Fishing is breaking out on all fronts of Long Beach Island for the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association including the recently completed White Marlin Invitational Tournament put on by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club.
Captain Dave Wittenborn and his team fishing the “Benita J” managed to land two nice longfin tuna on Friday of the contest. One of the fish was large enough to earn them a daily prize. Captain Dave was justly pleased with his crew’s performance.
Captain Max Goldman of the “Starfish” reports he had his boat in dry dock for a mid-season onceover. Starting the second half of the season in a big way, Captain Darren and First Mate Ryan took a break from bottom fishing for catch and release on sharks. Their anglers landed 5 sharks, with the largest estimated at nearly 400 pounds. Species included brown sharks and sand tiger sharks, all safely released to fight another day.
After a week of two and even three parties a day, Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” was almost relieved when Saturday’s fishing was cancelled due to weather. However, he took his son, six-year-old Lake, out for an hour. After nailing a 4.5-pound fluke they crabbed for a “baker’s” dozen crabs to over 6-inches. Good eating at the Taylor house.
Captain Gary Dugan reports he had a “great bunch” of guys from Bucks County, Pennsylvania out for another day of very good fluke fishing on the “Irish Jig.”. They had great action and returned with a nice 20-inch keeper in the fish box. Irish Jig
Captain Jonathan Kelly reports “The Bodacious” is now docked in Barnegat Light enjoying great action there already on yellowfin tuna. On the first day his anglers were 8 for 8 on yellowfin along with two white marlin. Plans call for the “Bodacious” to remain in Barnegat Light through the tuna season and into the fall striper season.