A sudden influx of huge striped bass migrating from the north has the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association ready to go. In addition, the black sea bass season has come back in.
Although most of the stripers passing off Long Beach Island are over the 38-inch maximum keeper size, the action is hot and intense. As the fall goes on, smaller stripers will then become the norm. There are several local striped bass tournaments coming up, and many captains will be available for anglers wishing to fish them.
The sea bass action on the inshore and offshore reefs and structure has been very good, adding another fishery to the mix. The current season will run until October 26 with a 13-inch minimum size and 10 fish daily bag limit.
And local anglers are not selling the offshore action short as tuna fishing in the canyons has been particularly good. Captain Dave Wittenborn of Captain Dave’s Charters had a big day recently on the “Benita J.” After being dockside for a period of time, he found a nice weather window for the 2nd Annual Serlenga Cousin” tuna trip. The crew brought back 8 jumbo yellowfin tuna in the 70–80-pound class. Captain Dave termed it “beautiful fall fishing.”