Summer is just about here, and the fishing action for the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association continues to heat up just like the temperatures.
Unfortunately, the early season for black sea bass in New Jersey is slated to close on June 22, but fortunately there are other options available.
Captain Carl Sheppard on the “Star Fish” along with first mate Max Goldman had a pair of successful bottom fishing trips on the black sea bass recently. They had the Duffy’s out for a day fishing multiple wrecks, catching sea bass and sea robins. Some nice sea bass were kept for dinner. On another trip a group of friends experienced non-stop action of bottom fishing. The crew fished a few small wrecks and caught over 50 fish, including 18 keeper sea bass up to 16-inches.
Captain Brett Taylor of Reel Reaction Sportfishing had the Miller family out fishing multiple areas in search of fluke. The crew was rewarded with 9 keepers to 5.5-pounds. Shannon Miller who will attend Penn State University this fall, was one of the top anglers. On another trip Dan Dwyer and nephews Max and Evan Jones released close to 25 fish while boxing 8 keepers. On another trip Scott Caloiaro and sone Nate joined Captain Brett and his son Luke on a half day bay charter. Despite stirred up waters they released 15 fish while keeping 7 fish.
Captain Gary Dugan had a crew from Coastline Detailing out on the “Irish Jig” for some R&R. The anglers were busy most of the trip with the first and last wrecks providing the hottest fishing. Included in a nice catch of black sea bass was a ling cod. As the season ends Captain Gary notes this was a particularly good year for wreck fishing.