Although the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are grateful that hurricanes Franklin and Idalia spared the area of a direct hit, sea conditions have been disrupted by the passing of the storms offshore. The most recent weather updates, however, indicate that conditions will soon return to normal.
A quick look at current action shows the summer flounder bite is still active around ocean structure along with small schools of feisty bluefish. Once seas calm, the offshore fishing action for tuna will be strong again. There is varied bay action with some fluke remaining along with panfish action including blowfish.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” had a remarkable trip just before the high seas arrived. He had a party consisting of Ralph Rodio, Stefano R, and Eric Engard on a 5-hour trip. The charter began at 6:00am, and they limited out on fluke by 8:37. They worked a small snag just off the reef and boxed 15 keeper fluke to 24 inches. Captain Brett estimates they released over 20 fish in the 19–23-inch range. They finished the trip by jigging up some black sea bass to 18-inches. The captain’s son Luke came in for praise for his mating duties.
Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” reports he has been finding some great fishing action. A recent quartet of Len Sr. and Jr. along with Brian and Dan had a good day with five fluke 19-22-inches along with a slot fish and a nice sea bass.
In offshore action Captain Dave Wittenborn had a productive trip offshore for the Sullivan charter. They had a limit catch of yellowfin tuna in the 50-60 pound class and countless amounts of false albacore. They finished fishing by 9am and headed back in for an early clean up. Captain Dave added that “filet mignon on the grill for dinner and cannoli for dessert made for a great trip with a bunch of laughs.”