Although the true summer assortment of fish species is yet to arrive in numbers, there are plenty of options when you drop your line in the water. The season for black sea bass has closed to be opened again on July 1 with a one fish per day limit. Taking up the slack is an abundance of summer flounder.
The fluke have been in the bay waters but are just beginning their migration into the ocean waters as the water temperatures climb. The inshore artificial reefs will be sites holding these fish along with other bottom structure known to the captains. Also around are bluefish, black drum, and even striped bass.
To top everything off, the offshore bite for tuna has begun. This past weekend was the “Tuna Open Tournament” sponsored by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club.
Captain Steve Palmer and his crew on the “Miss Beach Haven” caught two yellowfin tuna weighing 27.5-pounds and 33.5-pounds. Captain Steve noted, “While we didn’t win money, we had a great trip, and we enjoyed a delicious sushi dinner.”
Also fishing in the Open was Captain Dave Wittenborn on the “Benita J.” At the time of this report Captain Dave was on his way back to the dock with a “box full of tuna” that he hopes might hold a winning fish in the contest.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” continues to be busy with multiple trips some days. He reports winds and seaweed hampering fishing at times, but he still manages to find action along with keepers on every trip.