Fishing action in the Beach Haven area continues to improve for the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. There is panfish action in the sheltered bay waters. bottom fish on the artificial reefs, and a variety of big game fish offshore.
Captain John Lewis had the “Insatiable” fishing twice this week with both trips having their share of short fluke with one keeper for each trip. Adding to the mix were weakfish, bluefish, croakers, sea robins, skates, and smooth dogfish. A pod of dolphins swimming around the “Insatiable and the “Starfish” added excitement to one of the trips.
Captain Max Goldman reports the “Starfish” is continuing to provide steady fishing on a variety of bottom fish including fluke, ling, black sea bass, and blackfish, which are now back in season.
Captain Dave Wittenborn on the “Benita J” had a family trip offshore with a wide-open bite. The group filled the box by 9:00am with 8 yellowfin to 50-pounds and switched over to bottom fishing. They then added some jumbo golden tilefish to finish the day.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” reports wide swings in ocean water temperature have made fishing challenging. His bay trips have been averaging 1-3 keepers with close to 35 shorts per trip. Ocean trips are producing much better with short to keeper ratios at 4 to 1. In addition to the fluke, Captain Brett has a few hot spots for big black sea bass.
Captain Jonathan Kelly of “LBI Sportfishing” had a trip on his 29-footer last weekend, and it paid off with a nice catch of yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi. He reports the mahi have now moved inshore in the area.
Captain Ray Lopez of “Miss Liane Sportfishing” along with Captain George have been experiencing some terrific offshore and inshore fishing. His overnight canyon trips chunking in the canyons have been very productive with yellowfin, bluefin and bigeyes all showing up.