournament was rescheduled.
Participants were greeted with ideal fishing conditions, including light winds, sunshine and favorable tides.
Joey Rocks, fishing aboard the Humdinger, won the fluke division with a 4.96-pound, 23.5-inch catch. Tom Mallon, aboard Runnin Late, placed second with a 4.10-pound fluke, while Brody Rawa, fishing aboard Flat-U-Lence, finished third with a 3.92-pound fish.
Additional awards were presented in several categories. Al Rocks, captain of the Humdinger, landed the tournament’s heaviest striped bass at 10.46 pounds and 29.5 inches. Tom Lang, aboard the Gray Goose, won the three-perch division with a combined weight of 2.30 pounds. A.J. Rocks captured the junior division title with a 2.40-pound fluke.
According to tournament organizers, the winning fluke ranked near the middle of the event’s historical range. Over the tournament’s 28-year history, winning fish have ranged from a 3.16-pound fluke caught by Mike Miller in 2003 to the record-setting 12.05-pound fluke landed by Bill Weeks in 2007.
A notable storyline this year was the success of the Rocks family of Egg Harbor Township, relatives of the tournament’s namesake. Family members earned multiple awards, including first place in the fluke division, the striped bass category and the junior competition.
Proceeds from the tournament support community and veterans programs through the EHT Elks and Somers Point AMVETS Post 911.
Now in its 28th year, the Brutus Fluke Tournament continues to honor Gregory’s legacy while bringing together local anglers for a day of fishing and fundraising.
