It seems like summer is now upon us and The boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association have been finding good action on both fluke and black sea bass. Anglers who want to target black sea bass, however, only have until June 19 when the season closes for a couple of weeks.
Currently, the bulk of the hot fluke action has been in the bay waters, but warm weather will change that quickly. Recent warm days are heating up the bay waters, and, as the water temperatures go up, those fluke will be migrating into the ocean.
The daily bag limit for black sea bass has been 10 fish per angler, but that drops to only one fish when the season reopens on July 1. Recent reef fishing for the sea bass has been particularly good with other species around including ling, blackfish, and even some cobia.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” reports terrific action on fluke in the waters just inside Barnegat Inlet. His parties have been fighting winds and tides but have been seeing steady rod bending action. Despite large numbers of just undersized fish, his anglers are returning with fishing dinner. He had local legend Bill Figley, founder of the New Jersey artificial reef program out this week along with Bill’s daughter Theresa and grandchildren Hunter and Mila. They boated five keepers while releasing over 20 undersized fish.
Captain Steve Palmer of the “Miss Beach Haven” and “Outer Limits” reports there are still a few striped bass around as well as some bluefish. He notes he is looking forward to the upcoming “Tuna Open” sponsored by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club.
Captain Dave Wittenborn of the “Benita J” notes he is making final preparations for the start of his offshore fishing season. He will be fishing in the “Tuna Open” and adds that all species of tuna count including yellowfin, big-eye, longfin, and bluefin.