Although the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are thankful that Hurricane Erin passed out to sea, the size and ferocity of the storm did have a negative effect on the fishing last week.
Although the ocean waves made fishing a no-go for a few days, some captains did look for calm bay spots to wet some lines and catch an assortment of fish there. Captain Steve Palmer had the headboat “Miss Beach Haven” in bay waters keeping anglers busy.
Other captains took the opportunity to tune up their gear for the last weeks of the summer and the upcoming fall fishing action.
Captain Max Goldman of the “Starfish” reports he will be right back on the inshore hot areas catching an assortment of bottom fish including fluke, black sea bass, triggerfish, and others.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” tried a bay trip once the storm passed by. The 5-hour trip produced a mix of tautog, blowfish, sport, fluke, and a few dogfish. His anglers worked a variety of spots with different techniques. He said the water was silty from the storm but should clear up in a day or so.
Captain Dave Wittenborn had to cancel an offshore trip on the “Benita J,” but spent time on the Mike Sheppard Fishing Show out of Atlantic City sharing information on the recent white marlin tournament at the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club.