Memorial Day weekend has passed in Beach Haven, and summer is right around the corner. If recent fishing trips by the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are any indication, 2023 looks be a good fishing year.
Right now, black sea bass are around the inshore artificial reefs, the summer flounder are all over the bays and inlets, small schools of bluefish are racing around, and there are still good numbers of striped bass to be found.
Captain Connor Smilon of “Fish Hawk Charters” reports good action in Great Bay with multiple keepers per trip and “plenty of throwbacks.” He has also run into small blitzes of 2-3-pound bluefish early in the morning on the way to the fluking grounds.
Captain Max Goldman reports good action on black sea bass on the “Star fish” on the inshore artificial reefs. The top day thus far had a total of 18 keeper fish. The action is hot and furious with numerous undersized fish also hitting the baits.
Captain Steve Palmer reports the initial trips on the headboat “Miss Beach Haven” have been successful ones. A wedding group of the Karr groom and groomsmen had a blast with steady fishing on sea bass, making to port in time for the rehearsal. Another recent trip with Captain Bob Yates and mate Max was a success with both sea bass and fluke providing dinners for many happy anglers. Steve advises the boat will be running a variety of trips this summer.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Real Reaction Sportfishing” had regular client Bob Dodds, his cousin Joe, and Boston Bob on a 4-hour charter. They had decent tide, terrible slime, and stiff winds for a good portion of the trip. Despite the elements, Captain Brett says they ended with 4 decent sized fluke to just over 5 pounds, and 3 others they wanted back.