A lengthy northeast storm with winds that just did not want quit kept things on the fishing front pretty quiet for the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. This did not mean the captains were not busy on fishing related activities.
Captain Jonathan Kelly gave Captain Bob Gerkins a hand running the “Hot Tuna” to Beach Haven from Morehead City, NC. Coming up the coast they hit the canyons for a little fishing. They got into some yellowfin tuna and king mackerel. Captain Kelly predicts when that warmer water arrives off Beach Haven, the action will be good.
Captain Connor Smilon has the “FishHawk” in the water all prepped and has charters booked for fluke and stripers. Captain Connor is new to the BHCFA but has been s surf fishing guide for the past few years. He is excited to be a part of the BHFCA program and sees this season as being a productive one.
Captain Max Goldman reports the “Star Fish” has been tied up in the slip for the storm with plans for trips once the weather dies down. The “Star Fish” has plans to fish for sea bass, fluke, and striped bass with availability for sunset trips and afternoon cruises.
Captain John Lewis plans to launch the Insatiable” Around May 20 when he returns from a deliver from Florida. Following some upgrades, he expects to be ready to fish in early June. He feels the new fluke regulations will be a positive for the BHCFA.
Captain Brett Taylor has had several trips out already with his 3-hour night striped bass trips production bass to 27-inches in skinny water on artificials and light tackle. He ran charters during the first week of fluke season and had 20-30 fish per trip with a high keeper day of 8-fish in a 4-hour trip. He is running weekday afternoons and evenings until school ends, then will be full-time 7 days a week.
Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” has been busy with his new venture, Cape Horn Marina, in Tuckerton but plans to start charters shortly. He is also readying a new Tiki barge for hire.